Experimental Landscape Furniture (Thesis Elective)

Abstract

Experimental Landscape FurnitureThe Summer School is dedicated to the construction of seating furniture for a specific, chosen location in the urban landscape of the metropolitan area of Basel. We work in the workshop of the Vitra Design Museum as well as directly in the landscape.

Objective

The teaching format combines three essential aspects: -The perception of a specific (urban) landscape from a pedestrian perspective. The appropriation of a place for a chair or outdoor funiture means to position yourself personally. The Chair: As a constructive and conceptual challenge on a small scale, it is a classic design theme by architects, especially in the tradition of the 20th century. In its relationships towards the surrounding landscape, the chair can take on the role of architecture. -The experiment: The direct practical implementation 1:1 makes it possible to collect manual experience and to question or rethink design processes.

Content

In a two-week workshop at vitra campus in Weil am Rhein, we will develop and build twelve chairs for the landscape. The choice of a precise location during an excursion to the surroundings will set the premises for the drafts. Ideas for a specific use are developed and constructive necessities have to be taken into consideration. We will implement the drafts in the vitra workshop building or directly on-site, where they will be presented and discussed in a final critique. Our approach to the task is explicitly experimental: the chairs are not required to needs of serial production or technical perfection. Well-grounded inputs inform about the choice of materials (wood, metal, textile, plastic) and technics (glueing, srewing, welding, sewing, casting) used in furniture building. The Summer School is accompanied by an inspiring framework program: At Vitra campus we will discover the production process of the legendary Eames Aluminium Chair as well as the Vitra test center and the furniture collection of the Vitra Design Museum. Visits of exhibitions and museum architecture in Basel complete the program.

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