WATERDROP

DESCRIZIONE: “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” Benjamin Franklin In approaching furniture design our first concern almost always begins with...

“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” Benjamin Franklin In approaching furniture design our first concern almost always begins with functionality and then develops to aesthetics; sometimes our concerns don’t involve aesthetics and sometimes they do. In any case, we seldom think about the environmental issues and how the materials used affect our environment. What use is a lovely piece of furniture which does everything but save our environment? What good does a 19th century Victorian chair do when it is all but comfortable and serves merely as an aesthetic view to the curious eye? So came the idea of “Aquaia”, hanging chair and bookshelf design, which symbolizes a water drop, the source of our survival in this world. In designing this piece my concerns met biological, functional and aesthetic requirements and built up to create something that brings not only functionality and comfort to my design but also environmental care. The piece resembles two chairs connected to each other by means of a magnetic force hidden in the bars which hold the chairs to the ceiling above, and to both the chairs when brought close to each other. The chairs when put together create a bookshelf in the shape of a water drop; being it a water drop form people are naturally more attracted to it because it resembles the source of survival. It also will be a constant reminder to the importance of water as an element to preserve for the coming generations. Materials used in this design are economical and may be used from refurbished metal. Metal is easy to mold and shape. It is also economically available, and durable. In addition, over ninety five percent of the water used for making steel is recycled as well as energy consumption in steel-making has been cut significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions that can contribute to global warming(1) which makes steel the most suitable material to be used in this design. While colored metal covers the connected chairs and bars, the seating is covered with soft linen and cushions to increase the users comfort. The colors and materials are simple in appearance. The surface is covered with blue - colored metal, which resembles the color of water and also gives a relaxing aesthetic effect to the observers. The inner part of the drop is completely covered with soft linen stuffed with cotton, where the user can easily and comfortably sit while reading a book. This was also done to allow the occupier to lean in any direction and seat him/herself comfortably inside the drop. New, unique, and innovative. These are the characteristics I seek to achieve in Aquaia. The environment has become a big issue in the design field today. My goal is to create a solution to the issues we are facing. Aquaia resembles an art piece that combines art and science to capture nature’s infinite beauty.