“Sketch Chair” is a exploration in using computation and rapid manufacturing techniques to allow users to design and build their own products or in this case their own chairs.

The Sketch Chair software allows a novice users to take part in the entire process of designing and building their own chairs. Chairs are designed using a simple 2D sketch-based interface and design validation tools. Thereafter chairs are fabricated from sheet materials cut by a laser cutter, CNC milling machine or papercutters.

A collaboration with JST ERATO Design UI Project in Tokyo.

tools used:
- Processing (Eclipse)
- jBullet Physics

Video

    PaperChair: A CNC paper cutter can be used to quickly and easily prototype small paper prototypes of chairs.

        
Laser cut cantilever chair

Custom made design environment (Sketch Chair)

Reference geometry and figure to aid in design

flickr images (src)

This software is in Beta release, please be aware that there may be bugs in the program. Use at your own discretion.
* Windows 64-bit systems are currently not supported. Will be adding support shortly.
* Requires Java runtime. You can download Java here.

Windows: SketchChairV0.9.4 (16/06/2010, 7.98MB)
Mac OSX: (coming soon)
Linux: (coming soon)

July 22st, Version 0.9.4 released. More bug fixes.

July 21st, Small program update. Removed dependency on system fonts, this should stop the render bug that some people were having.

May 1st, Exhibited at Miraikan openspiral.

March 13th, Exhibited at Miraikan "Fan club week",

Leave a comment