Faun

Overview

The prompt for this 8-week project was to design and build an ergonomic chair.

Designed for relaxed reading, Faun invites readers to recline into nature with its low profile and sweeping fabric seat.

Time

January 2023 - March 2023 + Revisions (August 2023)

Credits

Kimberly Snyder (Professor)

Skills

Wood Joinery, Band Saw, Miter Saw, Router, Sander

Lounge Chair Issues

Outdoor lounge chairs tend to have cold, rigid forms with stiff fabric seats.

Reading Fatigue

Outdoor lounge chairs aren’t tailored for a comfortable reclined reading posture that supports the arms while holding up a book.

Design Criteria

Supports comfortable reading
Has reclined seat
Immerses into nature

Faun

Reclining readers into nature

Reading Posture

The wide and curved seat supports the head and elbows to put users in a comfortable reclined reading posture.

Arm Rests

Curved arm rests to help raise and lower users in and out of the low seat.

Skeletal Structure

Wood frame is sculpted into winding bone-like forms and has five curved cross beams inspired by rib cages.

Suspended Seat

Nylon paracord weaves through screw eyes and stainless steel spur grommets to suspend the canvas seat.

THE PROCESS

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THE PROCESS /

Round 1

Round 2

Ergonomics Testing

Ergonomic testing defined a wide seat that is low to the ground with slight lumbar support. The back of the seat was lengthened to accommodate taller users with a steeper angle to create a supported reading posture.

Inspiration

Mood

Relaxation and connection to nature
Form

Organic twists, curves, and bends of wildlife.
Materials

Warm wood and light fabrics.

Fabric Testing

Initial fabric testing experimented with cutouts to allow for rain drainage and to mimic the look of stretched hides. However, the cutouts would cause excessive stretching when sat in that is addressed during final revisions.