Product
The Amai chairs are compact and removable due to the profile structure and its material property. This enables to rationalize transport, storage and responding to practical needs of indoor/outdoor.
Its interchangeability and durability make it a perfect structural component to be reused in different context delaying the recycling phase. The goal is to :
1. Maximize ease and efficiency of construction
2. Maximize ease and efficiency of deconstruction
3. Create a system in which we may reuse entire fragments of the product
1. Maximize ease and efficiency of construction
2. Maximize ease and efficiency of deconstruction
3. Create a system in which we may reuse entire fragments of the product
Concept
T-slots encourage construction, deconstruction and reuse. These principles are coming from the «Design for deconstruction», a contemporary movement originating in architecture. In practice, it aims to create a system in which fragments or whole modules of a structure can be reused.
- a designed aluminium lamp
- a DIY wooden coat rack
- a board game for children
- a DIY wooden coat rack
- a board game for children
Since the beginning of the 20th century, aluminium extrusion has been an established industrial landscape. It allows rapid and large-scale production of light and strong parts.
The latest innovation in this technology is the «T-slots». Their cross structures increase the durability and strength of the material, while their strength-to-weight ratio makes them versatile for many applications. In addition to this, standard slots allow a wide variety of standardised connections.
To date, the applications of T-slots are mainly limited to the industrial sector. Based on Bauhaus movement and its interpretation of industrial materials, we explore with Amai, how to infuse sensitivity to industrial materials.
The latest innovation in this technology is the «T-slots». Their cross structures increase the durability and strength of the material, while their strength-to-weight ratio makes them versatile for many applications. In addition to this, standard slots allow a wide variety of standardised connections.
To date, the applications of T-slots are mainly limited to the industrial sector. Based on Bauhaus movement and its interpretation of industrial materials, we explore with Amai, how to infuse sensitivity to industrial materials.
Artisanal methods humanize the material and the technique by sublimating standardized materials by hand. Through this practice, we want to free this material from its industrial nature and condition.
Our desire to ennoble the profiles will be achieved by combining them with warm materials such as wood, leather or fabric. In this research, we will find the idea of «truth to materials», a principle of modern architecture that maintains that any material must be used where it is most appropriate. This material should not hide its nature. The object celebrates the material; its inherent qualities are at the centre of artistic and aesthetic expression. Amai is a dialogue between the rational conception of the standard and the individual expression of the unique.
Process
The first step was to experiment what we could make with T-slots profile. We extensively manipulated the aluminium profiles to give them a new personality. Following this initial research phase, we started to design our tools to optimise and facilitate the handling of the profile.
This is an essential step as they will gradually become an extension of our hands. This phase also brings a desire to be contemporary with our practice and be concerned with the way we make our objects. We focus on creating particular tools using local manufacturing processes.
After validating the effectiveness of our tools, we went through a design and prototyping phase. We designed and produced various furnishings in-house. We developed a furniture system for these prototypes in which each component can be easily assembled and disassembled while integrating a craft dimension.
After validating the effectiveness of our tools, we went through a design and prototyping phase. We designed and produced various furnishings in-house. We developed a furniture system for these prototypes in which each component can be easily assembled and disassembled while integrating a craft dimension.