Pavithra KV
Bandhan
The Zen path of Wood and Clay
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​Individual Project
- Project Duration : 16 weeks
Crafted from wood and terracotta, this versatile furniture piece is designed for public parks. It seamlessly adapts to diverse weather conditions and enhances group activities. Moreover, it evokes nostalgic memories, adding an extra touch of sentimentality.
Design
About
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This product endeavors to explore the distinctive attributes of wood and clay and how they complement each other in the creation of furniture inspired by Zen philosophy.
The objective is to cultivate a unique artistic expression utilizing these materials and examine their potential for application in park furniture.
Additionally, the project seeks to investigate the capacity of wood and clay to retain warmth during winter and maintain a cool temperature in summer. The resultant park furniture will seamlessly integrate with its surroundings and will be thoughtfully designed to evoke nostalgic sentiments while advocating for the enduring and sustainable utilization of materials.
By challenging prevailing approaches to public furniture design, this project aims to offer a fresh perspective on the utilization of natural materials in urban environments.
Prototype in Use
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Usually most public furniture around us is made of Iron, Concrete or stone. These materials tend to get extremely hot during summers and cold during winters making is uncomfortable to use.
By utilising and exploring the properties of Terracotta and Wood a public furniture has been designed that addresses the need.
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Research paper link
Form
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Based on form study achieved from terracotta
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a) The lower stress concentration observed in
terracotta can be attributed to the rounded
shape of their bottom edges.
b) In terms of stiffness, a frustum-shaped
module with uniform thickness demonstrates
greater rigidity.
c) On the other hand, an inverted frustum
exhibits the lowest level of stiffness.
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Frustum of uniform thickness of 15mm with circular base. This form also helps in distributing the load uniformly over a larger area.
What makes this form effective
Combinations of use of the terracotta unit
Possible arrangements of the furniture
Joinery detail of backrest to seat
Types of wood used​
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Keekar
Bakan
Pepal
Poplar
Neem
Eucaluptus
Joinery detail of seat to terracotta unit
Research and Exploration
The philosophy of Zen emphasizes the importance of simplicity. It involves expressing ideas and functions without being excessive or showy. Zen encourages the seamless integration of objects into their environment, allowing them to blend in and highlight the natural essence of the product.
In my designs, I strive to understand the inherent properties and visual appearances of wood and clay. By staying true to the materials, I worked on simple forms that showcase their natural beauty. I believe that through this approach, the materials are able to express themselves and reveal their true nature.
Study of various material explorations
Wood
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Wood is a versatile and natural material known for its strength, durability, thermal insulation, acoustic properties, and aesthetic appeal.
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It is a naturally strong material, good in both compression and tension.
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It’s excellent reaction to different weather conditions.
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Wood offers a wide range of grain patterns, colors, and textures, making it visually appealing.
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Wood is relatively easy to work with using common tools. It can be cut, shaped, carved, and joined
Clay
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Rocks erode into clay over time, with the mineral composition determined by the region and type of rock.
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Plasticity when wet and hard when dried or fired.
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It’s excellent reaction to different weather conditions.
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Clay containing iron-oxide are called either Terracotta or Ceramic and the one without iron-oxide content is Porcelain.
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Grog is an additive to clay, more the content less the shrinkage and vise versa.
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Grog is usually sand or finely powdered fired clay.
Different explorations were undertaken to examine the potential combinations and applications of these two materials. Alternative treatments and approaches were tested to discover new possibilities. Here are a few examples of the explorations conducted.
Self-explorations of wood and terracotta
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Research paper link
Understanding terracotta forms, their stability and strength
Form of Terracotta unit
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In terms of stress on the bottom edge, the
order of effectiveness (from best to worst) is as follows:
Ellipsoidal model, semi-spherical model, uniform thickness frustum-shaped model, frustum-shaped model, inverted frustum model, and cylindrical model.
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The lower stress concentration in ellipsoidal and semi-spherical is attributed to the rounded shape of their bottom edges.
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Compared to the frustum, the uniform thickness frustum has a thicker wall and therefore exhibits greater stiffness. On the other hand, the cylindrical form appears to be the least effective due to the impact of bending moments.
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When considering stresses on the lip edge, the order of effectiveness (from best to worst) is as follows:
Frustum-shaped model, ellipsoidal model, uniform thickness frustum-shaped model, cylindrical model, and inverted frustum model.
Development
Area of Interventions
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Stoneware : Non-flammable
Heat-resistant
Resistant to liquids
Keeps the contents inside cool
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Wood : Poor conductor of heat
Light in weight
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a) Fire-resistant electrical appliance for maximum safety and reliability.
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b) Temperature-resistant products using stoneware and wood to protect users from harm and withstand temperature variations.
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c) Explore wood and clay as eco-friendly alternatives to replace plastic products, reducing plastic pollution and its environmental impact.
Area of Development
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Through the utilization of the thermal properties and strength inherent in wood and clay, the aim is to design park furniture that is not only sustainable but also environmentally friendly.
Concept development
Final concept development
Construction
Prototyping​
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The transition from design to prototype was an immersive and practical learning experience that provided valuable hands-on knowledge. It enabled me to grasp the intricacies of material manipulation, production methods, and advancements in design, all while actively participating in the construction phase.
Throughout this journey, I embarked on various stages, which included engaging in insightful discussions with seasoned potters to ascertain the exact specifications of the terracotta units. Factors such as thickness, strength, and desired dimensions were carefully considered during these conversations. Furthermore, I actively sought out remnants of wood from sawmills, meticulously selecting the most suitable type with optimal grain density and texture.
Making process
Construction drawing