Voxel Chair v1.0
Designed by:
Garcia M
Co-Designed by:
Retsin G
Designer:
Manuel Garcia
Co-Designer:
Gilles Retsin
Country of Origin (Designer):
Spain
Date of Design:
2016
Date of Manufacture:
2016
Decade:
2010s
Region:
Europe
Significance:
Robotic 3D printed (in 2 parts)
Manufacturer:
Nagami
Country of Origin (Manufacturer):
Spain
Material:
PLA
Process:
3D printed
Monobloc:
No
Cantilever:
Yes
Renewable Carbon:
Yes
ERPR Score:
7
ERPR Rating:
Below Average
Weight:
15
Note:
The Voxel Chair v1.0 is modelled on Vernon Panton’s famous cantilevered chair from 1967. While the original Panton was designed to be injection moulded, the Voxel Chair v1.0 has been redesigned for computer-controlled robotic printing. The designer claims to be able to create more intricate and functional objects using that technique. The parts of the chair that need to be very strong are printed with dense patterns while the seat is made flexible by incorporating a looser pattern. The self-written software is based on voxels (3-dimensional pixels) a technology grounded in the medical imaging industry. With traditional design software, objects are defined by modelling surfaces, but designers are not able to design the actual volume within. Using this new design software allows designers to consider and optimise every part of their creation. Importantly, the designer’s focus shifts from defining the form of the chair to directly specifying the behaviours and properties required of the material in each location. Garcia admits it is early days for the technology, and with the Voxel Chair v1.0 weighing over 15 kg, there is little evidence to support the claims of material efficiency. Additionally, the chair is now printed using virgin fossil-based feedstock (as PLA proved too brittle for the task) increasing the environmental impact of the design.
Image Credit:
© Nagami Design S.L.