Lorenzo's Profile

Ah, I did a presentation not too long ago about the designer of the first stool.

The stool in the top, the bicycle seat, is by renowned designer Achille Castiglioni, it is called the Sella bicycle stool and was made in 1957.

The design was inspired by the need to sit freely and comfortably while talking on the phone.

Wait a minute...

I found a gem once. Accurato.com.
I purchased the eames RAR. That is, the eames rocking chair, in a pristine white.... why would i mention this or even the company.... well...

They are the only place that still makes eames shell chairs out of fiberglass. I am an industrial designer, so weighed all of the pros and cons before buying and they follow like so.

PRO to buying a New eames rocker from Accurato -

1. I wanted the richness of the quality of fiberglass.
2. I couldnt find a decent quality used one for the right price
3. I used a coupon found on some other site
4. I got a white shell, with walnut legs and eiffel base, and lifetime warranty and shipping included from CA to Pennsylvania for $350

The DWR versions or other new versions may have a stamp on the bottom stating they are from herman miller who whomever, but god damn the new material feels cheap and flimsy. While more eco, it's not a big concern for me as this chair is like art and will probably be in my life until I die, and then handed off to someone. The quality of the origional technique of the fiberglass is top notch, and I believe its done in the same space the origional eames chairs were manufactured.

It's got the exact look and feel and make of the old eames pieces, except I didnt have to restore or keep hunting or just go with a color that I stumbled upon, but instead got exactly what I wanted for the cheapest price I could find. I think DWR versions are what, oveer $450?

Okay, thats all. I will buy more from them in the future. But wait - so is mine technically a knock off? Because it doesnt have the herman miller stamp? Or is mine of more value because its in mint condition and holds true to the old school technique of casting with fiberglass?

hey all, it's me again. is it gauche for me to follow this post and it's comments daily? nah, it would be gauche for me to play it off all cool - but hey this is my first bit of PR and hell i'm a curious young designer eager to hear what folks have to say - but also excited enough to try to inform as well!

in my attempt to remain transparent (there is no room for ego in design) and entirely open to criticism/ideas/etc.. i have a few more things to add. i have to bring up that the whole hindu, swastika, etc. thing feels like my version of the Janet Jackson nipple slip at the super bowl. Whoops. When it comes down to it, I see the resemblance - but not entirely. The resemblance came about because of how I chose to document this study/sketch. in the future, i will also be sure to add a third piece and stack them in multiple ways.

here is a very quickly cut and paste version of multiples stacked, as well as a detail of the material:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3229232198_974522e311_b.jpg

to those of you who remarked that this is not a sensible solution for moving and arranging furniture on the daily basis, i feel like that notion is the same that "a glass is a glass, and only a glass, and only goes in the kitchen, when it breaks its trash and has no use." this is intended for small space dwellings, for easy conversion from extra table to extra chair, but most importantly to give the consumer options. options that they can work with and change if need be, so as to keep ownership of the objects longer. extended lifespan opportunities.

in regards to stability. there is science and arithmetic involvement that are developed in the design process when talking about stability and ergonomics. to decide the pieces are rickety, unstable, and uncomfortable without probing deeper or asking seems to be naive. there is a reason the hinged portion is slanted for lumbar support. typical ideas of structure are changing and vary by material. this is laminated floor boards - as grouped and laminated like so, the strength is significantly increased. the ends are precision cut and connected through specifically designed and measured dadoes and drop outs to allow for proper weight support.

lets talk aesthetic. design goes beyond the obvious visual and the form. a visual vernacular and historical understanding is key. the material, salvaged strand bamboo floor boards is in my opinion, beautiful. the simple shape, rectilinear lines, natural material, and versatility of this piece is reminiscent of not simply a modern design, but the grandfather of modern design - Japanese architecture.

i go to a strictly process oriented university. we are not product designers, but conscious and critical creators. through observation, knowledge, and love of industrial design I created this concept and prototype within my first two months of industrial design school, and then had the privilege to show it in the week long event, Design Philadelphia. as far as i am concerned, i have learned significantly from all of the experiences revolving around this piece.

my reason for this lengthy response is surely, in part to in some way justify my design decisions but to remind folks that there is a bigger picture here. designers and those who enjoy it need to learn to look beyond the simple few images they quickly scroll past on a blog. looking deeper and attempting to see the fullest meaning of what the process is, or of what the designers personal learning intent was through the process. observing that trial and error brings out the best return. understanding that an informative critique is key.

hey, i live in philly also. i move into a new place at 20th and fitzwater. one bedroom studio, about 300sf i believe.

always looking for new design minded pals in the city.