Designer Martijn Rigters Created This Rippled Sofa by Cutting Foam With Hot Wires
Allen Taylor — March 21, 2014 — Art & Design
References: cargocollective & dezeen
Dutch designer Martijn Rigters developed a brand new way to make a sofa. Rigters forced a long block of foam through a hole made by four hot wires; the project is rightly named the 'Cutting Edge' sofa.
The idea came from the method that design studios often use to create rough prototype objects. Usually, the process is very controlled, so designers can determine what the end result would be. Rigters wanted to make the process a little more random and see what unique shapes would come of it.
The designer attached wires to a wooden frame large enough for the whole block to pass through. The wires were attached to batteries that supplied enough heat to cut through the foam. The rippling effect was controlled by how Rigters pushed the the foam through the wires. He explains, "this is a very intuitive way to work, because one can react to the form that is created at that exact moment."
The idea came from the method that design studios often use to create rough prototype objects. Usually, the process is very controlled, so designers can determine what the end result would be. Rigters wanted to make the process a little more random and see what unique shapes would come of it.
The designer attached wires to a wooden frame large enough for the whole block to pass through. The wires were attached to batteries that supplied enough heat to cut through the foam. The rippling effect was controlled by how Rigters pushed the the foam through the wires. He explains, "this is a very intuitive way to work, because one can react to the form that is created at that exact moment."
Trend Themes
1. Foam-cutting Techniques - New, innovative methods of cutting foam are being explored for design and manufacturing purposes.
2. Randomized Furniture Design - Designers are experimenting with less controlled production methods to create unique, non-replicable pieces.
3. Sculptural Sofas - There is a trend towards sofas that are more than just functional pieces of furniture and instead serve as sculptural art.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Manufacturing - Manufacturers could incorporate foam-cutting techniques, like hot wire cutting, to produce sofas in non-traditional shapes.
2. Design Studios - Designers can experiment with randomized production methods to create truly unique and one-of-a-kind pieces for their clients.
3. Art and Sculpture - Artists and sculptors can use foam-cutting techniques to create large installations and sculptures with minimal waste and greater precision.
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