The connection of furniture through modular forms

The aim of the research project was to create a body of work that will be considered adaptable, dynamic and contemporary by those who interact with it. The furniture is based on the concepts of flexibility and multiple configuration, rather than on rigidity and 'single-purpose' engagements. This allows the user to have the freedom to interact with the furniture by moving and changing it to create numerous different arrangements and formations. The furniture is designed specifically for placement in a variety of different environments including foyers, galleries, public spaces and private residences. Central to this range of furniture is the notion of 'contemporary living'. Given the research is based on multiple configuration, the exploration of production techniques, including fabrication systems and methodology, was necessary to ensure the required number of pieces could be produced, and to further ensure consistency throughout. The body of work has clearly been influenced by two aspects of contemporary culture. The first involves the surf and skate culture of the past twenty years. A range of facets within this culture have been motivational including the progression of design in the surf and skate industry, retail stores featuring bright, multiple and repetitive merchandise and even the simple, leisurely acts of surfing and skating themselves. The second area of influence encompasses contemporary designers, particularly those working with uninterrupted, flowing, humanised forms and further, production and fabrication technology. Key designers including Ron Arad, Tom Dixon and Marc Newson are at the forefront of this category of design and their work has inspired experimentation with various production processes throughout the development of this body of work. The furniture designed and developed for this research project encompasses the concepts of multiple configuration and adaptability, and is a reflection of contemporary Australian culture. Furthermore, by allowing the pieces to be continually changed and moved to represent different configurations, the body of work promotes individualism and creative expression within those who interact with it. It also challenges the conventional, and somewhat restrictive, 'single-purpose' notion which is often associated with the use of furniture in both public and private environments.