Transformation Process:
Product Poster:
Rationale:
Right from the beginning I not only wanted to upcycle trash into a product but I also wanted to ensure I didn’t leave any sort of environmental footprint. My plan was to design and build this product using nothing more than what I could find within everyday garbage.
Being a cyclist myself, I have experienced the variety and quantity of waste surrounding the bicycling industry. During my research, it became apparent that the largest source of this waste was a result of punctured tyres and damaged wheels. The main reason for these damaged wheels being the planned obsolescence built into the low-end bicycles.
Initially my concepts focused on using the old bicycle parts as a form of decoration however this progressed towards satisfying the need for a more functional product. My aim was to utilise the highest percentage of the materials I received at the beginning with while still giving each part a function.
In a typical bicycle, the wheels provide the structural support, which holds the bike above the road surface. For this reason, I used the trashed wheels, as a means of support for the stool. Originally I had planned to bind them together using the spokes from a broken wheel however the spokes lacked the necessary flexibility. Instead I opted for galvanised steel wire (which I regretfully had to purchase), which both fits in aesthetically and works perfectly. Of the wheels I received one still had the spokes and hub intact. I saw this as an opportunity to provide structure and support for the seat base. By removing half of the spokes, a flat surface was created that could be adjusted by tightening or loosening the spoke nipples around the wheels edges. Similarly to the wheels, the inner tubes are used to provide an air cushion and therefore add comfort during use during use. For this reason, I constructed the seat cushion using woven inner tubes, which are both comfortable and in my opinion have a certain upcycled charm to them in their current state.
I see potential for the Cycle Seat to be used within small, trendy coffee stores or around the house if you just need a place to sit in the sun and read a book. As bicycles are made to resist the negative effects of the weather such as corrosion, the Cycle Seat could last years exposed to the elements with a limited amount of upkeep.
Overall I’m very happy with how this stool has turned out. Apart from the material choices, it’s nothing like my original concepts, however I feel this way it better suits the brief and truly represents an elegant upcycling solution.
Peer Comments:
Finished Product:
Really great design mate,i think the idea is amazing and it is very well executed, it looks awesome, my only suggestions would maybe be to either have the option of it being taller
ReplyDeleteVery well made, and was displayed beautifully. I really can't say a bad thing bout this one.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this idea from the start, and the fact that all components of the final product are derived from bike parts. One thing I would change however is to grind down the part of the axle that sticks out on the top rim.
ReplyDeleteThis design is really nicely constructed and its final form looks professional. I think it was very intuitive to turn useless bike parts into something which could be used over and over again.
ReplyDeleteOnly thing that I could question is though, is that simple question 'why?' because it almost looks like a very similar posture as if you were actually sitting down on the floor, but just a tad bit more elevated.
I think that it could be modified a bit more to give it handles or something more soft so that you could wrap your hands around them when sat in the laid back posture.
Other than that, I think this was my favourite design out of the class this time round!
I really like the continuity of this product, i love that the seat is so well woven from bike tubes and that you have the matching wheel frames. Its a really important thing to have this connection within a design because it makes it so much more meaningful. The characteristics of the materials are also well suited to the type of product. An overall elegant product. I do think it would be better as more of a stool.
ReplyDelete