12 Strut Chair by Rasmussen

Read here about a simple tensegrity chair by an architecture students designed on the 12 strut structure, using limited materials.

Overview

The 12 strut chair was designed as part of a UT Austin Architecture 3rd year architecture build challenge: in groups, create a chair, bridge or tower of limited materials. Ryan Rasmussen and Katharina Stoll led the design effort. The chair was deployed to the 2011 Trans Pecos Festival of Love and Music in Marfa, Texas as part of a video screening area.

The struts were cardboard tubes, slotted at the ends with four symmetrical groove cuts. The tendons were string. The seat was composed of three more tubes added to one open 'window' or face of the tensegrity.

Photo gallery

Stills from the video:

12 strut stool with person seated, front view by Rasmussen.

12 strut stool sketches and concepts by Rasmussen.

12 strut stool struts in preparation by Rasmussen.

12 strut stool struts with cut grooves for tendons, by Rasmussen.

12 strut stool in preparation by Rasmussen.

12 strut stool base by Rasmussen.

12 strut stool, view from above, by Rasmussen.

12 strut stool in use by participants by Rasmussen.

12 strut stool in use rear view, by Rasmussen.

12 strut stool in use rear view, by Rasmussen.

Links and References

Rasmussen's website: http://www.ryanrrasmussen.com/inflato-wonder/

UT Austin Architecture 3rd year architecture portfolio: http://issuu.com/ryan.rasmussen/docs/soundbuildingportfolio

YouTube video uploaded by Rasmussen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl3n9NlWN2Y

Katharina Stoll Portfolio Link: http://issuu.com/kmstoll/docs/stoll_katharina_portfolio?e=10775009/6680994, [LinkedIn Profile]