The Thesis
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Abstract
The author contacted designers Claesson Koivisto Rune Arkitektkontor in August 2007 regarding his Master thesis at KTH. The company had discussed the possibility of creating a chair made from molded pulp. The author was taken on as a manager for the project. The objective was to produce design documentation for a paper pulp chair which was to be launched at the in 2008 Milan Furniture Fair. The purpose of the thesis was to develop a product with scientific methods as well as to investigate how to make collaboration between designers and engineers easier through communication.
The project went through four basic stages: Information, Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation. Information on paper pulp, molded pulp, chair design, sitting postures and the existing market of molded pulp furniture. A requirements specification was established from that information. The development of the chair was based on different models that would determine different design aspects.
The Paper Pulp Chair has two‐part structure that utilizes closed geometries, double shells and an inner stool for stability. The two parts are individually nesting, and are joined with corresponding flanges. The paper pulp is mixed with a non‐petroleum based thermoplastic, PLA, which enhances the material properties.
The chair will not be launched at the Milan Furniture Fair 2008. Although, design documents for the chair has been produced, and the project continues together with Claesson Koivisto Rune, STFI‐Packforsk and Södra Cell. A grant from the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems along with support from named companies has ensured the project’s progress.
