RIM FURNITURE COLLECTION (2023)
RIM Furniture is a vignette composed of a dining chair, a lounge chair and a bar stool.
This furniture collection is inspired by architecture, especially the contemporary office buildings in the Bank district of the City of London, such as the ‘Lloyd’s building’. The colour palette I chose for these pieces is taken from coloured metal reflections I observed on these buildings. Steel and glass are quintessentially the embodiment of 20th century architecture, but those buildings still fascinate us today and are at the core of the buzz you can sense in major cities such as London. Therefore, the RIM Collection is designed for a metropolitan lifestyle within contemporary architecture. The choice of coloured acrylic can help to create a certain atmosphere with light reflections, like the ones I observed on the office buildings. The idea of this is to attribute to the furniture a certain colourful interplay that is transformative to its surroundings. I believe that the light reflexions initiated by the coloured acrylic can foster the relationship between the furniture and the space it inhabits. It is my belief that the properties of furniture should overlap with those of architecture, as they become part of the architecture and create a cosmos. The coherence of all occuring elements has a great impact on the feeling of space.
The combination of the metal tubes and coloured acrylic creates a modern, minimalistic look, ideal for various settings such as offices, dining areas, or contemporary living spaces. The chair offers both functionality and visual appeal, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a unique and stylish seating option.
RIM Dining Chair
In order to achieve an optimal finish and use the most efficient resources available at the RCA, I chose TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), to join the metal components.
A filler metal rod of the same or compatible material is added to the molten pool to reinforce the joint and ensure proper fusion. The filler rod is carefully guided by the welder's hand to control the amount and position of the added material. The welder proceeds to move the TIG welding torch along the joint, applying heat and melting the metal as they progress. The molten metal solidifies, creating a strong and continuous weld bead.
It's important to note that TIG welding requires skill and experience to achieve high-quality results. Proper control of heat, electrode positioning, and filler material application is crucial to create strong and aesthetically pleasing welds for a metal chair. After completing the welding process, the chair's welds may undergo additional treatments, such as grinding or polishing, to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections. This enhances the chair's appearance and ensures comfort and safety for the user.
The seat of the chair is made from coloured acrylic, which adds a vibrant and contemporary touch. Acrylic is a lightweight and durable material, making it suitable for furniture design. Its transparency allows light to pass through, creating an interesting visual effect. The colour of the acrylic seat can be customised to complement or contrast with the metal frame, adding a personalised touch to the chair’s overall appearance.
In order to have the seat resting flush on the metal frame and its supporting rods, the diameter of the outer tubes (25mm) had to be milled out from the two adjacent edges of the sheet. This was technically challenging, because with the vibration of the tool, the ever so thin and crisp edges are easily prone to chip.
The RIM Chair is designed to offer versatility and customization. It will be available in a wide variety of vibrant colours, allowing you to choose the perfect shade to complement your space. Furthermore, the acrylic elements of the chair, including the seat, back, and feet, can be easily exchanged or replaced, providing flexibility in design and the opportunity to refresh the look of your chair whenever you desire.
RIM Lounge Chair
In addition to the chair, I had intended to create a complementary lounge chair using metal tubes and leather, aligning with the aesthetic of the dining chair. Regrettably, unforeseen health issues arose, requiring immediate medical attention, which significantly impeded my progress. Consequently, I faced time constraints that prevented me from completing the lounge chair within the specified timeframe. However, I have prepared renders that provide a visual representation of the envisioned piece of furniture, offering an insight into its anticipated appearance.
