Sitting Pretty – Functionally, Too!
Published 01.26.2016
News
Architecture & Sustainable Design
Student News
Construction & Architecture
Building science and sustainable design students in Architectural Design Studio V recently presented their first design program of the semester: chairs made out of cardboard and no adhesives, with the additional requirement that they be able to support the weight of an average adult. Intended to introduce students to the principles of a design-build approach, the exercise involved teams of three students working together to complete their projects. Cassondra L. Farmer, a junior from Towanda, said the assignment challenged students to “design a chair that is aesthetically pleasing, yet functional and comfortable.” Farmer and David P. Suchoza, of Reading, credit teammate Matthew Rissmiller with the inspiration for their project. Rissmiller, of Hummelstown, obtained cardboard tubes and the design began to take shape, including a honeycomb pattern in the seating area for comfort. The team of Bailey F. Chrisman, of Hatboro; Samantha R. Callender, of Baldwin, New York; and Leonardo Tejeda from New Rochelle, New York, created something different. “The basic design was a challenge and we continuously refined and changed our design until we settled on our design that incorporated all the requirements imposed on us by our instructors," Chrisman said. Instructing the two sections of the course are Naim N. Jabbour, assistant professor of architectural technology, and Daniel L. Brooks, instructor of architectural technology. Chairs and designs are displayed on the second floor of the Hager Lifelong Education Center.Photos by Carol A. Lugg, assistant dean of construction and design technologies