Designed as apart of an international collaborative project between Industrial Design majors from Philadelphia University, San Jose State University, and University of Lincoln, UK using the theme of "play."
Project selected to showcase under the title of Mbrela at the 2011 Salone Satellite in Milan, Italy, where students traveled to present and attend the largest furniture trade show in the world. It was also showcased in the 2011 ICFF in New York, NY.
Project Members: Will Rhoda, Colin Stief, Brian DeLeon
For more information on Mbrela
Topple relies on the user to complete its function. A 12 oz can is enough to weight the form into a functioning table. The curve is designed to support your center of gravity so there is no pressure on your legs while using topple as a chair.
modeled & rendered by David Beattie
Progression of mock-ups
The chairs in order of facbrication, were all used to interact with and spark discussion on how to further evolve the design.
The original concept came from a sketch of a chair with no front legs, but instead relying on human legs for it to properly function. We enjoyed the idea of a product not being complete without its owner, creating a reliant relationship. We hacked apart Ikea chairs to proceed, and found that when the back legs were bent forward to center the weight, it was surprisingly comfortable.
Foam model made to help understand how the curve of the bottom affects how the chair rests. balances, and rocks.
First full scale model made in Philadelphia able to prove that when sitting in the chair there is no weight on the feet. This is due to the chairs leg touching the ground directly under the users center of gravity.
Second model made in San Jose. The design was altered in the back and arms to achieve a more comfortable and ergonomic stance while sitting.
Orthographics sent to a fabrication shop in the UK which used a CNC to create the model displayed in Milan.
Mbrela's booth at the 2011 Salone de Mobile in Milan, Italy; the world's largest furniture fair.
The design was again altered to be showcased at the 2012 NeoCon. An arm was removed to make it easier to get into and out of, as well as creating a more sculptural look while at rest.
