Sunhee Oh

Abstract

The origin of my thesis is the motion with which users interact with seating, how users interact with space progressively. In this thesis I explored and developed seating, a deep interest of mine that has been growing for the last several years. I worked as an interior designer for 3 years before studying woodworking and furniture design at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The experience undertaken by designing, drafting and engineering of space and furniture taught me a great deal. I realized that the function of furniture in some spaces is not just about simple function such as storage, or decoration. Furniture in the space addresses and defines the role of a space, and it becomes the other in that space. Furniture has evolved throughout the centuries. Furniture not only provides convenience but also gives a clear definition of the space's character, where it is placed. In other words, furniture plays the connecting role between a space and a human being. Seating is a kind of furniture closely related to people and is used more widely and in more ways than others. We spend a significant portion of our lives sitting. Consequently, our whole bodies are affected by it, physically and emotionally. I chose to investigate how a user's emotion relates to seating based on that physical relationship. The progression of my thesis has started from the motion to let users interact with the seating and space gradually. Most of my works are composed of multiple movable components that can be freely reconfigured by users in different ways. Through repositioning or combining separate components, users can create a variety of furnishings allowing static furniture to be dynamic and playful. The first thing I focused on was the physical characteristics of structure in free form motion. Each from has its own curve or round shapes from bending. Bending techniques helped me convey the "invisible" relationship between user and seating, the physical and psychological concepts behind my work. I was able to express my ideas and feelings in my works. The process of creating the seating, made me open to a new visual and technical point of view.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Seating (Furniture)--Design; Furniture design--Themes, motives; Emotions in art

Publication Date

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School for American Crafts (CIAS)

Advisor

Tannen, Rich

Advisor/Committee Member

Buck, Andy

Advisor/Committee Member

Caballero-Perez, Juan

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: NK2715 .O4 2012

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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