Abstract:

Exploring architecture through the lens of chair design yields numerous advantages, fostering a deeper understanding of architectural principles and their practical applications. This paper highlights the benefits of learning about architecture through the design and production of chairs, focusing on spatial awareness, materiality, fabrication, aesthetics, and functional considerations. This thesis is asserted through examples from Canada’s largest accredited architectural program in both curricular and extracurricular contexts. By engaging in chair design, individuals gain insights into spatial organization, proportions, and the manipulation of scale, which are fundamental aspects of architecture. Understanding the properties and characteristics of various materials used in chair construction enhances knowledge of materiality and its impact on both form and function. This also yields an opportunity for inculcating technologies and techniques that inform contemporary praxis at multiple scales. Exploring aesthetic considerations such as harmony, balance, and visual appeal within the confined space of a chair encourages an appreciation for architectural design as a whole. Furthermore, chair design emphasizes the importance of user experience and ergonomics, instilling a user-centric approach that extends to architectural projects. Ultimately, the study of architecture through chair design empowers individuals to embrace a holistic understanding of design principles, enriching their creative process and broadening their design expertise.

Keywords:

Design pedagogy, experiential learning, problem-based learning.