(Air)ssembly — eiansiew

(Air)ssembly

Singapore Design Week 2024 - EMERGE @ FIND Design Fair Asia

(Air)ssembly” delves into the conversations surrounding the creation and disassembly of objects, focusing on their deconstruction, assembly, and the essence of functionality. Construction of objects is something that is increasingly being discussed as the age of materials, fabrication tools and methods become more efficient for humans, but harmful for the environment. Air can be seen as the world's most abundant and freely accessible material, and has been utilized in various past and contemporary designs for inflatable structures, furniture, and essential human use.

In an effort to explore the potential of air beyond just material, we challenge traditional furniture joinery methods. Common techniques such as screws, glue, and nails are widely used, but how can we harness air to assemble structures made from non-inflatable solid materials? This probe aims to question the relationship between widely available materials and depleting natural resources, allowing the audience/interactor to decide the value of future material systems in a wavering world.

Hand pump to inflate the seat and bladder which will hold up its structure

This investigation introduces (Air)ssembly - a concept manifested in the form of a stool that redefines conventional assembly methods with a surprising twist. The (Air)ssembly stool relies on an inflated bladder, which serves not only as the seat but also as the core structural element. When inflated, the bladder's outward force secures and stabilizes the stool legs to the frame, utilizing friction to hold the assemblage together. (Air)ssembly could be constructed & deconstructed in a matter of seconds. This play between made materials and air (inflated) materials opens up discussions surrounding the value of future or potential fabrication methods within complex material systems and how opposites could work together for a more sustainable approach.

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