Modo chair
A concise journal entry recounting how parametric modeling and 3D printing transformed the essence of heat-bent plywood into a modern, interlocking chair design.
I first encountered heat-bent Birch plywood in a woodshop that smelled of steam and sawdust, watching a seasoned craftsman gently coax rigid boards into elegant curves. Fascinated by the fluidity yet mindful of the specialized labor required, I set out to replicate that graceful form through computational means.
Turning to parametric modeling, I tailored each layer’s curve, seat angle, and interlocking joint, iterating through countless digital adjustments. Early prototypes emerged warped and fragile, but a few more tweaks and the pieces began fitting snugly, like a meticulously planned puzzle. Printed in wood-textured filament and finished with a veneer, the final product—aptly named “Modo”—captures the warmth of tradition while embracing the precision of modern technology.
