Starting off with researching Donald Judd’s life and art, the project invites students to consider the intents and representations of Judd’s furniture design. Students show the intellectual ideas and patterns involved in their assigned furniture.
The assignments of the project introduce and enhance student’s understanding of mass, object, and space through drawings, as well as physical and digital 3D modeling of the furniture. Exploring the unique form and function of the particular furniture, students may critically analyze and appreciate the objects that are studied.
Furniture Formal Speculations
In Judd’s interviews and writings, one could see his focus on simple geometric shapes and unified 3D objects with distinct spatial qualities. Therefore, in his later works, such as this hardwood Backward Slant Chair, one could observe the consistency in material and basic rectangular planes that present a simple chair.
Through this embodiment of mass, volume, and light, Judd refers back to the function of his design. “A chair is a chair itself”, as he said. At first sight, one could tell this furniture is a chair, with few perpendicular planes as a slant as a signature. It shows his design of light, shadow, and consideration of the mass’ interaction with surrounding space.
Hand sketches and drawings
Chair assembly and function speculations
The diagram explores relationships between each piece of the chair, shows its construction and arrangement. The form draws focus to the diagonal, noting it’s proportioned close to a golden ratio. In real life, the planes imply extension that relates geometrically to the surrounding space.
Square composition orthogonal hand drawing
Digital Speculations and Drawings
Chair formal speculation axonometric drawing
The chair can be seen as carved from a simple rectangular prism, showing how planes have a special quality that Judd uses to construct volume. The construction of space pushes forward the focus of the chair at the lower half.
Square composition orthogonal digital drawing
Physical and 3D Model
The interaction between the physical model and lighting creates shadows that inform space, which emphasizes the slanted plane under the seat. The illuminated open spaces on top and underneath the seat invite people to the chair.
Chair axonometric and choisy views
Life-size Physical Model in plywood
plywood, made in CMU Arch woodshop, group project
