KNOLL x STUOThis seating solution offers a space-efficient stool and table, catered to apartment residents seeking additional seating choices within limited living spaces. The design places priority upon efficiently using space by incorporating a compact structure, ensuring an easy storage and transportation process.
The historical connection between graphic designers and chair design revolves around the perpetual interplay of form and function. Influenced by the Bauhaus movement's fusion of art and technology, the challenge has been to create visually pleasing and practical designs. Icons like the Eames Lounge Chair epitomize the delicate balance achieved when form and function harmonize, reshaping design ideals.
The team confronted the challenge of balancing form and function in developing this seating solution. Drawing inspiration from mid-century modern principles, Mies van der Rohe and Dieter Rams prioritized space efficiency and ease of storage. The result, the Stuo Set, consists of two plus-shaped stools with attachable legs stored beneath an end table. This design caters to apartment residents seeking additional seating options within limited spaces, seamlessly blending functionality with an aesthetically pleasing pattern.
Craftsmanship and sustainability were at the forefront of constructing the Stuo Set. The prototype, created at a 1/3 size scale, showcased the twist-lock attachable legs, allowing for effortless assembly and disassembly. The use of wood and sustainable fabric aligned with mid-century modern ideals and underscored Knoll's dedication to eco-friendly design practices. With a team member specializing in sculpture and another in sewing, the construction process unfolded more smoothly than anticipated.
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Seating Set, Case Study, Exhibition, Publication, Final Presentation
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Concept Development, Assembly, Documentation, Exhibition Design, Image Sourcing, Formatting, Typesetting
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UltiMaker Cura, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
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Abigail Elledge, Lily Gregory, Colson Teague, Courtney Wilson
Featured in the pages of Knoll Urban Living, the magazine highlights the Stuo Set as a standout addition to Knoll's apartment furniture collection. Specifically dedicated to addressing the unique challenges of compact living spaces, this edition highlights the fusion of space efficiency and aesthetic elegance.
Serving as an extended case study for the Stuo Set, this publication goes beyond by incorporating feedback, and it suggests pairing various existing pieces to create a recommended line of apartment furniture that aligns with the insights gained from our conceptual processes.
Knoll Urban Living functions as a visionary platform designed to explore, articulate, and celebrate Knoll's groundbreaking efforts in reshaping the urban living experience. With a deliberate emphasis on the Stuo Set and other distinctive furniture pieces, the magazine aims to weave design, functionality, and aesthetic sophistication narratives together.
The purposeful alignment of the magazine with Knoll signifies a commitment to offering readers an immersive journey into the core of contemporary design, where each page unveils meticulous thought processes, interdisciplinary collaborations, and innovative solutions that define Knoll's approach to apartment living. This collaboration invites readers to witness and actively engage with the transformative possibilities of intelligent, adaptable furniture design within the dynamic landscape of urban spaces.
The Stuo Set took center stage in the Subtle exhibition, featuring six seating solutions crafted by design teams from Anderson University in Anderson, South Carolina.
Hosted in the Chiquola Gallery in Downtown Anderson on December 1, 2023, the exhibition adopted a color palette limited to black, white, and subtle wood accents for informational plaques and signage. Within this diverse showcase, the Stuo Set presented two distinct designs: the Classic, featuring clean black cushions paired with a natural wood stain, and the Luxe Bovine Edition, showcasing cow-print cushions with a walnut wood stain. The Classic was exhibited as a fully compacted, stacked set, while the Luxe Bovine Edition was showcased with stools removed, legs assembled, and set up as it would be in use within an apartment.
Throughout the exhibition, the team garnered an overwhelmingly positive response, with particular praise for the choice of cow-print cushions in the special edition. Demonstrating the twist-lock legs elicited awe and gasps, with various compliments highlighting the craftsmanship.
The Stuo Set effectively tackles the challenges of apartment living, presenting a stylish and space-efficient seating solution. The meticulous design process, shaped by mid-century modern ideals, resulted in a product that encapsulates Knoll's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals navigating compact living spaces.
