[2016] DIOD An interactive lighting installation using Kinect to
map topologies and project levels with a projector.
[2016] Weti A responsive environmental system using Arduino and
a moisture sensor to monitor the clay’s hydration levels.
Publications
[2021] JAVID: A Grasshopper Plugin for Image ProcessingAn image-processing plugin for Grasshopper that generates artistic two-dimensional graphical images from bitmap files.
Link to JAVID on Food4Rhino [2021] IAC: A Grasshopper Plugin for Mathematics and GeometryA Grasshopper plugin featuring components for mathematics and geometry, designed to enhance data processing speed and address missing functionalities in Grasshopper workflows.
Authors: Mahdiyar Esmailbeigi, Parisa Afshari, Ghazaleh Elyasi, Maedeh Fallah, Mohammad Mehdi Jalali, Atena Meshkat, Laleh Moradi, Hamid Peiro, Ali Sa’adati, Helia Zakeri, Fatemeh Zarei
(Names are sorted alphabetically.)
Lead Architect: Mina Saadatfard
Team: Ahmadreza Amiri, Hamid Peiro, Mehnaz Isakhani
Shift Stool: Adaptive Design for Minimal Living Spaces
Shift Stool
The Shift Stool is a foldable, triangular structure that transitions from a nearly flat form to a standard-height seating piece and back, embodying compact and portable design principles. It addresses the growing need for adaptable furniture in response to shrinking living spaces caused by urbanization and rising housing costs. Inspired by Farshid Moussavi’s vision of architecture as a reflection of cultural forces, the stool demonstrates how design can adapt to societal shifts and spatial constraints.
Its mechanism relies on the synchronized motion of connected plates, combining radial translation and rotation. The two layers’ rotations are identical, creating a seamless system where one layer performs a pure rotation and the other a pure translation. This efficient transformation mechanism ensures compactness and adaptability, making the Shift Stool a versatile solution for modern, space-conscious living.
1. Hinge Joints
The final design consists of 64 individual triangular plates interconnected using highly-resistant carbon-fiber hinge joints. These components ensure structural stability and smooth motion during transformation.
a. Triangular Plates: Precisely cut plates form the primary structure, enabling the stool’s dynamic folding mechanism.
b. Hinge Joints: Carbon-fiber hinges provide durability, flexibility, and lightweight characteristics.
c. Hinge Pin: A robust pin secures each hinge joint, allowing rotational and translational movement while maintaining the system’s integrity.
2. Table Hinge Joint
The horizontal surfaces of the structure feature perforations that gradually increase towards the top, reducing overall weight while enhancing the design’s aesthetic. To stabilize the structure when opened, 8 table hinge joints are strategically positioned diagonally across the openings.
Stabilization: These joints lock the structure securely in place when fully extended.
Ease of Use: The locking mechanism can be effortlessly released by applying a gentle push in the reverse direction, ensuring convenience in transforming the structure.
3. Plate Perforations
The horizontal surfaces incorporate incremental perforations towards the top, effectively reducing the overall weight of the structure. This design element also enhances the visual appeal, creating a lightweight yet robust aesthetic. 4. Tensile Fiber Lattice
A resistant fiber lattice serves as the tensile seating surface, providing both comfort and durability. It is securely connected to the structure through 4 metal clasps attached to the upper edges, ensuring stability and ergonomic support during use.