WITH: Rui Chen & Sanchit Mittal
ADVISOR: Wendell Wilson
RESPONSIBILITIES: Prior research, user research, analysis, ideation, prototyping

Semifinalists were then tasked with producing their full scale seating solutions to be installed as part of an outdoor public exhibit at the Harborwalk. The benches were judged by an official jury to choose the Grand Prize, Second, and Third Place winners. Bowsprit received the honor of Grand Prize.

PRIMARY RESEARCH: ENVIRONMENT

To fit the environment it was going to be put in, the team looked at the history, current culture, related design elements, and climate of the Fort Point Channel. Historically, the maritime channel was surrounded by industrial manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping docks for trading companies.

After trading declined, artists moved into the old buildings, which exploded into a vibrant artist community. The Innovation District now in place introduced a whole new level of modernism and design to the old city.

We also looked at maritime hardware, ships, docks, bridges, and their related construction techniques and materials. We also researched which of those materials would be especially durable, weather-resistant, and could be sustainably sourced.

PRIMARY RESEARCH: OBSERVATION

The team also went out to public spaces to discover how people interacted with seating.

IDEATION

Inspired by the imagery and concepts we discovered in our research, the team started sketching.

REFINEMENT

We went through a long iterative process of sketches, pin-ups, and critiques before we finally started narrowing down our concepts.

The team was especially drawn to Fort Point’s fusion of trendy modern establishments nestled amongst the older industrial buildings, as well as iconic maritime design elements. That unique culture of old and new, and industrial and natural materials, led us to focusing on two contrasting materials: wood and metal.

PROTOTYPING: DIGITAL MODEL

Part of the competition stipulations required the bench to support two people up to 600 pounds, and fit within a predetermined envelope. We built a 3D model in SolidWorks to dimensions everything correctly, and also made tweaks to the design as we went along. This provided the blueprints for building the full-sized bench.

Bowsprit was named for the spar on the prow of a ship because of its forward projecting design.

MATERIALS

The material and construction technique choices were essential for making the bench last, since Boston goes through many extremes in weather. Teak and aluminum were chosen as the main materials for several reasons.

1. Sustainable
   We sourced renewably farmed teak
   We also sourced recycled aluminum

2. Durable
   Teak is actually used in shipbuilding and other outdoor applications for its durability
   Aluminum is very lightweight and strong

3. Resistant to weathering
   Teak weathers beautifully and isn’t prone to rotting
   Aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion

CONSTRUCTION

Sheet aluminum was waterjet cut and welded together. The segments went through several cycles of sanding and priming to smooth the welds and make the metal look continuous. Then they were painted and sealed to maximize weather-resistance.

Teak slats were laminated together and cut into shape on a mill. The holes were then made with a drill press. Each piece was sanded by hand and treated with marine teak oil to help it weather nicely.

All the components are strung on steel rods to account for thermal expansion.

ASSEMBLY

PROCESS VIDEO

CONSTRUCTION VIDEO