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TABLE OF The Politics of Seating
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OVERVIEW
p.06 p.09 p.10
History of the Course Professional Interview Felicia Dean
Abstract: The Politics of Seating Historic Context The History of Seating Accessibility Church Dining Gender Theaters Transportation
Supreme Court Cases for Seating Equality
BARR et al. v. CIT Y OF COLUMBIA BOUIE et al. v. CIT Y OF COLUMBIA KATZENBACH, Acting Attorney General, et al. v. McCLUNG et al. PETERSON et al. v. CIT Y OF GREENVILLE ROBINSON et al. v. FLORIDA
F CONTENTS IARC480: Furniture Design The Politics of Seating
Fall 2021
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Student Work Individual Projects
Kayla Moretti:
Summer Tessem:
Hannah Hobbs: PREFERENCES FOR EQUALITY Lily Hubbard:
Rebecca Mull:
Hillary Tunnell:
Jared Mullins:
Katherine Warren:
Corley Kotler:
Emily Roach:
Camryn Weekly:
Madison Leebrick:
Olivia Robbins:
Kellie Weeks:
Hannah Lessem:
Lydia Russell:
Makayla Wood:
Almost
Nostalgia. Dominion
REFLECTING ON HISTORY
Allies
Greta Mehlberg:
p.54 p.56 p.58
RESISTING CONVENTION
Exhibit Installation Processes Learned Selecting Wood Domino Jointing Wood Burning References
Connection Intertwined im[balance] EQUALIBRIUM CONNECTIVITY PROJECT TITLE
Connective
(MIS)ALIGN Mavis
PROJECT TITLE PUSHING BOUNDARIES
EMPOWERMENT.
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Matthew Clayton:
The Politics of Seating
The COURSE
01
an
OVERVIEW [ about the course ]
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The Fab Lab, located at 525 North Gay Street, Knoxville, is the college’s designated spot for furniture design courses. Students from three different disciplines— Architecture, Interior Architecture,
and Industrial Design—have worked on many furniture projects in this space since it opened. Previous instructors include Ryann Aoukar, David Mathews, and Justin Couch.
The Politics of Seating
COURSE HISTORY
For this class, professor Felicia Dean has answered the call. To learn more about Felicia, check out the next page.
7 FURNITURE DESIGN 2021 LEFT: exterior photo of Fab Lab, courtesy archdesign.utk .edu
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INSTRUCTOR INFO PERSONAL Q) What comes to mind when you think of personal success and achievements? A) “Happiness! That’s a big one. That can come in all shapes and forms. Personal success is more felt than anything else, but don’t lose yourself in your goals. Enjoy it while it is happening.” Q) How do you deal with creative blocks? A) I exercise and go for a walk. I listen to drum and bass music because music is a creative outlet for me. Bjork is an empowering female artist I listen to. Q) What are your best strengths when it comes to your craft? A) Problem solving through the process. New directions are positive. Be detail focused and watch the change over the process. It might not be the way it was planned but the way it needs to go can have better results. It represents RIGHT: Staff directory photo me so I make sure to cross all t’s courtesy of archdesign.utk .edu. and dot all i’s.
COURSE TOPIC: Felicia Francine Dean, MFA The Politics of Seating Assistant Professor Q) When planning this School of Interior Architecture course, what were some of the University of Tennessee inspirations behind the topic? A) “My research and how I can bring it into the classroom in a EDUCATION way that speaks to racial identity. Ideas came during the night and • Master of Fine Arts in as I shared and got feedback, the Interior Architecture responses were more about power Furniture Design Concentration, and not just cool aesthetics. New The University of North Carolina at ways to reply to experiences and Greensboro, NC (UNCG), 2014 see how we develop over time.” • Diploma in Furniture Q) Did you have any concerns Upholstery & Certificate in when designing the course? Computer Aided Drafting A) “It was more a consideration Guilford Technical Community rather than a concern. Having College at High Point and more engagement in topics with Greensboro NC (GTCC), 2008 different people’s views can make • Bach. of Arts in Studio Art a large impact and thinking of a Florida State University of contemporary context that’s based Tallahassee, FL, 2002 on historical research. More minds bring new ideas and challenges. Be a lead in what needs to change and what is important.”
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Seating as an object exists in our everyday spaces. However, its symbolic role as a tool of exclusion or inclusion within interiors is pivotal. The students’ design work explored the embodied power of the furniture stool in shaping space and place for African-Americans during segregation and the Civil Rights Era. As a result, students learned how the topic of social justice connects to seating. The course content challenged students to learn and apply diversity, equity, and inclusion approaches to their research and design process at an object-based scale for a furniture stool. During the design and build of their seating, students acquired knowledge of hand and machine methods for hardwood furniture, mortise and tenon joinery, and fully realize their research and design work.
The Politics of Seating
THE POLITICS OF SEATING
LEFT: Sterling High School students protesting at the Woolworth’s lunch counter in 1960, courtesy of the Greenville County Historical Society, Joe Jordan Collection.
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INITIAL RESEARCH Research Exercise 01:
- Inequality in transportation and seating can be traced as far back as the trading of slaves , prior to the Civil War
Learning Objectives: In collaboration with student peers , students will acquire knowledge of historical and contemporary topics of seating’s relationship to civil rights and equality.
Instructions: In your groups create a 7 minute maximum digital presentation Presentations must be rich in content and concise, no tangents , but use all your time effectively. Include the following:
-
Case Studies , both national and state Timeline of Events around the topic Historical and Social Context Contemporary Topics of Equality and Seating Analysis of Spatial Equality and the Human E xperience
Members: KAT WARREN + HILLARY TUNNELL + JARED MULLINS Summary:
Space and Equality
- Understand the context of seating in relation to social justice - Develop skills to work collaboratively on research - Understanding of the Human E xperience, Perceptions and Human behavior
Group 01: History of Transportation and Seating during the Civil Rights Era
- Laws prohibiting people of color access to transportation exist across the majority of the Amerian South prior to the Civil Rights Movement
Group 02: History of Dining and Seating during the Civil Rights Era Members: LILY HUBBARD + MAKAYLA WOOD + KAYLA MORET TI Summary: - Many people of color were denied the right to service at lunch counters and resturants - Defiance through lunch counter sitins across the American south helped to bring about changes in legislation, allowing the right to equal service at resturaunts and lunch counters
Members: HANNAH HOBBS + MADISON LEEBRICK + GRETA MEHLBERG Summary: - Segregated churches were common, due to most white church congregations supporting racial hierarchy
Group 04: History of Theaters and Seating during the Civil Rights Era
Members: OLIVIA ROBBINS + CAMRYN WEEKLY + REBECCA MULL Summary: - Racism and sexism within the workplace translated into bad working conditions for women and people of color - Pay gaps for both women and people of color exist even until this day, showing the extent workplace inequality traveled
Group 06: History of Accessibility Seating
Members: MAT THEW CLAY TON + KELLIE WEEKS + CORLEY KOTLER
Members: HANNAH LESSEM + EMILY ROACH + LYDIA RUSSELL + SUMMER TESSEM
Summary:
Summary:
- People of color, if allowed in a theater at all, were expected to take the rear seats , making shows harder to hear and understand
- Very few spaces in the built environment were easily accessible to disabled people. Only those who could afford to make renovations/hire help were able to access these spaces and live a “normal” life.
- Even in film, black actors were only shown in black films , meaning every single aspect of theater during the Civil Rights Movement was segregated
- Designers must rethink standardization to suit more bodies and eliminate the bias of the ideal bod y
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- Black chruces became “Safe Havens ,” a place to worship, be social, and eventually became the center for organizing rallies and protests
Group 05: History of Gender and Seating in the Workplace prior to and during the Civil Rights Era
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Group 03: History of Church and Seating during the Civil Rights Era
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CIVIL RIGHTS COURT CASES
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JUDGE OPINONS USED TO GENERATE DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR STUDENT’S PROJECTS
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COURSE the
[ student work ]
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Concept Statement
MATTHEW CLAYTON 4th Year IARCH Knoxville, TN
Process
Almost
Materials
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Detail
Top plan and side view of stool.
Perspective sketch of stool.
Process
Exploded Axon
Piece on inside for stability and can be used as a handle.
The Politics of Seating
Bottom panel for stability.
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Hand-routed out detail on front panel.
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4th Year Interior Architecture Hendersonville, TN
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Fourth Year Interior Architecture Nashville, TN Nostalgia
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LILY HUBBARD
Iteration 1 Wood checkered waterfall with modern legs and seat.
Iteration 2 Wood woven seat with modern legs and stackable assembly.
Detail 1 showcasing the wood frame curvature and the weaving technique wrapping the wood.
The Politics of Seating
Detail 2 showcasing the side bracket that allows for the webbing to have tension.
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Detail 3 showcasing the seat location which is composed of woven strapping that fits seemlessly together.
Reflecting Reflecting on on History History FURNITURE DESIGN 2021
Concept “Reflecting on History” is meant to trigger a viewers thoughts to have them think of the past. The sillouhette of the design came from the shape of a mountain reflected on a body of water, to show a literal reflection. The panels on the sides represent a look inside, but not seeing the entirety. As future generations reflect on history, certain narratives are removed, or added in, not giving the complete picture of what happened in the past.
MADISON LEEBRICK Fourth Year Interior Architecture Murfreesboro, TN
Process Process
The design process consisted of historical research, sketching, digital modeling, and prototyping at half-scale. The shape came from studying symmetry and reflecting shapes.
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Materials
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The materials are finished maple, painted maple, and aluminum L-shaped channels. The aluminum is both for support, and for an added detail that relates back to the historical seating during lunch counter sit-ins.
Detail Photo
This photo is showing the detail of the joinery method used in this stool. There are 24 dominoes used in total, including the outside piece and inner box.
MADISON LEEBRICK University of Tennessee IARC 480 / Felicia Dean
Process Photo
This photo is showing the process of glueing the inner box together. This was taken after glueing 3 of the panels together.
Exploded Axon
This exploded axon shows the way the stool is constructed.
Detail of joinery method before glueing.
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Detail of corner condition.
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Detail of corner condition.
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4th Year Interior Architecture Baltimore, MD ALLIES
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HANNAH LESSEM
initial sketch of overall design concept. (pencil on paper)
sketch of leg and central support joinery with seat. (pencil on paper)
seat fabrication included bonding a layer of walnut with a distinct line of sapwood, with a layer of curly red oak to create a dualtone effect.
The Politics of Seating
in order to have a nice flow between the stool and the floor, the edges of the legs are rounded.
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the three legs of the stool join at a central triangular support. this support along with the stretchers from the legs hold the seat in place.
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Fourth Architecture Granger , IN RESISTING CONVENTION
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GRETA MEHLBERG
Iteration 1- 09.07
Iteration 2- 09.14
Finishing In the process of applying the Minwax Polyurethane finish to the stool.
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Parts Legs , dominoes , stretcher, apron, boxes , seat and buttons separated to show assembly
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Along the Way (from left to right) the angled legs the legs with the apron and stretcher pieces glued up the seat the seat and legs glued without boxes everything glued up before finish
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KAYLA MORETTI
PROCESS
SENIOR IARC HARRISON, NY
PRESENTATION BOARD MATERIALS
CONNECTION
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The Details...
STITCH TOGETHER
ANGLE CUT
Step by Step...
The Final Assembly...
SEAT EX TERIOR GRAIN
MONEY SHOT
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APRON AND LEG CONNECTION
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SEAT DESIGN
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REBECCA MULL
4th Year Interior Architecture Duluth, GA
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The Politics of Seating
Intertwined
Front view
22”
Back view
7”
21”
21”
17”
iew
8.5”
Top view
Concept Ideas: Flexibility Community Balance Harmony
E xperimenting with flexibility and balance through weaving and functionality.
Process idea before the final outcome .
Corner detail displaying the leg and apron joinery along with the crossover weaving.
The Politics of Seating
Interior corner detail displaying the sculpted legs and details.
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A xonometric helps convey the joinery process. Domino’s were used to join the apron and the footrests to ensure stability.
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The Act of Seating...
JARED MULLINS
Process
5th Year BArch Morristown, TN
im[balance]
Materials
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initial concept sketches
initial concept renders
Construction and Craft
Construction Axon
Magnifying Moments
Detail 01: apron and leg connection - showing how the seat deck cantilevers over angled legs
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Detail 02: leg and footrest connection - showing how the stool meets the ground
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Detail 03: deconstructed view - showing how each piece becomes joined together
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EMILY ROACH 4th Year Interior Architecture Chattanooga, TN EQUALIBRIUM
headshot
sketches/ first iterations
this was the first sketch iteration done of the stool.
second iteration sketch; this one was my basis for the final product.
PRESENTATION BOARD
connection between interior pieces and legs.
detail
MONEY SHOT
detail
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all elements used to compose the stool.
detail
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relationship showing the horizontal, diagonal, and linear elements.
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4th IARCH Atlanta, Georgia CONNECTIVITY
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OLIVIA ROBBINS
Preliminary sketch of a stool representing research on racism and the history of seating.
Preliminary axonometric sketch of a stool respresenting research on racism and the history of seating.
Detail shot showing mitered corners of the tiers on the stool. Using Knotty Maple Wood for the tiers and Ash Wood for the base. This shot also shows the difference in wood graining.
The Politics of Seating
Images showing the wood precut and unfinished. The wood on the left is Knotty Maple + the wood on the right is Ash.
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A xonometric drawing of the final stool. This is showing how the stool is built , including the domino joinery and buttons for the seat piece.
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Concept
LYDIA RUSSELL
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5th Year Architecture Gallatin, TN
Process
The Politics of Seating
Materials
ITERATION[s]001 After reading the Supreme Court Cases regarding sit-ins, the original designs addressed three commonalites found among each. [1] In both Barr v. City of Columbia and Katzenbach v. McClung, black patrons were able to purchase food from the establishments, but only for take out. No place was allotted to them inside the space. The first iterations of the stool design all encorporated this concept. For instances in which a person has not been provided with a place to sit, with this design they may simply provide their own. A lightweight design with many different parts to assemble would be ideal, as the ritual of putting the thing together can add a different sense of ownership and presence to an individual in space. [2] Additional research shows that the counter stools in many of these establishments were identical: chrome finished, cushioned at the seat with a metal back, and supported by a single pole that was bolted to the floor. This has served as the
FREEDOM TO ASSEMBLE
WOOLWORTH
WOOLWORTH
HARVEY’S
Lorem ipsum
ITERATION[s]003>> Based on class discussion, a few of the key formal elements of the original design were ruled out. The most important change was the removal of the seat back, which in turn rules out the folding, briefcase concept. The idea of assembly and many individual pieces remains, but the new design will likely rely on joinery to hold the pieces while transporting. Thinking specifically about transport, the new design (v03) takes inspiration from the common handbag styles in the 1960s (above), also acknowledging the Black Woman. The seat is a rectangular shape, and the foot rest also serves as a larger “strap” for carrying when disassembled.
ITERATION[s]002 design’s main aesthetic precedent from the onset and its general dimensions have been maintained. After the first round of feedback, peers were interested in the use of joinery, ideas of steam bending, [3] The final early design consideration focused on and the adjustable aspects of the design. It was the black woman. Additional readings were clear to suggested that digital models would be helpful for point out the importance of this group within the really understanding the mechanics of these retail stores, despite being overlooked in the details, and captures from the modelling process public eye. Though they were considered a large are included in addition to new iterations of the source of income for non-perishable goods and most successful idea from Round01. products in pharmacies and department stores, black women were denied the right to eat in these spaces. During the sit-ins, the majority of those photographed were men, which only seems to further mask the importance of this group’s patronage. Based on group feedback, it was decided that the stool should support a person of any gender identity, and should be less binary in the aproach of thinking only women are petite or need extra accommodation.
The sketch on the left shows the starting idea and teh number of parts for the design. The sketch on the right looks at honing or sanding the edges to make a less blocky design. The joinery pieces remain square, creating an interesting contrast and signifying the utility of these areas.
L.RUSSELL
L.RUSSELL
preliminary research
beginning iterations
Parts 01 02 03 04
disassembled stool in handmade bag for transport
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detail of apron & leg connections
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process photo showing the mortises in stool feet
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4th Year IArc Bartlett, IL
Connective
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SUMMER TESSEM
In the begging of the semester, we made a series of first iteration stool models and this was the one that inspired the final design.
This is the 1/2” scale model made when first testing out the design and joinery of the stool.
This
detail
shows
an
image up
close
look at how the seat , legs , apron, and middle stretcher
all
image
look
at
the
takes
a
unique
set up of the bottom
The Politics of Seating
This
connect.
stretchers and foot rest.
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insight into the design and fabrication of the seat.
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This image gives a closer
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Bridging the Gap
4th Year Interior Architecture Rome, GA
Process Statement
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Materials Statement
The Politics of Seating
Seat
Apron
Back Pieces Legs
Bridging Pieces Domino Domino Hole
Detail Image
Process Image
Exploded Axonometric Drawing
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Concept Statement
KAT WARREN
4th Year Interior Architecture Ooltewah, TN
Design Process
Materials
Mavis
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Process Photos
Previous iteration in Rhino
Study Model
Details
Exploded Axon
Danish Cord Weaving
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Wood End Grain
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Seat weaving held in place by many many nails.s
CAMRYNAM WE KYLRW CAMRYN WEWKLRN R M E W
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CAMRYN WEEKLY 4th Year Interior Architecture Clarksville, TN
PRESENTATION BOARD
[ SHIFT ]
preliminary digital model 01
preliminary digital model 02
[detail 01] hand-dyed woven straps woven through stool frame
CAMRYN WEWKLRN R M E W
[detail 02] L shaped slot for fabric, offset 1 1/4” from interior
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CAMRYNAM WE KYLRW
[detail 03] mortise and tennon joint , stapled upholstry seat
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SENIOR IARC KENT ISLAND, MD PUSHING BOUNDARIES
headshot
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KELLIE WEEKS
playing with extension
pushing leg limits
close up of grooves and wood pattern
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seat and legs after glueing together
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final glue-up
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MAKAYLA WOOD 4TH IARCH ATLANTA, GA EMPOWERMENT.
sketches/ first iterations
iterations of 3d model in Rhino.
headshot
sketches/ first iterations
scale model of stool iteration. process of trail and error to get to full size product.
PRESENTATION BOARD
deatiled image of the legs coming together with dominos.
MONEY SHOT
detail
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detailed image of the joinery of each component of the stool.
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detailed image of the legs joining together on the seat and on the apron.
03
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[ post-exhibition ]
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FURNITURE EXHIBITION
Installation: Students installed the finalized stools and presentation boards along the gallery wall in 130, bringing visibility to their individual designs , as well as much needed attention to the topic surrouding the politics of seating. Gallery in the Art & Architecture Building - Room 103
The Politics of Seating A collaborative exhibition showcasing student designed stools from Felicia Dean’s IARC 480 Furniture Design class , Fall 2021.
Exhibition: The finalized exhibition becomes a space that allows the pieces the opportunity to speak for each of their concepts. Every piece is unique in their own way, however, when placed in relation to one another, they become smaller pieces of a larger whole.
FABRICATION PROCESS The Basics of Woodworking Learning Objectives: Over the course of the semester, students applied the knowledge learned about the furniture design process and woodworking in order to develop a stool that is both conceptually and technically sound. Some objectives are: - Understand the basics of woodworking through hands-on experience and iteration - Develop skills to work with tools and machinery to aid in the fabrication of a finalized furniture piece - Work in tandem with other students , instructors and workshop helpers to further expand the knowledge of the inner-workings of the wood-shop
Understanding 01: Material Properties Summary: Students gained understanding of the properties of multiple wood species and how to properly identif y and handle different types of wood.
Processes Learned: - Differentiation between hardwood and sap wood - The anatomy of a tree - from bark to core - Wood stability and growth patterns to be able to identif y defects such as knots , shakes and pockets - Grain patterns , emphasizing the stability of long grain wood and the instability of the end grain - How to handle cupping and bows within a board - The drying process - the differentiation between wood that is air dried versus wood that is kiln dried - The cutting process - quarter versus flat sawn planks
Understanding 03: Tools of the Trade: Machining and Understanding 02: Material Selection Finishing Summary: Through a visit to Jefferies Wood Works , students learned what to look for in the wood selection process , with personal insight provided by Bob Jefferies , a local wood expert.
Processes Learned:
Summary: With direct help of instructors and wood-shop workers , students learned how to safely and properly utilize tools needed to machine and finish their finalized furniture pieces.
Processes Learned:
- How to size boards to fit the respective project that is being worked on
- Properly safety measures taken when in the wood-shop - proper attire and attentiveness at all times
- Difference between domestic and exotic wood species
- How to properly utilize each machine needed for the specific aspect of your project: 1. Jointing and Planing unfinished boards to expose finished edges 2. Which saw is intended for each purpose - table saw intended for finishing and ripping, chop saw intended for rough-edged cuts and quick resizing, band-saw intended for detail work and intricate cuts
- How to calculate board footage and how this calculation translates into board pricing
- The joining and gluing process: 1. The use of the domino and how to properly size joints within your piece 2. The placement of joints to provide maximum stability and strength - The finishing process: 1. The properties of oil and clear coat , and how to apply each
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Cover: WOOLSWORTH GREEN-
VILLE, NC SIT-IN. 1960. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS https://www.usatoday.com/story/ opinion/2018/02/01/what-trumpera-protesters-can-learn-civil-rightslunch-counter-sit-ins-christopherschmidt-column/1078856001/
REFERENCES
Page 6: EXT. PHOTO OF FAB
LAB. from FAB LAB: USER INFORMATION https://archdesign.utk.edu/study/ studios-learning-labs/fab-lab/ fablab-users/
Page 8: FELICIA FRANCINE
DEAN. from STAFF DIRECTORY. https://archdesign.utk.edu/people/ felicia-francine-dean/ Page 9: STERLING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PROTESTING AT THE WOOLWORTH’S LUNCH COUNTER IN 1960. GREENVILLE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, JOE JORDAN COLLECTION. GREENVILLE JOURNAL. https://greenvillejournal.com/ black-history-month/greenvilles-sclunch-counter-sit-ins-helped-leadto-integration/