Invito all’uso

(Invitation to use) - Table Step

Toronto, Canada, Ryerson School of Interior Design

The Study of Affordances

Academic Work - Duration: One semester 2019

With a ordance, we de ne the physical quality of an object that suggests appropriate actions for a human to manipulate or “hack” - a term taken from American psychologist James Gibson’s study of visual perception. Inspired by my study abroad in Italy, it was interesting to observe the way the locals and tourists interacted with their build environment. One interesting observation that housed a large number of a ordances were the Italian steps (stairs). Both the tourists and locals seemed to utilize the steps in a very similar way - to study, to eat, to socialize, or to rest.

Bringing this back to Toronto, at the Ryerson School of Interior Design - I have taken on the challenge to utilize the steps circulating the building by “hacking it.” ‘ e Table Step’ has been tapered to t the exact measurements of the RSID staircase. It has the a ordance to be used as a study spot, a lunch spot, a social spot, or a stop to simply rest.

A charitable poem found during my trip to Italy is engraved at the front of the table step to give recognition and leave a personal mark on my travel. “ e Table Step” is made out of 3/4” maple hardwood to give its Canadian made mark as well.