Bamboo // Crafting the Future

BAMBOO

2015 // Crafting the future

Ruchir Gupta // Diploma Project

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// Ruchir Gupta PDP 401 Project lead : Binu Bhaskaran Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

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// Acknowledgement I express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Anowar Hussain (Assam) and Mr. Baburaj (Kerala) for their guidance through the process and also helping with the required knowledge in reference to the material and possibilities through the project. I would also like to acknowledge and appreciate the help and patience shown by all the artisans that I worked with both in Barpeta, Assam under The Raypur Jeevan Jyoti Rural Development Society and Kalpetta, Kerala under The Uravu Bamboo Groove.

Most importantly I want to acknowledge Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology for offering us this project and also for the consistent support.

This project wouldn’t have taken the desired turns without the mentorship of Binu Bhaskaran. Thank you for the constant support through this path that has been established; it certainly feels as if it wouldn’t have been possible without him.

Jackson Poretta, for providing useful insights and references helping me make this endeavour successful.

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// Contents Project Background Research Product Analysis IIT Guwahati Design Direction Brainstorming Computer Mouse Market Study Ideation Brainstorming Bamboo Furniture Ideation Technichal Drawings Inference

7 8 39 66 68 70 72 75 83 124 126 129 172 193

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// Project Background With the growing trends in environment awareness, bamboo has cropped up as a green alternative to other woody raw materials. From soft bath towels, to sturdy buildings and homes, bamboo is used for products in nearly every industry.

Barpeta district lies in the northern part of Assam close to Bhutan. Barpeta is famous for production of bamboo and cane products, which is transported to various other parts of the country. Artisans of the community are highly skilled and hard working.

This project aims to create awareness about the indigenous crafts and traditional knowledge systems.

Further, it aims to engage with varied art and craft forms with a ‘comtemporary vision’ and integrate them with design education and design industry in order to innovative directions in future.

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// Bamboo Bamboo is a part of the subfamily of flowering perennial evergreen plant in the grass family Poaceae.

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, due to a unique rhizome-dependent system. Certain species of bamboo can grow 88.9 Centimeters within a 24-hour period.

Bamboo is of notable economic and cultural significance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia, being used for building materials, as a food source and as a versatile raw product. Bamboo also has a higher compressive strength than wood, brick or concrete and a tensile strength that rivals steel. Bamboo’s long life makes it a Chinese symbol of uprightness, while in India it is a symbol of friendship.

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// Bamboo Application For the past 10 years, bamboo experts have been experimenting with the multiple uses of bamboo and are still discovering new applications everyday. Such as bamboo fiber for the garment and automotive industries, flooring boards, veneers as thin as 0.2 mm, are just some of many examples.

There is an Asian saying: “A man is born in a bamboo cradle and goes away in a bamboo coffin. Everything in between is possible with bamboo!�

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Bamboo Products // Bamboo Application (On the left) Bamboo used in the food and beverage industry.

(On the right) Towel - Bamboo used in the textile industry.

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Bamboo Products // Bamboo Application 12

(On the left) Cycle - Bamboo used in the sports and recreation industry.

(On the right) Phone Cover - Bamboo used in the electronics industry.

Bamboo Products // Bamboo Application (On the left) Bamboo used in the pulp and paper industry.

(On the right) Charcoal - Bamboo used in the bioenergy industry.

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Bamboo Growth Areas // India 14

// Bamboo in India In India 136 species of bamboos in 36 genera are found to exist. The North East India holds the largest stock and diversity of bamboos. Though India has the largest area under bamboo which is estimated around 9.6 million hectares, the yield per ha is estimated around 0.4 tonnes, which is very low in comparison to other countries like China, Malaysia, etc.

It is estimated that 8 million bamboo artisans are depended on this craft for their livelihood. The annual turnover of the bamboo sector in India is estimated to be around Rs. 2400 crores.

This craft has been practiced by the North Eastern States for centuries as their prime income source and, in the process, the weaving skills of the artisans had evolved to levels comparable with the craftsperson from more affluent societies like Japan, China etc. though the product diversity still remains undeveloped.

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// Defining the context Working towards remembering and understanding the traditional skills kept alive by generations of artisans and try to apply it in present context of requirements.

Detailing the products using available material for the urban/ contemporary use, which will enable enhanced functional and aesthetic values.

Preserve the indigenous handmade techniques of production and to increase the value of the products using appropriate design intervention.

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// Aspects of Research in Barpeta -Existing products and scope for development.

-Market competition for the community.

-Economic value they expect.

-Where they see themselves in terms of market in the near future.

-Tools used and other required materials in order to improve output.

-Existing business model.

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// Possible areas for Design Intervention Listing down the possible areas for design interventions in the bamboo market in Barpeta.

-Target audience.

-Enhanced Ergonomics.

-Features, Functionality, Utility.

-Technological intervention.

-Durability and ease of use.

-Value of product, Cost.

-Assembly time, Steps in manufacturing.

-Packaging, Storage, Logistics.

-Improving aesthetics.

-Competence in material.

-Turnover market.

-Export potential.

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Barpeta // Assam 20

// Field Visit to Barpeta, Assam The field visit specifically helped us to understand the requirements of the clusters in terms of product development. Primary objective of the visit was to enhance the ability of the artisans to make products using bamboo that are in tune with the market requirement, which in turn will improve their business and livelihood.

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Raypur Jeevan Jyoti Rural Development Society // Barpeta, Assam 22

// Raypur Jeevan Jyoti Rural Development Society (NGO) Raypur, a village in the Barpeta district of Assam under the State Institution of Rural Development (SIRD) where there are 49 clusters with 300 units each of which constitutes of more than a couple of bamboo craft artisans.

Raypur Jeevan Jyoti Rural Development Society is an 11-year-old NGO headed by one of the community, Mr. Anowar Hussain with government-approved clusters. Its primary mission is to “eradicate middlemen (Vyaparis) from the business chain� in order to empower artisans helping them financially.

Each of the well-organised and well-managed clusters can be called as Joint Liability Group (JLG). One JLG is equal to 4 people.

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Artisans making Bamboo Products // Barpeta 24

// Raw Material Available species of bamboo -Bhuluka (Locally available) -Bijuli (Locally available) -Makaul (Locally available) -Keku (Sourced from Bhutan) -Kanak Kaich (Solid bamboo sourced from Tripura) -Burak (Used for Structural purposes) Cane is sourced from Meghalaya.

Most commonly used tool is Dau, which is used for most of the activities like splitting, cutting, slicing, Etc. Other common tools are drill machine, chisel, hammer and handsaw.

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-Bijuli (Locally available) Average Diametre - 1-2”

-Makaul (Locally available) Average Diametre - 2-3”

-Bhuluka (Locally available) Average Diametre - 4-5”

-Keku (Sourced from Bhutan) Average Diametre - 8-10”

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Keku // Species of Bamboo This specie is sourced from Bhutan for special orders.

Keku is used for furniture sets because of its thickness and rigidness.

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Bhuluka and Bijuli // Species of Bamboo 28

Bhuluka is a medium sized and most commonly used specie of bamboo in Raypur.

Bijuli is the thin bamboo used for support structures and other uses for making products.

Bamboo Craft // Barpeta (On the left) Bamboo storehouses to store products when produced for advance orders.

(On the right) Artisan cutting the fresh Bhuluka specie of bamboo to make jewellery out of it.

Generally bamboo takes atleast 10 days to dry.

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Dau // Tool Used Dau is the most commonly used tool, used for most of the activities like splitting, cutting, slicing.

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Tools and their Application // Bamboo Craft (On the left) A custom Bamboo Jig made by the artisans to keep the Dau on it and use to chamfer edges.

(On the right) Different set of tools used by the artisans to manually produce products.

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// Bamboo Transportation Bamboo is transported through local means of travel like rickshaws, carts, and trucks.

Usually another commonly used mode of transportation is river channels running across different villages where there are bamboo stations where bamboo is then collected after being monitored.

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Transportation // Bamboo Craft (On the left) Bamboo being collected at Bamboo Station at the river bank.

(On the right) Bamboo lengths being transported in a cart.

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// Alternate Occupation Many of these artisans don’t want their kins to do the same business. Owning farmland is a big boom for them where they harvest rice for themselves.

A few of the artisans have been running there own business apart from the bamboo craft and also going to college for further education.

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// Existing Business Model Canvas On the basis of the primary research done in Barpeta, Assam a business model of the local community business is generated to understand the business chain. The surrounding influential factors like key partners, channels, current cost and revenue, customer segments are highlighted.

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// Key Partners

// Key Activities

// Value Propositions

// Customer Relationships

// Customer Segments

-Raypur Jeevan Jyoti Rural Development Society

-Sourcing raw material

-Artisans of the community want people to value their skills

-Community not directly related to customers

-Local people in nearby districts

-Appreciation in terms of customer satisfaction and a platform to flaunt their skills

-Feedback regarding products attained through the NGO

-State Institution of Rural Development (SIRD) -Assam Gramin Bikash Bank

-Drying the Bamboo -Taking advance orders -Making finished products -Selling the products through the NGO

-No monitory goals

-Customer satisfaction ultimate goal

// Channels

-Traditional crafting skills

-NGO head

-Existing knowledge of the material

-Government schemes

-Government subsidies

-Urban population through emporiums and craft markets

-Want people to recognize their skills and hardwork

// Key Resources

-Transportation facilities

-Sometimes villagemen for construction of houses

-Local publicity -Training camps for local artisans along with other craftsmen and professionals from different parts of the country

// Cost structure

// Revenue Streams

-Tools and workable environment

-Advance taken from pre-orders

-Raw materials like bamboo and cane

-Festivals and Melas outside Assam

-Transportation

-Outsourcing products outside Assam and sometimes abroad

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// Product Analysis Under the areas of design intervention specific products are listed and analysed on the basis of certain aspects for a better understanding of the thought process gone into the making of the products.

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Bangles // Bamboo Craft Bamboo bangles produced and sold in bulk.

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// Bamboo Bangles -Inner diameter 2.5-3�

-Functions Can be worn as an accessory.

-Takes about 1-2 hours to produce 10-12 bangles

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// Bamboo Bangles -Production process 1. Bhuluka specie of bamboo sourced and dried.

2. Bamboo is treated and then burnt for a shaded look.

3. Bamboo cut to appropriate size.

4. Pieces carved at equal distance to give a good look to the bangle ends.

5. Pieces cut from the bamboo lengths to bangle size.

6. Surface smoothened using sandpaper.

7. Finished using varnish.

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Bhuluka specie of bamboo sourced and dried for 1015 days before being used.

Bamboo treated and then burnt for a shaded look.

Bamboo bangles chamfered on the inner edge for comfort.

Bamboo sections marked using a hacksaw by making 1-2 mm deep cuts.

Bamboo carved at equal distance to give a good look to the bangle ends.

Pieces cut from the bamboo lengths to bangle size.

Production Process // Bamboo Bangles 43

Bangle Production (Carving) // Bamboo Craft Artisan chiselling patterns on the bamboo piece to be cut to bangle sizes.

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// Bamboo Bangles -Advantages Easy to produce - because of bamboo’s form and existing techniques.

Durable - the scale of the product and the stability in the material is the reason why the product tends to last for long.

Cheap and easy to handle.

Easy to transport - bangles are easier to pack and transport because of their scale and form, also they can be transported in bulk.

-Disadvantages Doesn’t yield too much - bangles are not sold at a very high price, Also other alternatives in the market are better looking and well finished which makes it hard for bamboo bangles to stand out.

Can’t wear for too long - due to the rigidity of the material it’s ergonomically not possible to stay in contact with it for too long.

Glass bangles are easier to produce and durable - Glass and metal bangles are mechanically produced; hence the production is much quicker compared to manually produced bamboo bangles.

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Bangles // Bamboo Craft 46

Bamboo Carving // Bamboo Craft 47

Making the Candle Holder // Bamboo Craft Bamboo strips stuck on top of each other to make the structure of the product.

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// Bamboo Candle Holder -Dimensions 4” x 4” x 6” -Multiple functions Pencil stand, Candle Holder -Takes about 1-2 hours to produce 4-5 pieces -Production process 1. Bhuluka and Bijuli specie of bamboo sourced and semi-dried.

2. Bamboo is treated with anti-termite solution.

3. Burnt to give it black colour.

4. Bamboo cut to appropriate size.

5. Cut to thin strips and then joined to make structure on the base around the round bamboo centerpiece.

6. Base prepared separately.

7. Stored in the storehouse for later transportation.

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Making the Candle Holder // Bamboo Craft Bamboo strips stuck on top of each other to make the structure of the product.

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// Bamboo Candle Holder -Advantages Easy to produce - cutting and splitting of bamboo is a faster process compared to others which makes production of the same a more efficient and faster process.

Interesting form and a very traditonal design helps it stand out.

Cheap product thus, attracts more customers.

Catchy form, which again helps in attracting customers - the colour and form, make the pen stand more elegant and more visually appealing.

-Disadvantages Fragile due to its scale and material constrains - there are very intricate joineries, which make the product weak.

Transportation can be tricky because of the fragility of the product, which can cause damage to the product while transporting it.

Packaging the product is a complex process because of the form of the product.

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Treating the Product // Bamboo Craft Candle holder being dried after dipping it inside Borax (Boric Acid) solution.

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Side Table // Bamboo Craft 54

// Bamboo Side Table -Dimensions 11” x 11” x 12” -Multiple functions Side Table, Stool, Lap Desk -Takes about 1-2 hours to produce one piece -Production process 1. Bhuluka and Bijuli specie of bamboo sourced and dried.

2. Bamboo is treated with anti-termite solution.

3. Bamboo cut to appropriate size.

4. Drilling holes in the pieces to fit support structures.

5. Fixing the support structures and joining using bamboo nails.

6. Sticking bamboo pieces on top of the table using bamboo nails.

7. Surface smoothened using sandpaper.

8. Finishing the table by either pealing the first layer off or by simply burning it and later applying a quote of varnish.

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Simple Geometric Form // Bamboo Craft Bijuli specie of bamboo used as support material to stabilise the stool.

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// Bamboo Side Table -Advantages Lightweight - compared to other stools and side tables this is more stable and weighs less.

Easy to package due to its geometric form.

No nails used, made completely out of bamboo - one of the USP of this product could be that its very sustainable since it has been crafted completely out of bamboo.

-Disadvantages Can’t take too much weight - the stool is not designed to take too much weight.

Fragile due to its scale and material constrains.

The design could be aesthetically better and could have more features and one of the suggestions is that they could use rubber stoppers.

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Bamboo joineries (Interlocking) // Bamboo Craft Bamboo joineries strengthened by bamboo nails and appropriate adhesives.

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Bamboo Pen Stand // Bamboo Craft Stacked up pen stands in the storehouse ready to be transported.

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// Bamboo Pen Stand -Dimensions 4” x 4” x 6” -Multiple functions Pen stand, Holder -Takes about 1-2 hours to produce 4-5 pieces -Production process 1. Bhuluka and Bijuli specie of bamboo sourced and semi-dried.

2. Bamboo is treated with anti-termite solution.

3. Burnt to give it black colour.

4. Bamboo cut to appropriate size.

5. Cut to thin strips and then joined to make structure on the base.

6. Base prepared separately.

7. Stored in the storehouse for later transportation.

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Bamboo Splitting // Bamboo Craft 62

// Bamboo Pen Stand -Advantages Easy to produce - cutting and splitting of bamboo is a faster process compared to others which makes production a more efficient and faster process.

Easy to pack because of it geometric shape.

Cheap product so attracts more customers.

Catchy form, which again helps in attracting customers - the colour and form, make the pen stand more elegant and more visually appealing.

-Disadvantages Fragile due to its scale and material constrains - there are very intricate joineries, which make the product weak.

Transportation can be tricky because of the fragility of the product, which can cause damage to the product while transporting it.

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Prepairing the Base // Bamboo Craft Base of most of the products made seperately and then attached to the product later.

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Student Project // IIT Guwahati Bamboo Bench made out of Kanak-Kaich Bamboo (Solid Bamboo).

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// IIT Guwahati During our visit to Barpeta, Assam we visited the Indian Institute of Technology in Guwahati and interacted with one of the professors over there, Mr. Supradip Das and saw some of the student projects related to bamboo and got exposed to design thinking around the material and possible outcomes.

IIT Guwahati helped us understand the limits of bamboo.

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// Design Direction Mapping the possible design directions and possible interventions in terms of the existing products and the scope for new design thinking in relation to bamboo.

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Design Direction

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

FURNITURE

COMPUTER MOUSE

CHAIR

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// Brainstorming Mapping the different fields within consumer electronics and analysing them.

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Computer Mouse

What the user wants?

USER STUDY

LUXURY

Want v/s Need

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

Table Lamp -Anglepoise -USB Powered

Lighting -What kind?

Mouse -Ergonomics -Market Study

Speakers Headphones Juicer Mixer / Grinder Fan Phone Laptop

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// Design Direction Proposal for the design direction and intervention in terms of the existing products and the scope for new design thinking in relation to bamboo.

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// Design Direction

Computer Mouse

There is a constant argument regarding sustainability and consumerism.

With the arrival of new and efficient techniques the contemporary consumers and producers have taken a step towards a sustainable future.

What I want to focus on is the constant use of hazardous materials like plastic, metal, which take years to consume themselves or get consumed by outside forces. Bamboo on the other hand has always been considered as a sustainable raw material and I think in the field of consumer electronics it hasn’t been explored to its potential. Marking a step closer towards the same I feel that consumer electronics like different gadgets and lighting solutions can be translated to a much more sustainable space using bamboo as a material and tool.

Through my explorations I expect to come up with valuable arguments and answers to such debatable questions. From an aircraft to a paper pin being used all of these eventually increase the carbon footprint, hence not being sustainably produced. Whereas, bamboo products because of the material used and other factors are comparatively much more organic and sustainable.

My direction aims to create awareness about the benefits of the material and stretch its limits which would further enhance and highlight the indigenous craft and traditional knowledge systems possessed and practiced by artisans that I try to bring notice to. The artisans may have been making handmade products that are traditional artifacts sold throughout their business circle but getting into the industrial sector would expose them to new means of income generation and would also help them explore their skills.

In the vast field of consumer electronics I have shortlisted a computer mouse as my directed product, which I hope to re-design and re-create according to the market trends and technology with the help of the bamboo craft. The techniques used by the artisans are what I propose to highlight through my intervention.

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Computer Mouse

// Market Study Primary study of the existing mouses in the market.

Studying the form, dimensions and related features of different kinds of mouses available in the market.

Mainly 3 types of mouse Logitech optical mouse.

MadCatz gaming mouse.

Enter optical wireless mouse.

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Setup is fast and easy. You can just plug the cable into a USB port and use it right away.

Precise optical tracking. It’s a smooth mover with or without a mouse pad.

Left-handed or right, comfortable hour after hour with this full-size, countered design.

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Computer Mouse

LOGITECH - B100 USB powered optical mouse.

Material - Plastic Symmetrical Mouse 3 button function Wired mouse Market price - Rs. 300 /Countered design, for both hands

115 mm

61 mm 77

Gaming mice boast sensors that can handle any gaming situation. Featuring a precise, gaminggrade optical sensor with utmost accuracy.

Sleek design, cutting-edge form factor and a host of programmable action buttons.

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Computer Mouse

60 mm

MAD CATZ - R.A.T. 3 USB powered optical mouse.

3500 DPI Material - Plastic Gaming Mouse 18 button function Braided - wired mouse Market price - Rs. 3500 /For right hand users

108 mm

86 mm 79

Tiny receiver adopted in the mouse, convenient to take.

Plug and play: USB 2.0 Power saving: sleep & awake technology.

Precise tracking: advanced 1600 DPI.

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Computer Mouse

57 mm

ENTER - E W55 Bluetooth powered optical mouse.

1600 DPI Material - Plastic Symmetrical Mouse 3 button function Wireless mouse Market price - Rs. 350 /Countered design, for both hands

105 mm

69 mm 81

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Computer Mouse

// Ideation Process Ideation Sketches Ergonomics Mock Ups Concept Prototyping User Testing Concept visualization

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// Ideation Sketches Using Sketching as a tool to ideate and come up with different styles and kinds of mouse.

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Computer Mouse

For right hand users For both right and left hand users

Bamboo Mouse // Ideation 85

Plastic

Thumb support

Bamboo Mouse // Ideation 86

Computer Mouse

Countered design

Bamboo Mouse // Ideation 87

Bamboo Mouse // Ideation 88

Computer Mouse

Bamboo Mouse // Ideation 89

// Ergonomics Bad mousing habits are one of the most common causes of repetitive strain injuries, but easily preventable with the right ergonomic mouse. Ideally, you will limit your pronation while also maintaining a relaxed grip.

Referene: http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/cumousetips.html

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Computer Mouse

Mouse should preferably have a symmetrical shape.

Mouse shape - choose a mouse design that fits your hand but is as flat as possible to reduce wrist extension. Don’t use a curved mouse. Use a symmetrically shaped mouse.

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Hand should be free of any restriction to avoid injuries

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Avoid Restricting Arm Movement - with a softly padded wrist rest, especially one that is rounded, or a soft chair arm rest the forearm becomes “locked� into position and this encourages people to make mouse movements by flicking the wrist, which also increases intracarpal pressure.

Computer Mouse

Pressure point on the wrists should be on a flat surface.

Protect your wrist - if you look at the anatomy of the wrist it is curved away from any contact surface (you can easily see this by resting your hand/arm on a flat surface - you’ll see light under the wrist and can probably even pass a thin pen under this). The forearm is shaped liked this for the wrist to remain free of surface pressure contact.

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// Mock Ups Studying form and dimensions through mock ups made out of Thermocol.

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Computer Mouse

Mock Ups // Mouse Studying form and dimensions through mock ups made out of Thermocol.

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Mock Up 1 // Mouse 96

Perspective.

Material : Thermocol Regular countered shape for both right and left hand users.

Computer Mouse

Mock Up 1 // Mouse (Clockwise) Front, Right, Left and Back view.

Material : Thermocol

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Mock Up 2 // Mouse 98

Perspective.

Material : Thermocol Thumb support for right hand users.

Computer Mouse

Mock Up 2 // Mouse (Clockwise) Front, Right, Left and Back view.

Material : Thermocol

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// Concept Prototyping Applying the inferences from form studies to make suitable prototypes from bamboo.

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Computer Mouse

// Process (Making Prototype) 1. Sourcing Bhuluka species of bamboo.

2. Split into half along the grains.

3. Used the sanding Machine to carve out the excess material and get the desired shape.

4. Used Araldite to stick the different components together.

4�

Bhuluka Species

7 mm

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// Concept Prototype 1 Prototype made using sections of bamboo and cutting them along the grains and then sanding it.

Extra thumb support for right hand users for easy and longer use of the mouse.

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Computer Mouse

Prototype 1 // Bamboo Mouse Top View.

Material : Bamboo Dimensions : 105 x 58 mm

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Prototype 1 // Bamboo Mouse 104

Material : Bamboo (on the left) Perspective. (on the right) Front view.

Computer Mouse

Prototype 1 // Bamboo Mouse Material : Bamboo (on the left) Back of the mouse. (on the right) Left view.

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// Concept Prototype 2 Prototype made using sections of bamboo and cutting them across the grains and then sanding it.

Countered design for both right hand and left hand users.

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Computer Mouse

Prototype 2 // Bamboo Mouse Top View.

Material : Bamboo Dimensions : 110 x 60 mm

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Prototype 2 // Bamboo Mouse 108

Perspective.

Material : Bamboo

Computer Mouse

Prototype 2 // Bamboo Mouse Material : Bamboo (on the left) Back of the mouse. (on the right) Left view.

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// User Testing Post prototyping users were asked to test the prototype and analyse the forms of both.

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User Testing // Bamboo Mouse User finds the keys very easy and comfortable to operate.

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User Testing // Bamboo Mouse The palm rest is small and uncomfortable according to the user.

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User Testing // Bamboo Mouse The palm rest here is very comfortable according to the user.

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User Testing // Bamboo Mouse The overall shape of the mouse is a little uncomfortable according to the user.

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User Testing // Bamboo Mouse The shape and height of the mouse is found to be very comfortable and user-friendly.

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User Testing // Bamboo Mouse The shape and height of the mouse is found to be very comfortable and user-friendly.

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User Testing // Bamboo Mouse The additional thumb rest is found to be a comfortable solution.

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// Concept Visualization Visualising Developing the concept bamboo mouse and giving it dimensions with a help of digital modelling.

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Computer Mouse

Concept Visualization // Bamboo Mouse The concept bamboo mouse in perspective.

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Concept Visualization // Bamboo Mouse Top view of the concept bamboo mouse.

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Computer Mouse

54 mm

24 mm 68 mm

120 mm 47 mm

60 mm

Concept Visualization // Bamboo Mouse Top view of the concept bamboo mouse with dimensions.

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Concept Visualization // Bamboo Mouse Right view of the concept bamboo mouse.

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Computer Mouse

120 mm

34 mm

Concept Visualization // Bamboo Mouse Right view of the concept bamboo mouse with dimensions.

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// Brainstorming (Furniture) Mapping the different fields within Furniture Design and analysing them.

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Bamboo Furniture

Pepperfry Normann Copenhagen FabIndia Ikea

FOLDABLE / TRANSFORMABLE

MARKETF

FURNITURE

STOOL -Low Seating -Bar Stool

TABLE -Study -Work / Office -LCD -Conference

CHAIR -Office -Relaxing -Conference -Low Seating -Rocking -Recliner

SOFA

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// Design Direction Proposal for the design direction and intervention in terms of the existing products and the scope for new design thinking in relation to bamboo.

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// Design Direction

Bamboo Furniture

A space consists of various objects, which subsequently define the space.

Space allows people to describe themselves through objects like furniture, in their contemporary lifestyles. I personally am intrigued by the various furniture pieces made out of bamboo. In the process, I tried to come up with different chair pieces.

Bamboo is a sustainable material and needs to be portrayed in such a way. People need to see the outcomes that can be generated through this material. In this quest, I tried to stretch the material as much as I could while Ideating, and tried to use the least amount of joineries possible.

Bamboo bending is a common technique but extending it to hold a furniture piece together is what I am aiming at. The chair needs to be ergonomically right but also needs to be durable. My direction aims at being sustainable in terms of primary material and supportive materials used. The other benefit that I want to highlight is the assembly of the chair, which can be easily done because of the design.

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Bamboo Furniture

// Ideation Process (Bamboo Furniture) Ideation Sketches Ergonomics Mock Up Prototyping Concept Visualization

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// Ideation Sketches Using Sketching as a tool to ideate and come up with different styles and kinds of furniture pieces.

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Bamboo Furniture

Bamboo Furniture // Ideation 131

Bamboo stool

Bamboo coil

Bamboo bench

Bamboo Furniture // Ideation 132

Bamboo Furniture

Bamboo Furniture // Ideation 133

Bamboo Furniture // Ideation 134

Bamboo Furniture

Dinning chairs

Bamboo Furniture // Ideation 135

// Ergonomics Modern chair design has solved many of the problems of fitting a wide range of different sized people by providing convenient adjustments. To ensure that all people can obtain good back support, the backrest must be sufficiently adjustable in the fore and aft direction. This changes the effective depth of the seat which should be no greater than the buttock to popliteal length. The backrest height should also be adjustable so that all users can get optimum lumbar support.

Fixed dimensions, such as the seat width, must be chosen to suit as large a proportion of the population as practicable.

Referene: Ergonomic Principles and Checklists for the Selection of Office Furniture and Equipment.

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Bamboo Furniture

420 mm (British Standards)

Seat heights are measured after loading the seat with the British Standard seat plate and compression weights, which simulate the compression resulting from a person sitting on the seat.

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425-450 mm (British Standards)

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Seat depth is measured from the front edge of the seat to the lumbar support region of the backrest. If the seat depth is excessive, small people will not be able to sit back far enough to get the benefit of the backrest.

Bamboo Furniture

225-250 mm (British Standards)

The backrest angle should be adjustable to ensure that good lumbar support is available, and that working posture can be varied. It is most helpful for comfort at different angular positions if the backrest attachment allows some flexibility.

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// Mock Up Studying form and dimensions through mock up made out of Paper.

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Bamboo Furniture

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Mock Up // Bamboo Chair 142

Side View.

Material : Paper

Bamboo Furniture

Mock Up // Bamboo Chair Front view.

Material : Paper

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// Prototyping Applying the inferences from form studies to make suitable prototypes from bamboo.

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Bamboo Furniture

// Process (Prototyping) 1. Selecting required species of bamboo.

2. Cutting and plainning to size.

3. Cleaning the bamboo using a bamboo knife.

4. Treating the bamboo.

5. Drying the treated bamboo.

6. Cutting pieces to exact measurement.

7. Bending strips of bamboo for the side frames.

8. Assembling side frames.

9. Sanding bamboo.

10. Assembling side frames and cross-sections.

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// Species Used (Prototyping) Chair Back and Seat OCHLANTRA TRAVANCORICA Side frame - (Giant bamboo, local name “Anamula”) DENDROCALAMUS GIGANTEUS Solid bamboo (Leg support) PSEUDO-OXYTENANTHRA RITCHEYI Seat support - (Local name “Lathimula”) THYROSOSTACHIS OLIVERI

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Selecting The Dendrocalamus Giganteus species (Giant bamboo) of bamboo for bamboo nails and side frames of the chair.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Selecting The Ochlantra Travancorica species of bamboo for the seat and the back.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Selecting The Thyrosostachis Oliveri species of bamboo for the seat support.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Cleaning the material.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Using The Table Saw to cut bamboo and The Plainning Machine to plain the strips 7 mm thick.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Cutting the material to 1.5� sized strips of bamboo.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Plainning the strips of bamboo.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Bamboo strips 7 mm thick and 40 mm wide.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Pre-heating Boric Acid solution (Borax) for bamboo treatment.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Dipping the bamboo pieces and strips into the solution for treatment.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Bringing the solution to boil for 2 hours.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Drying the treated bamboo in sun for 24 hours.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Cheacking scale using a 1:1 sketch of the bamboo chair side view.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Bending the bamboo strips for the side frame of the bamboo chair.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Bending the bamboo strips for the side frame of the bamboo chair.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Measuring and checking dimensions using the scale drawing as reference.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Bending the bamboo strips for the side frame of the bamboo chair.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Bent bamboo strips for the side frame of the bamboo chair.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Assembling the bent pieces to make the side frames.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Using a G-clamp and bamboo nails to put the side frames together.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Using bamboo cross-sections for the chair seat.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Assembling the chair structure.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Assembling the chair structure.

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Prototyping // Bamboo Chair Contextual use of the prototype with its application.

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// Concept Visualization Visualising and detailing the bamboo chair concept and giving it dimensions with a help of digital modelling.

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Bamboo Furniture

Concept Visualization // Bamboo Chair The concept bamboo Chair in perspective.

3D modelling - Rhinoceros Renders - KeyShot.

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Concept Visualization // Bamboo Chair The top view of concept bamboo Chair.

174

Bamboo Furniture

19

Concept Visualization // Bamboo Chair The top view of concept bamboo Chair.

All dimensions in inches.

175

Concept Visualization // Bamboo Chair The front view of concept bamboo Chair.

176

Bamboo Furniture

17

16

33

Concept Visualization // Bamboo Chair The front view of concept bamboo Chair with dimensions.

All dimensions in inches.

177

Concept Visualization // Bamboo Chair The side view of concept bamboo Chair.

178

19 inches

Bamboo Furniture

33

18

1

Concept Visualization // Bamboo Chair The Side view of concept bamboo Chair with dimensions.

All dimensions in inches.

179

180

Bamboo Furniture

69 inches

33 inches

Scale // Bamboo Chair 181

// Technical Drawings Component drawings providing detailed information about the individual units for the assembling of the chair.

182

Bamboo Furniture

Component A Component B

Component C Component D Component E

Component F

Component G

Component H

183

19 3

15

1.5

12

15

15

100 32

100

1 100

17

16

32

1

110

16

Component A // Side Frame 184

All dimensions in Inches.

Required number of pieces - 4 (Drawings not to scale)

Bamboo Furniture

0.75

0.75

17

Component B // Back Rest All dimensions in Inches.

Required number of pieces - 3 (Drawings not to scale)

185

2.75

2.75

17

Component C // Seat Support 186

All dimensions in Inches.

Required number of pieces - 2 (Drawings not to scale)

Bamboo Furniture

0.75

0.75

17

Component D // Seat Rest All dimensions in Inches.

Required number of pieces - 18 (Drawings not to scale)

187

1.5

2.25

10.5

10.5

Component E // Chair Support 188

All dimensions in Inches.

Required number of pieces - 2 (Drawings not to scale)

Bamboo Furniture

14 2

11

8.5

3.5

1.5

11

Component F // Chair Support All dimensions in Inches.

Required number of pieces - 2 (Drawings not to scale)

189

0.75

0.75

17

Component G // Leg Support 190

All dimensions in Inches.

Required number of pieces - 2 (Drawings not to scale)

Bamboo Furniture

0.5 3

1

0.25

0.25

1.25

1.25

1.5

Component H // Metal Support All dimensions in Inches.

Required number of pieces - 4 (Drawings not to scale)

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// Inference Bamboo as a material has a lot to offer, and as long as you are willing to learn, you begin to fathom the immense number of possibilities, and the numerous products that can be made out of it using different techniques.

This project brought me closer to the traditional arts and crafts of India and gave me a closer look at all the work goes into the traditional products we see in markets.

One question that I kept asking myself for a long time was, ‘if we aren’t connected to our roots whom are we designing for?’ This project helped me bring closure to that. Being constantly aware of the material’s constrains, gave me the perfect opportunity to explore it in every possible way, within the given time frame.

A three-year long journey as a design student came to a fitting conclusion with my being able to design something with an open mind, while being challenged by and motivated to achieve my own goals.

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