Inspired by vacuum storage bags, which are commonly used in our daily lives, we discovered that when air is sucked out, the PE casings become sturdy and rigid. By replacing the clothing contents with polystyrene, they become even more rigid and convenient for shaping.

In this series of works, "VacLab" has created three experimental furniture pieces. First, a sofa that adapts to the body's shape. Second, a low table with unique folds and also very sturdy. Third, a lamp that users can freely sculpt.

"VacLab" aims to explore new possibilities in furniture design. Furniture is no longer limited to being solely rigid or soft; it can possess both characteristics and seamlessly transition between them. Users will participate in the creation process of furniture, shaping them by hand to achieve unique forms. Sofas can conform to the contours of the body, creating a distinct bond between the furniture and the user. We're excited to develop this material further, opening up new possibilities and applications.

Inspiration

Our inspiration stemmed from vacuum compression bags commonly used for clothing. It's a simple concept: removing air to compress items enhances their stability. We saw an opportunity to apply this principle to create objects that seamlessly blend stability and flexibility, enriching our daily lives.

Material Testing

1. Contents: We tested various materials and sizes, including clothing, cotton, recycled plastic pellets, and polystyrene balls of different sizes. Ultimately, we opted for 2mm diameter polystyrene balls as they provided a significant shrinkage effect while remaining lightweight.

2. Casings: We combined TPU backing with cotton and linen fabric fibers, often used in furniture design. This outer layer offers warmth and a tactile feel, while the inner TPU layer ensures sealing, blending the overall style seamlessly into daily life.

3. Welding Test: After multiple pattern tests, we employed high-frequency fusion for fabric welding.

4. Vacuum Test: We designed unidirectional air valves, fixed onto the fabric with a knob mechanism, and conducted sealing tests.

Ideation

This material boasts several features:

(1) Conforms to the contours of objects it contacts.

(2) Exhibits both soft and hard states.

(3) Allows for free sculpting.

(4) Larger volumes provide support.

Leveraging these, we conceptualized furniture forms, integrating them with metal frames for a visually cohesive look.

Furniture Features

1. Furniture transcends rigid or soft limitations; it seamlessly blends both qualities, offering a versatile transition between them. It can be soft like a sofa or a rigid chair to fit your body contour.

2. Users actively participate in the furniture creation process, shaping pieces by hand to achieve unique forms.

3. Sofas contour to body shapes, fostering a unique bond between furniture and user.

User Process

1. Fastening: Secure the fabric to the metal frame with fixed fasteners at specific points for stability before shaping.

2. Sculpting: Shape the object to fit body curves, ensuring a comfortable seating experience.

3. Compression: Open the valve, use a vacuum machine to form a solid structure.

4. Finishing: Screw on the valve cap to isolate airflow, completing the vacuum-sculpted furniture process.

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