Squiggle
Inflatable Bench
Individual Project
Course: Lightweight Structures
RISD Wintersession 2019
Challenge
To create a closed-air inflatable seating unit that can support at least one adult.
Research
I began the research phase of this project by considering the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of airtight inflatables. Closed-air inflatables are lightweight, self sustaining, mobile, and extremely versatile. Given this, I next needed to determine where an inflatable seat would be most useful. I considered residential, commercial, and pubic spaces and which of these would be an appropriate location for an inflatable seat to be enjoyed. I also studied standard seating parameters such as minimum seat width (16”) and minimum and maximum seat height (14'“-22”) for benches and chairs.
Competitive Analysis
The is a selection of existing closed-air inflatable seats that I used as references and for material and design analysis.
Define
During my research, I determined that TPU-coated nylon would be the easiest material for me to heat-seal by hand and would have the highest chance of success in supporting an adult’s weight given my production resources. Because of the slippery texture of the material, this decision suggested that the eventual design would likely require a fabric cover of some kind. This also meant that my design must be able to be made from the 58” wide rolls that TPU-coated nylon is sold in. I decided to prioritize and respond to the lightweight and playful nature of airtight inflatables and began curating my design ideas in this direction. I also resolved that an indoor commercial or public space would best house and facilitate use of an inflated seating unit. Having decided where my design would live, I opted to create a bench which would allow for many different people to enjoy the seat at once and be able to function successfully in multiple orientations.
Ideation
Once my parameters and goals were defined, I began considering what form this bench should take. I explored a variety of forms, some of which were geometric, modular, whimsical, interactive, or significantly oversized. I sketched out many possibilities (some seen here) before deciding on a squiggle.
Process
To create the nylon components for Squiggle, I designed each piece at scale in Illustrator and then projected them onto a large piece of paper and traced them. These tracing served as patterns which I copied onto the TPU-coated nylon and cut out. I then used small and medium hand irons to seal the outer shell together, attaching the bellows inside halfway through this process. Before sealing the last seam, I cut a small hole in one face and added an inflatable valve that allows the finished bench to be inflated and deflated. The pieces for the fabric case were created using the same patterning method and were then sewn together with a zipper that corresponds to the location of the valve on the bladder.
Solution
79” x 19” x 22”
TPU-Coated Nylon, Cotton
Squiggle is a lightweight and versatile inflatable bench that can be oriented in 4 different positions for unique seating experiences. Its structure consists of an exterior shell as well as a series of 7 interior bellows which are evenly distributed throughout and attached to opposing walls. These bellows are used to keep Squiggle in its desired shape even when there is strong positive air pressure inside the piece and multiple people using it.
Squiggle features bright, primary colors that accent its playful and interactive nature and encourage curiosity. It can be used by many as a bench, or even by one as a lounge chair. This bench offers a unique and memorable sitting experience for indoor public and commercial spaces and can also be enjoyed outdoors as a lightweight, portable, interactive seat.
Next Steps
To improve this design, I would focus on placing the Squiggle bench in different indoor public and commercial spaces and observing how others interact with it without prompting. I would also look into mechanized production methods to create sturdier heat welds.