Studies in Craft: Furniture Design + Fabrication Seminar/Workshop Uf - Soa Arc 6912 / Fall 2013

STUDIES IN CRAFT: FURNITURE DESIGN + FABRICATION
COURSE#: ARC 6912

SEMESTER: Fall, 2013
COURSE SYLLABUS
SCHEDULE: Tu, P6/Th P5-6

LOCATION: Fine Arts C 219
Studies in Craft: Furniture Design + Fabrication Seminar/Workshop

UF|SoA ARC 6912 / Fall 2013
Location:
Schedule:
Fine Arts C 219

Tu P6
12:50a -1:40 p
Th P5-6
11:45a -1:40p
Professor:
Office:
Office Hours:
Email:
Stephen Belton
ARC 238
Tu 10a-12p
[email protected]
Scope
The design and fabrication of furniture represents the touchstone of our engagement with the
material world, both as designers and users. Furniture maintains a critical link with architecture,
both as bookending the smaller scale of form and space as it engages human occupation
and use, and as a scaled distillation of the evolving interplay between form, materiality and
fabrication.
Within the Modernist movement furniture became a focused study by both
architects and industrial designers between material form and the methods of industrial
production. Todays advancements in CAD/CAM design fabrication present new questions
regarding the dialectic of human and machine, and in turn new challenges and new
opportunities in the exploration of craft.
The semester will begin by researching both historical and contemporary material and
fabrication processes. From this collective research and discussions, students will work
together to develop a line of inquiry regarding material form and process, leading to the
design, prototyping, and finished fabrication of their furniture. Students will work in groups of
two and three, combining methods of the hand, machine and computer to develop a family
of furniture design pieces.
Wood, because of its availability, rich tradition in both architecture and furniture, and
responsiveness and mutability to numerous tools and techniques, will be the primary material
vehicle for the investigations of the class. Nevertheless other materials may be combined as
tectonics and compositional opportunities suggest.
Objectives
To develop the skill necessary to design and build full-scale constructions using both
digital and hand manufacturing.
To build a facility for iterative problem-solving to reach comprehensive design solutions.
To understand and manipulate materials consistent with and expressive of their

essential characteristics.
To learn techniques of craftsmanship through the study and presentation of precedent

works, both historical and contemporary.
PROFESSOR: Stephen Belton

E: [email protected] / T: 883.4454
OFFICE: ARC 238

OFFICE HOURS: Tu. 10-12

COURSE#: ARC 6912
COURSE SYLLABUS

Five Dialectical Themes

While not intended to be all-encompassing or exhaustive as to the scope of the course, the
following five dialectical pairs will serve as frameworks for class discussions, presentations, and
the understanding, critique and conceptual and design development of the furniture design
work:
Dialectic 1: Hand vs. Digital Craft/Design
Dialectic 2: Structure vs. Surface
Dialectic 3: Material Behavior vs. the Joint
Dialectic 4: Function and Engagement with the Body Ideal vs. Actual
Dialectic 5: Designing vs. Making
Schedule
The semester is divided into five sections, each building upon the previous in scale and detail
of the investigations:
Part 1: Material types and processes research (wks 1-4)
Part 2: Furniture concepts and material tests (wks 4-6)
Part 3: Design development through prototype testing and mockups (wks 6-10)
Part 4: Final fabrication of furniture design (wks 10-14)
Part 5: Documentation and Portfolio Submission (wks 16-17)
See the attached calendar for a complete schedule.

Disclaimer: This syllabus represents the current plans and objectives of this course. As we go
through the semester, those plans may need to change to enhance the class learning
opportunity. Such changes, communicated clearly, are not unusual and should be expected.
Website
A website with the following address will be established for the seminar:
furniturefab2013.wordpress.com
The purpose of the website is two-fold. One it is intended to be an informal compliment to the
specific and more rigorous presentations, allowing for immediate feedback and discussion
among the participants about research, concepts, testing, techniques, and design decisions.
OFFICE: ARC 238


COURSE#: ARC 6912
COURSE SYLLABUS

Secondly it will be a way to document process and just as important, a mechanism by which
to remember to document process (lots of photos!).
Communications
While the website will be used for informal discussion and feedback from both the professor
and your colleagues, if you have immediate and direct questions, the preferred method of
communication outside of class is by email or during office hours,
Requirements
The seminar is limited to 14 students. Strong 3d modeling skills are strongly recommended but
not required. Fablab registration is required. In addition, students should expect to spend
$300-$600 throughout the course on materials depending on their specific research and
design proposal.
UF Student Computing Requirement

As per university computing requirements, all students are expected to have serviceable
computers and software for use in studio. While CIRCA is available to meet most computing
needs, downtime or issues with software/licenses may restrict your capability to produce
during peak production times. Having your own computer will allow you to be more flexible
and fluid with your incorporation of digital media into the design workflow.
The following hardware recommendations are geared for the architectural computing
environment:
Suggested Hardware Recommendation:
Intel Core 2 Duo, or I series processor, at least 2.0 Ghz
4GB of RAM (64-bit)
250 Gigabyte Hard Drive with a speed of 7,200rpm
Support for DirectX 11 and discrete graphics card, 256 mb graphics memory
100mbit or 1Gbit Ethernet Adapter for Broadband
WiFi 802.11 b/g or n wireless networking on laptops
1440 x 900 or higher resolution monitor
Operating System: Windows 7 Professional / Ultimate 64 Bit
Rhinoceros 4 SR8
Adobe Creative Suite 5 (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Autodesk Autocad
Studio Culture

OFFICE: ARC 238


COURSE#: ARC 6912
COURSE SYLLABUS

Creative design is best achieved through collaboration, participation and discussions within
the studio. I strongly encourage students to work together and discuss and exchange ideas
about the coursework throughout the semester. Also in light of the shared work environment, it
is expected that while the environment should be creative, enjoyable and fun, it should also
reflect a respect for fellow students and their desire to work with regard to noise levels, noxious
fumes, etc. The physical space is a further component of this environment that should be
treated with respect. A specific point to this is a new official school-wide policy regarding the
use of aerosol sprays:
Spray Painting Policy, College of Design, Construction and Planning
Spray painting, or the use of any other sort of aerosol spray, is not allowed in the Architecture
Building, Rinker Hall and in Fine Arts C, except within the spray booth found in Room 211 of Fine
Arts C. Students found in violation of this policy will be referred to the Dean of Students for
disciplinary action.
Attendance
The siminar is organized around a mixture of presentations, group discussions, pin-ups, and
group crits, and information accumulated, disseminated, and developed through this time is
vital to the student's understanding of the design projects. Furthermore, because a large
portion of the work is group-based, a students participation is vital to the success of the group
projects and the seminar as a whole. Attendance is therefore mandatory, and absence or
tardiness does not excuse a student from the work expected of them that day. Three
absences - excused or otherwise - constitute grounds for a full letter reduction of the final
grade; six absences constitute grounds for a failing grade in the class. Tardiness of more than
20 minutes will be counted as an absence. It is the student's responsibility to obtain information
missed during that day from fellow students. In the case of an illness or family emergency, the
student must present a valid excuse, such as a doctor's note. In the case of any unavoidable
conflicts such as class trips, please see me in advance so we can make proper
accommodations with the schedule. This seminar will make several, if infrequent trips for which
all attempts will be made to notify you in advance for scheduling and coordination.
Evaluation + Grading
Grading will follow the course structure with the following weight:
Research, concept presentation and material testing (through week 6)
Design Development, final furniture fabrication and portfolio documentation
30%
50%
The remaining 20% will be assessed according to participation, progress, effort and attitude.
Please note that attendance will adversely affect one's grade, both in direct grade reduction
and in missing work in the development of a project. Following the preliminary design
presentation in week 6, an interim grade will be given. The final grade will be based on the
following guidelines:
A
Outstanding work. Execution of work is thoroughly complete and demonstrates a

superior level of achievement overall with a clear attention to detail in the production
of the final work as well a, models and other forms of representation. The student is
able to synthesize the course material with new concepts and ideas in a thoughtful

OFFICE: ARC 238

COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE#: ARC 6912


manner, and is able to communicate and articulate those ideas in an exemplary

fashion.
B
High quality work. Student work demonstrates a high level of craft consistency and
thoroughness throughout drawing and modeling work. The student demonstrates a
level of thoughtfulness in addressing concepts and ideas, and participates in group
discussions. Work may demonstrate excellence but less consistently than an A student.
Satisfactory work. Student work addresses all of the project and assignment objectives
with few minor or major problems. Graphics and models are complete and satisfactory
exhibiting minor problems in craft and detail.
Less than satisfactory work. Graphic and modeling work is substandard, incomplete in
significant ways and lacks craft and attention to detail.
Unsatisfactory work. Work exhibits several major and minor problems with basic
conceptual premise lacking both intention and resolution. Physical representation in
drawing and models is severely lacking and is weak in clarity, craft, and completeness.
Letter
Grade
Numeric
Grade
Quality
Points
A-
B+
B-
C+
C-
D+
D-
93100
9092
8789
8386
8082
7779
7376
7072
6769
6366
6062
0-59
4.0
3.67
3.33
3.0
2.67
2.33
2.0
1.67
1.33
1.0
0.67
0.0
UF Grading Policy
Information on UF's grading policy can be found at the following location:
http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/policies/regulationgrades.html
UF Policies:
University Policy on Accommodating Students with Disabilities: Students requesting
accommodation for disabilities must first register with the Dean of Students Office
(http://www.dso.ufl.edu/drc/). The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the
student who must then provide this documentation to the instructor when requesting
accommodation. You must submit this documentation prior to submitting assignments or
taking the quizzes or exams. Accommodations are not retroactive, therefore, students should
contact the office as soon as possible in the term for which they are seeking
accommodations.
University Policy on Academic Misconduct: Academic honesty and integrity are fundamental
values of the University community. Students should be sure that they understand the UF
Student Honor Code at http://www.dso.ufl.edu/students.php.
**Netiquette: Communication Courtesy: All members of the class are expected to follow rules
of common courtesy in all email messages, threaded discussions and chats. [Describe what is
expected and what will occur as a result of improper behavior
http://teach.ufl.edu/docs/NetiquetteGuideforOnlineCourses.pdf
OFFICE: ARC 238


COURSE#: ARC 6912
COURSE SYLLABUS

Getting Help:
For issues with technical difficulties for E-learning in Sakai, please contact the UF Help Desk at:
[email protected]
(352) 392-HELP - select option 2
https://lss.at.ufl.edu/help.shtml
** Any requests for make-ups due to technical issues MUST be accompanied by the ticket
number received from LSS when the problem was reported to them. The ticket number will
document the time and date of the problem. You MUST e-mail your instructor within 24 hours of
the technical difficulty if you wish to request a make-up.
Other resources are available at http://www.distance.ufl.edu/getting-help for:
Counseling and Wellness resources
Disability resources
Resources for handling student concerns and complaints
Library Help Desk support
Should you have any complaints with your experience in this course please visit
http://www.distance.ufl.edu/student-complaints to submit a complaint.

OFFICE: ARC 238


COURSE#: ARC 6912
COURSE SYLLABUS

Bibliography
Design Theory + History
Amery, Colin. 1991. Pioneers of modern furniture. London: Fischer Fine Art Ltd. in
association with Lund Humphries.
Cranz, Galen. 1998. The chair: rethinking culture, body, and design. New York: W.W.
Norton.
Greenberg, Cara. 1984. Mid-century modern: furniture of the 1950s. New York:
Harmony Books.
Sennett, Richard. 2008. The craftsman. New Haven: Yale University Press.
Design
Asensio, Paco, and Cristina Montes. 2002. Furniture design. New York, NY: TeNeues.
Bartolucci, Marisa, Cathy Lang Ho, Raul Cabra, and Dung Ngo. 2000. American
contemporary furniture. New York: Universe Pub.
Blaser, Werner, and Charles von Bren. 1992. Joint and connection: ideas in furniture
design and their background. Basel: Birkhuser Verlag.
Byars, Mel. 1997. 50 tables: innovations in design and materials. Crans-Prs-Celigny,
Switzerland: RotoVision SA.
Byars, Mel, and Cinzia Anguissola dAlto. 2006. New chairs: design, technology and
materials. London, United Kingdom: L. King.
Gehry, Frank O., and Ellen Davidson. 1992. Frank Gehry: new bentwood furniture
designs : [exhibition. Montreal: Museum of Decorative Arts.
Lovell, Sophie. 2009. Limited edition: prototypes, one-offs and design art furniture. Basel:
Birkhuser.
Ngo, Dung, and Eric Pfeiffer. 2003. Bent ply: the art of plywood furniture. New York:
Princeton Architectural Press.
Ochsner, Jeffrey Karl. 2012. Furniture studio: materials, craft, and architecture. Seattle
[Wash.]: University of Washington Press.
Ramakers, Renny, and Gijs Bakker. 1998. Droog Design: spirit of the nineties. Rotterdam:
010 Publishers.
Rowlands, Penelope, Marisa Bartolucci, Raul Cabra, and Jean Prouv. 2002. Jean
Prouv. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
Schmidt, Philip. 2012. Plydesign: 73 distinctive DIY Projects in Plywood (and other sheet
goods). North Adams, MA: Storey Pub.
Stuart, Christopher. 2011. DIY furniture: a step-by-step guide. London: Laurence King.
Webb, Michael, and Tim Street-Porter. 2007. Modernist paradise: Niemeyer house, Boyd
collection. New York: Rizzoli.
Williams, Gareth. 2006. The furniture machine: furniture since 1990. London: V&A.
Technique + Process
Graubner, Wolfram. 1992. Encyclopedia of wood joints. Newtown, CT: Taunton Press.
Rogowski, Gary. 2002. The complete illustrated guide to joinery. Newtown, CT: Taunton
Press.
Schleining, Lon. 2010. Wood bending made simple. Newtown, CT: Taunton Press.
Seike, Kiyoshi. 1978. The art of Japanese joinery. New York [u.a.]: Weatherhill/Tankosha.
Thompson, Rob. 2007. Manufacturing processes for design professionals. New York:
Thames & Hudson.
Thompson, Rob, and Young Yun Kim. 2011. Product and furniture design. New York:
Thames & Hudson.

OFFICE: ARC 238

ARC 6912: STUDIES IN CRAFT

FURNITURE DESIGN + FABRICATION SEMINAR/WORKSHOP
w 1
8/19
8/20
8/21
FALL 2013 CALENDAR

DRAFT 13.08.14
TH
8/22
8/23
8/24
8/25
8/30
8/31
9/1
9/6
9/7
9/8
INTRODUCTION
research assigned
w 2
w 3
8/26
9/2
8/27
First Day of Classes
GROUP RESEARCH >>>
8/28
8/29
LECTURE:
GROUP PRESENTATIONS 1
wood + wood products
Wood Processes
9/3
9/4
HOLIDAY
9/5
GROUP PRESENTATIONS 1
Labor Day
SHOP ORIENTATION
9/9
9/10
Wood Processes
INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH >>>
w 4
9/11
9/12
9/13
9/14
9/15
9/20
9/21
9/22
9/27
9/28
9/29
FIELD TRIP - Griffis et. al.

IND. FURN. RES. PRESENT.
PARTNERS CHOSEN
MATERIAL TESTS + CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT >>>
w 5
9/16
9/17
9/18
DESIGN PRESENTATION 1
MILL ORIENTATION 1
w 6
9/19
9/23
9/24
material tests + design

9/25
9/26
DESIGN PRESENTATION 2
MILL ORIENTATION 2
1/4 scake mockup

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT >>>
w 7
9/30
10/1
10/2
10/3
10/4
10/5
10/6
CNC MILL TESTS
w 8
10/7
10/8
10/9
10/10
10/11
10/12
10/13
w 9
10/14
10/15
10/16
10/17
10/18
10/19
10/20
10/25
10/26
10/27
11/1
11/2
11/3
11/8
11/9
11/10
FULL-SCALE MOCKUP 1
w 10
10/21
10/22
10/23
ORDER FINAL MATERIALS
10/24
FULL-SCALE MOCKUP 2
FINAL ASSEMBLY >>>
w 11
10/28
10/29
10/30
10/31
FINAL MILLING (2ND)
w 12
11/4
11/5
11/6
11/7
HOLIDAY
FINAL MILLING (2ND)
Homecoming
w 13
11/11
11/12
11/13
11/14
11/15
11/16
11/17
w 14
11/18
11/19
11/20
11/21
11/22
11/23
11/24
11/30
12/1
12/7
12/8
12/14
12/15
12/21
12/22
FINAL FABRICATION DUE

DISPLAY AND REVIEW
no class
w 15
11/25
11/26
11/27
11/28
11/29
HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY
no class
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving Break
12/3
12/4
12/5
12/6
G1/G3 FINAL REVIEWS
Last Day OF Classes
Reading days
Reading days
w 16
12/2
no class
PORTFOLIO DOCUMENTATION >>>
w 17
12/9
12/10
12/11
12/12
12/13
Exams
Exams
Exams
Exams
Exams
FINAL PORTFOLIO DUE

12/16
12/17
12/18
12/19
12/20
Grades Due
*Note: Instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus and course schedule.

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STUDIES IN CRAFT: FURNITURE DESIGN + FABRICATION

COURSE#: ARC 6912

SCHEDULE: Tu, P6/Th P5-6