PLATFORM:
SolidWorks, Fusion 360 CAM
TIMEFRAME:
6 Weeks, Mar - Apr
YEAR:
2025
MY ROLE:
Concept Development, Rapid Prototyping
FIKA ARMCHAIR
Designed for a Moment of Calm, in an Ever-Busy World
introduction.
As a design student, I struggled with balance in my life. I struggled to have time away from school and spend time with family and loved ones. From that, with this project, I wanted to create something from the heart and something for myself. Fika is the Swedish word for a deliberate break in the middle of the day intended for self-reflection and quality time. In short, I wanted to create a chair helps users staying in the moment and facilitates relaxation.
challenge.
Each student has a material restriction of only a four-by-eight-foot sheet of 0.72-inch Baltic Birch Plywood. Fusion 360 must be used for the CAM software. The CNC used is only a two-axis machine, which must be taken into account while designing joinery and part orientation.
result.
I chose to use a piece of hardwood for the backrest. I chose Beech because it matched the material usage and look of the Vitsoe factory. The main reason I chose to use hardwood was that the cut would have exposed the inner plies, which wouldn't have looked the best. My instructor agreed and approved my usage of the material for this piece of the chair.
conclusion.
I am extremely proud of this project. It was my first time designing and building furniture. Overall, my biggest takeaway was a newfound level of respect for all furniture designers and furniture builders. This project has taught me to appreciate great furniture and see the process as an art form.
