Interactive Sonic Chair: Final Project Inspirations

My project revolves around the ability to interact with something you sit on, however this is a function and not an aesthetic. Instead, I would like this function to enhance the aesthetic that I would be trying to convey. I just got a hold of Prof. Hertzberg’s 1000 Chairs book by Fiell; it’s rather inspirational for my project. Below is an example of a chair that I really like from that book (p.400). It seems to have the versatility in seating positions that I’m looking for.

What I’m going for is a sort-of valley look. If you were a giant, sitting in a valley, what would it feel like? What would it sound like? I am continually inspired by canyons. I found myself nestled in a sandstone canyon on Thanksgiving Break. It would be cool to bring this feeling into everyday life.

Next comes the interactivity. My buddies play in a band called SuperLounge. Given that name, I thought it would be neat to have a lounge chair that one could play as an instrument. I have moderate experience in using Arduino to translate sensor input into MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) signals to be used in electronic music production. I was considering using some sort of pressure sensors or magnetic field sensors for detecting one’s body. They would be laid out in a grid so it could sense what position you’re sitting in.

First: Wolf & Maiden. Simon’s Stool. Wood and cork with woven elastic ropes.
Middle: Annie Evelyn. Reclaimed Cypress Scotty Chair. Wood.
Last: NunoErin. Interactive Bench.

Lastly, I will have to make my design into a buildable project with the time, tools, and skills that are available to me. I will have to carefully plan out the testing phase, prototyping, software, and manufacturing. I may ask my teammates for help.