Taboo Biodegradable Chair

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The chair is made of a special non-fire clay, which has a material strength comparable to ABS plastic. It can completely degrade to organic fertilizer within two years in an industrial landfill environment.
The structure of the chair was topologically optimized. After setting the parameters of force, support and pressure values, the redundant parts were eliminated.
After testing, this chair can withstand 100kg of longitudinal force.

Dimensions & Packaging

420mm x 260mm x 450mm

Tags

Clay, Biodegradation, Topology Optimization, Carbon Neutrality

Production Technology

In the design phase, we used the Finite Element Analysis plug-in in Rihno for topology optimization calculations to eliminate redundant parts.
After the prototype was printed using 3D printing, we disassembled it and turned out more than 70 plaster molds. Finally, the finished product was produced using the casting process.

Design Challenge

Additives and clay shrinkage adjustment
Skilled use of topology optimization
Development of robotic arm 3D clay printing technology
Generation of internal crystal structures

Project Duration

The project started in June 2020 in Nanjing and finished in February 2022 in Nanjing.

Operation Flow

The chair is made of raw clay, which can be found everywhere, and by adding additives to it, it can achieve great strength without being fired, and it is biodegradable, turning into organic fertilizer and recycling after being disposed of in landfills.

Research

Research on new materials and molding process
A biodegradable high-strength no-bake clay material is formulated under the requirement of low carbon emission. It avoids the high energy consumption of modern industrial production while achieving the sustainable use of resources. To achieve maximum material utilization with the support of topology optimization algorithms.
Through the experimentation in the field of furniture, we will mature the production process and eventually reinvent the world by entering the construction industry with the concept of raw earth construction.

Inspiration

The chair shape is inspired by the human female pelvis.
The technique of the chair material is inspired by the paper clay used in ceramics art, and the characteristics of the clay are changed by adding additions.
The material was developed in response to the current call for energy saving and emission reduction, with the intention of completing the 'construction' of the world from a new perspective, based on the traditional raw clay.

Colors of Taboo Biodegradable Chair