Seating Assignment - To explore the idea of seating for adults using cross-cultural references with a form restriction of less than 1728 in^3.
The Chotpai is a casual seating solution for the Pakistani working class that subtly borrows form-making and design of rural Pakistani culture.
Profile View
- Width:- 15"
- Length:- 10"
- Elevation:- 11.5"
In Context
Setting down the Chotpai
Enjoying free time on the Chotpai
Picking up the Chotpai
Carrying with ease
Process
Ideation
When ideating, I used various references from my life to guide the seating contexts (Religion, culture, and habits) and create the following design conjectures.
1. During mosque sermons, my lower back is forced upright without lumbar support. Sermon seat is a low real-estate solution that keeps the user alert/engaged and can be stowed away during prayer time.
2. A stool-like woven seat inspired by South Asian sleeping cots (Charpai). The mini Charpai is a lightweight solution for the Pakistani working class to use in their available time.
3. A lounge-like curved seat that is loosely inspired by the simple curvature of toilets. Designed to be a dedicated seating arrangement to use devices to deter their use in other areas, like the bedroom/bathroom.
I resolved to continue with the Mini-Charpai because of its cultural significance as well as my desire to support the Pakistani working class as much as possible.
Idea 1 : Sermon Seat
Idea 2: Mini Charpai
Idea 3: Curved Seat
Sermon Seat Sketch
Mini Charpai Sketch
Charpai (Four-Legged)
A traditional sleeping/lounging solution in South Asia.
Design Thinking - User and Context
Shamshad (wearing white) is a member of our house staff who works outside, and his responsibilities include gardening, driving, and guarding the house.
Observing Shamshad through the years, I learned that he usually sits in gardens and socializes with people in our neighborhood in his free time. His seating solutions are improvised with flowerbeds or small rocks. I have also observed that Shamshad's resting/lounging solution is a charpai, which is lightweight and well-ventilated. Shamshad says the charpai has too much real estate and "setting it outside could give passersby the wrong idea".
I used this information to inform a simple seating solution that borrows from his existing furniture while addressing his concerns. I set out to create a dedicated seat that the working class, such as Shamshad, could use in their available time.
Shamshad in the garden
Flowerbed
Flowerbed
Shamshad's usual seating spot
Form Sketching
Leg sketch
Rapid form exploration
In Use doodle
Form Development / Iteration
Leg Sketch
Leg Profiles
Seat Dimension Testing (18"x18")
Seat Dimension Testing (10"x15")
CAD Model
Lathe turning Poplar hardwood (1.5"x1.5")
Marking planar changes with led and calipers
Comparison to first iteration profile
Mortising Practice
Joining with Tenons
Form compromised by joinery
Stapled linen under tension
Cross-weaving with burgundy yarn
Final Seat: The Chotpai
The Charpai is a well-established seating/sleeping solution for South Asian cultures. Being a rope-woven cot, it is ventilated, suitable for harsher climates, and can be used to work on, lounge, or sleep. Instead of overdeveloping what already works, I loosely borrowed the form language and development techniques to serve as a relatable seating solution for the working class, particularly house staff.
Chota means "small" in Urdu, Pakistan's national language, and Charpai is the inspiration for this seat; thus, "Chotpai".
Joinery-Weaving Interface
Weaving
Lathe-Turned Legs
Front View
