The Hive
Ways We Gather
The purpose of this project was to design a table in response to the following prompt: “Ways We Gather”. To start, I attempted to define what this meant to me. Of course, multiple meanings came through but what ultimately stuck with me was the idea of collaboration, picturing the dynamics of a bee colony gathering together at the hive in collaboration toward sustaining their ecosystem. More than gathering bodies together, we gather ideas, tools, and other exchanges - physical and non-physical - and I wanted to design a table that sustains each of these aspects of gathering.
Design Features
The table is designed as a space and tool for children to gather. Taking inspiration from the bees, the design of the table is based on a hive. The hexagonal shape allows for multiple “Hives” to fit together and resemble a honeycomb. The Hive can be taken apart and used as additional table space, storage, or stools.
Multi-Purpose Design
The multifunctional table is a piece of playroom furniture that is functional and accessible by children too - using storage compartments, fitting together with additional hives, and taking apart to use as stools, are all functions that children can carry out without parental intervention. Further, the inclusion of hexagonal windows throughout the table was added to inspire curiosity with the hopes children would want to take a peek and explore what’s on the inside. This design therefore encourages independent play and promotes the use of imagination, while maintaining its essence as a space and tool of gathering.
Materials
The use of corrugated cardboard was encouraged due to its durability and, most importantly, ease of shipping. Initially, the design was thought to be delivered in parts and simply assembled by the user, which in turn would add further connection as a point of gathering. Cardboard also had the added benefit of being drawable - children could use their own colouring tools to customize each piece.
Prototyping
The final design was completed after 6 rounds of modelling and critique. I then began working on the first prototype using cardboard and a laser cutter. After a final critique, a 3D rendering was completed. During the second prototyping stage, I included yellow plexiglass to insert in the hexagonal “windows” for added warmth and colour.
Programs Used
Fusion 360, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
Demonstrated commitment to quality and attention to detail, especially in finalizing the choice of material.
Practiced design direction changes and feedback during class critique and focus group sessions.
Utilized prototyping software at various stages to ensure product accuracy and efficiency.
Balancing form and function without compromising a commitment to quality. Maintained the approach of not over-complicating a product.
Developed skills in thinking like the user (children and parents). Incorporated benefits - both in form and function - for the child and playroom.
Designing furniture for children to interact with took much more intentional design than I originally anticipated. Each design decision came down to asking if it benefits the child’s play and experience while maintaining an aesthetic and function that responds to the space and parent. Intentionality is something that I incorporate into all my designs, however, in this case, I felt all the more pressure to ensure a sense of wonder and community - gathering - remained at the core of this design.