The Lightweight Structure,
a Message for our Future Generations

We are living in the era of "Limited resources and unlimited needs".
We are facing universal crises such as lack of resources and environmental pollution, driven by over productions and indiscriminate consumptions. With these kind of problem in our generation, it's getting more important than ever to ask ourselves "which message" to put in our design.

I think "Efficiency" is the most important message to put in my design for the future generations. Project The Tension is the message for our future generations, talking about the efficiency through "Lightweight Structure".

Lightweight Structure which is made by less materials, also use the material technically better and more beautiful way is containing the message called efficiency. With the lightweight structure, we can make our world more "Sustainable".

Through parallel process between CAD and physical model simulation, I sought the optimal structure. This process found the suitable structure and materials which counter to compression and tension, also creates new efficient way of integrating, structuring and unique aesthetic.

I hope that users will appreciate the efficiency of my design, with these messages are widespread, and that there is a more livable world for our future generations.

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Background & Insight

The Lightweight Structure,
a Message for our Future Generations

We are living in the era of "limited resources and unlimited needs". It
is a issue against humanity.We are facing many universal crises such as the lack of resources and the environmental pollution, driven by over production and indiscriminate consumptions.

With these kinds of problems in our generation, it's getting more important than ever to ask ourselves what "Message" do we have to put in our design.

Project The Tension is the message for our future generations, talking about "the Efficiency".



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Solution & Benefits

The Lightweight Structure
makes the world more "Sustainable"

"Limited resources and unlimited needs." This is the reality that we are facing now. However through the lightweight structure, we can make our world more sustainable. The Lightweight structure can makes more output(lightness, volume, stability, aesthetic, sustainability) with less input(materials, energy, labor, emission). and the Lightweight structure that I sought through this project creates new efficient way of integrating, structuring and unique aesthetic.



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Design Process

A Parallel Process to make
the lightweight structure for "Real Life"

Project "the tension" is a project based on an efficiency. This project maximizes the potential of tensile features to find the optimal structure and beauty of a lightweight structure.

Objects made for use such as tables or chairs need specific volumes and structure to perform like one. Defining the overall objectives of things and removing all the features except the minimal core volumes and structures.

To find the optimal structure I've done a parallel process between CAD and Physical Model Experiment. Analysing the tension and compression added to an object through CAD and physical model simulations. Through this simulation, I found the suitable structure and materials countering to compression and tension, resulting the best tensile and compressive structure that is optimized for the lightweight structure.

However the biggest challenge for me was designing the lightweight structure for real life.I think the real innovation comes from balancing between ideal and reality(limitation). No matter how beautiful the lightweight structure is, it's useless without usability. The project's goal can only be accomplished by the balance between structure and usability (ex:ergonomics , a proper size of an object).

The Project's goal was able to be accomplished by processing the design through a human-scale physical model test. I made the human-scale lightweight structure through a physical model stress analysis. After, I had used that model for a certain time to find out problems and insights from real life usage.

Balancing between optimal lightweight structure and ergonomic was complex puzzle, but the real optimal lightweight structure is only possible when the puzzle is completed.



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Materials & Manufacturing Methods

Suitable Materialsand
Manufacturing Process

I found the best materials countering to tension or compression through physical model test. For tension I have selected stainless steel rope. For compression I have selected stainless steel and aluminium.

The manufacturing process of this project is accomplished through cooperation with the finest domestic artisans. Material processing for this project was laser cutting, metal folding and lathing which are an efficient way to process a material.The final after processing and assembly of this project was done very carefully under the direction of the designer.



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Product's Life cycle

Timeless Object

I think that products should be made to last long and durable through an
ethical production process. Products that are used for a long time become
more valuable objects as time goes by. Also, It delivers the message of
efficiency for a long time. To achieve this purpose, I designed this
product with durable materials as stainless steel or aluminum, and to
overhaul through bolting.



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Target Market

Premium furniture market

To define and deliver my message through design, I did not compromise with any risks, including economical and technological issues while working on my design. Due to this fact, I could make the finest design. The main market of this project is the premium furniture market which fits my purpose. Approaching the market through international design fair and websites. I hope to find people who understand the value of my message and buy my piece.



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The Tension Table & Stool

The Tension Table and Stool are "The Prestressed Structures" whose integrity and stability primarily depend on prestressing. Structurally minimized tabletop and legs can be stiffly integrated without a thick joint, it works by tensioning the cable. Each three anchors on the top and legs are connected by a cable which connects an anchor to two opposite anchors that creates the crossing equal prestress in the structure. The table and stool can be weight lightened and have a unique pointed joint by this special way of integrating. The pointed joint makes the top look as if it is magically floating on the legs. The Tension Table and Stool are mostly made up of stainless steel and aluminum, also they can be customized with other materials. The structural principle can be variously applied to other objects.



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The Tension Shelf

The tension shelf is "the Cable Stayed Mast Structure". The structure consists of iconic twin masts, cross beams, legs and tension cables which are formed by analysis of the stress in the structure. The masts which are anchored to the cross beams are stiffly integrated by the connection between the top of masts and both edges of the cross beams, resulting in a tetrahedron shape which is a minimum but rigid geometry. And the cable connection between masts and struts works as a tension truss which prevents the deflection of the mast caused from a load on the shelf. The tension shelf, integrated by prestressed cables in clever way results loss of material and unique lightweight structure piece. The tension shelf is made up of stainless steel and tempered glass. The object can be customized in various sizes and color.

This project is still on progress.

Thanks!