Kristen Campbell Hansen

Armchair by Kristen Campbell Hansen - This chair was the final result of my senior thesis project at the University of Michigan School of Art & Design. For design and process sketches and models, please see set "Senior Thesis Project"

Armchair: Side View - The bulk of the wood in this armchair is poplar, stained dark to highlight to strong lines used in the piece. The wedges are maple, and the cushion covers are microsuede For process sketches and models, please see "Senior Thesis Project" Set

Armchair by Kristen Campbell Hansen - Once the chair is assembled, it provides a comfortable and stable piece of furniture for the user. It has the advantages of knock-down, IKEA-type furniture without sacrificing any comfort, style, or stability. It can remain assembled as long as the user wants. The joinery also allows for the expanding and contracting of the wood. The wedges can just be tapped in further if the wood shrinks.

Armchair: Front View - The dimensions of the chair are stretched wider in order to give the user more space. I wanted to create a chair that did not constrain the way the user sits. The wide, horizontal arms also have advantages, as they allow the user to set things on them (books, newspapers, drinks, plates, etc)

Armchair: In Pieces - The chair is designed to be disassembled, moved, and reassembled at the users will. It is designed with a mobile user in mind--someone who may be moving a lot, and does not want to have to compromise on the furniture they take with them. The chair can be easily assembled by one user in about 10 minutes.

Armchair: Back View

Armchair by Kristen Campbell Hansen

Armchair Detail: Sliding Dovetail - Many of the joints used in the chair were sliding dovetails. They are easy for any user to engage or disengage, and they offer a great deal of strength and stability in terms of joinery

Armchair: Assembly in Process - This picture is of the chair mid-way through assembly

Armchair: Assembly in Process - Armchair further along in the assembly process

Armchair: Joinery - This modified mortise & tenon joint is another joint used in the chair. Armchair by Kristen Campbell Hansen uses only dry joinery--it does not employ the use of any glue or fasteners (like screws or nails). This decision is to not only reduce theoretical production costs, but to ensure the structural integrity of the piece each time it is assembled and disassembled.

Armchair: Mortise & Tenon Joint - Light-colored maple wedges are used in the mortise & tenon joints in order to highlight the manner in which the chair is assembled. The joinery is meant to be accented, not hidden.

Armchair: Wooden Structure - This is the fully assembled chair before the cushions are put on