Relation Shelving
Fall 2020
Photography: Jihun Kang
The Relation Shelf was inspired by the 3D curriculum of Pratt Institute. The shelf makes use of three basic elements first taught to Industrial Design students, plane, line, and volume. These three items are then arranged in a relationship of dominant, subdominant, and subordinate. A sheet metal volume, the dominant, a wooden track as the subordinate, and the sliding panel as subdominant.
Inspiration derived from the simplicity of Judd’s forms and his respect for pure geometry and material – specifically his sheet metal sculptures and furniture pieces served as a vital source of inspiration.
As a student of Pratt Institute, an attempt to honor Reed’s design philosophy was crucial in the development of this piece. As a senior year project, the Relation Shelf system draws from the elementary principles taught by Rowena Reed. An exploration of the three basic forms, plane, line, and volume all in the hierarchy of dominance, subdominant, and subordinate became a theme of exploration for the shelf.
In the appearance models, the exploration of internal shelving began to manifest. The concept evolved around providing users with the opportunity to remove possible shelving and adjust the arrangement within the unit. Built to full scale, the appearance model was made out of two-ply chipboard with a poplar wood track.
For the final prototype, the dimensions from the larger shelving unit were used in the construction. Here the finalized materials all come together to form the structure. Three varying materials reflect Rowena Reed Kostellow’s methodology of the relationship between elements. 16 gauge sheet metal bent and spot welded enclose a red oak track that allows for a plywood cover to slide over your undesirable messes and possessions.
