Stuo Set
Stuo is a space-efficient seating solution that combines a stool and table, designed for apartment residents facing limited living space. Inspired by mid-century modern ideals and influenced by Bauhaus principles, the Stuo Set achieves a delicate balance between form and function, featuring two plus-shaped stools with attachable legs stored under an end table. Craftsmanship and sustainability play a central role, with a prototype showcasing twist-lock attachable legs and the use of wood and sustainable fabric, reflecting Knoll's commitment to eco-friendly design practices.
Deliverables
Seating Set, Case Study, Exhibition, Photography, Final Presentation
Involvement
Concept Development, Market Research, Assembly, Exhibition Setup, Studio Photography
Software
Blender, Indesign
Collaboration
Abigail Elledge, Courtney Barrett, Kieran Wilson, Lily Gregory
About Stuo
Craftsmanship and sustainability were central to the construction of the Stuo Set. The prototype, developed at a 1/3 size scale, showcased the twist-lock attachable legs, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. The use of wood and sustainable fabric not only aligned with mid-century modern ideals but also underscored Knoll's commitment to eco-friendly design practices. With a team member with sculpture knowledge and a team member with sewing knowledge, the construction process was smoother than imagined.
Project Opportunity
Stuo set solves the challenge of balancing form and function in creating a seating solution. Inspired by mid-century modern ideals, Mies van der Rohe, and Dieter Rams, we prioritized space efficiency and ease of storage. The outcome, named the Stuo Set, comprises two plus-shaped stools with attachable legs stored under an end table. This design caters to apartment residents seeking additional seating options within limited spaces, combining functionality with a visually appealing pattern.
Process:
The development of the Stuo Set posed various challenges and provided valuable lessons throughout the modeling process. Crafting the seating prototype by hand presented difficulties in addressing certain construction issues, prompting the adoption of advanced techniques such as 3D printing to overcome these obstacles and enhance the overall design and production processes.
Seating:
The Stuo Set successfully addresses the challenges of apartment living, offering a stylish and space-efficient seating solution. The comprehensive design process, inspired by mid-century modern ideals, has resulted in a product that reflects Knoll's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life for those navigating compact living spaces.
Exhibition:
The Stuo Set was featured in an exhibition titled Subtle: An Exploration of Presence and Purpose to showcase six seating solutions created by teams of design students at Anderson University in Anderson, South Carolina. The exhibition took place in the Chiquola Gallery in Downtown Anderson on December 1, 2023. With various designs being showcased, the color palette of the exhibition itself was limited to black, white, and hints of wood for information plaques and signage. The Stuo Set featured two designs: the Classic, our clean black cushions paired with a natural wood stain, as well as the Luxe Bovine Edition, our cow-print cushions paired with a walnut wood stain. The Classic was shown as a fully compacted, stacked set, while the Luxe Bovine Edition was displayed with the stools removed, legs assembled, and set up as it would be if in use in an apartment.