Introduction
The University of Johannesburg wanted to celebrate their 10 year anniversary with a legacy concrete furniture piece. They turned to the Industrial Design department to do just that. Because music can be regarded as one of the most universal ways in which to celebrate. The Celebration Bench features 3 chimes able to play 3 different notes. These chimes create a tranquil atmosphere in a light breezy day. But when multiple benches are placed together, people sitting on the benches can play the chimes and make music together.
About the design
The proportions are designed according to the Fibonacci formula because of the intimate link this formula shares with music. This formula is often displayed graphically is a growing spiral with pleasing proportions. It is also evident in the spiral shape of the Cochlea located in the ear. The sense of hearing became the overall theme for my design inspiration. The main design challenge was to incorporate the high vertical lines with very familiar bench shape and style. I decided to place the chimes to the left, forming a loop over the bench similar to the semicircular ducts of the membranous labyrinth found in the inner ear. A balanced use of curves and flat angular surfaces were incorporated to echo the design of contemporary musical instruments.
Features
The chair is designed to seat three people comfortably and a fourth on the elevated cantilever seat either facing completely away from the other people or facing forward. A third position is possible facing the chimes in order to play the chimes with reckless abandon.
The backrest is angled at a comfortable 10o with a seat height at 430mm as per the optimum seating position.
The chimes are made from either Aluminium or Brass, metals with good sound reverberation qualities that are not too expensive. At the bottom of the chimes is a form made from casted black resin to act as a baton to produce the sound. This can either be casted into the concrete or bolted in afterwards.
The Chimes are suspended on a cable and separated with plastic spacers.
The chimes are arranged in groups of three with three consecutive notes together and the C scale halftones on their own benches. This will make each bench sound good and provides all the notes for most scores. Ideally there should be 8 benches with 24 notes altogether. This arrangement is based on a standard set of tubular bells or the arrangement of a small bell choir.
To play the chimes with friends, it can be done off the cuff, or the smart phone app can be used. The app works by selecting the bench that correlates to the identifier on the bench. You also need to select your orientation to the chimes. The app knows which notes can be played by the user's respective bench and app users geo-located at adjacent benches. As soon as all the users are ready, the app will time the selected melody according to the number of players and prompt the user by pointing out which note should be played. The microphone will verify whether the correct notes were played in time with the beat. The users will then be scored and recorded onto the leader-board for years to come.
