AI-Inspired Chair : Design + Build—
AI-Inspired Chair : Design + Build—
Fall 2023 · Furniture Design + Build Studio · University of Oregon
AI-Inspired Chair — Design + Build :
This furniture studio departed from traditional architectural coursework, grounding the design process in hands-on making and digital experimentation. Tasked with building a functional chair, I used a Midjourney-generated image as a conceptual springboard — interpreting its formal language while addressing real-world concerns of balance, ergonomics, and utility. The result is a plywood lounge chair tailored to my proportions, with extended armrests that double as personal work surfaces.
[ Materials + Build Breakdown - Plywood + Festool Domino Joinery + Watco Lacquer + PureEdge Veneer Edging ]

DESIGN INSPIRATION - MIDJOURNEY AI PROMPT & IMAGE

PROPOSED CHAIR DESIGN - DRAWINGS WITH DIMENSIONS (INCHES)

BUILD PROGRESSION - CARDBOARD INSPIRATION MODELS & (PRE-FINISHES) BUILT AI-INSPIRED CHAIR

FROM THE WOODSHOP - CHAIR BUILDING PROCESS PHOTOS

FINAL AI-INSPIRED CHAIR PROTOTYPE - DOCUMENTATION PHOTOS

FINAL AI-INSPIRED CHAIR PROTOTYPE - DOCUMENTATION PHOTOS - (STAGED)

FINAL AI-INSPIRED CHAIR PROTOTYPE - DOCUMENTATION PHOTOS - (STAGED & IN-USE)
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This studio was not a typical 10-week architectural design studio. This studio took place in the University of Oregon’s woodshop and was a furniture building studio. We were tasked to design a chair while working with Midjourney AI as our source for inspiration.
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AI Prompt: “Simple cherry wood lounge chair. large armrests that act as built in end tables. simple geometrical frame. in the style of john lautner. bauhaus - inspired design. exquisite craftsmanship to incorporate armrest shelves. ”
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The chair from Midjourney that I used for inspiration was going to have issues with its balance and weight distribution – this resulted in me having to simplify the AI generated inspiration chair to more evenly distribute the user's weight.
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18mm White Birch Plywood
Festool Domino Joinery
Watco Lacquer (Semi-Gloss)
PureEdge Real Wood Veneer Edging
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I chose this specific MidJourney generated chair as inspiration for my built chair prototype because of the potential I saw in the armrest being able to be used as a small tabletop surface as well as an armrest. This chair stood out to me because of the trouble I have when I want to work at a chair rather than a formal desk but also need to use my computer mouse. This AI inspired chair was designed to my body’s proportions and was intended to be able to hold a drink or my computer mouse on the armrest while my laptop could be used on my lap.