Interview about Polyhedron Stool, winner of the A' 3D Printed Forms and Products Design Award 2021
The Polyhedron stool is a 3d printed stool that has an interaction of a closing flower. Except for one CNC processed metal component, every part is made through the 3d printer, allowing individuals to produce and reproduce themselves within small amounts (leading to numerous variations). When a flower sets, its petals gather (twirling inside). The ends go up, and the height gets changed. As grabbing its head, rotating the upper part makes pillars move and escalates the stool. The four gears inside convert circular move vertically, making the pillar's end rise.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe concept originated from observing how flower petals gather and rise as they close, creating an elegant, natural movement. I wanted to translate that organic gesture into a functional mechanism. During the ideation phase, I explored various structural principles that could replicate this motion, eventually developing a system where rotating the stool's head activates petal-like pillars to elevate the seat. This process reflects how nature’s efficiency and beauty can inform engineered solutions, resulting in a stool that adjusts height through a simple, intuitive, and visually engaging mechanism.
This project highlighted how 3D printing enables a new level of flexibility and accessibility in furniture production. By minimizing reliance on traditional metal components, production becomes more adaptable to small-scale, customized manufacturing. I believe this hybrid approach points to a future where furniture is no longer bound to centralized mass production, but can be created locally, tailored to individual needs, and iteratively improved without the high entry barriers of conventional methods.
3D printing liberates furniture design from rigid production constraints. With the Polyhedron Stool, individuals can not only own but also participate in producing their furniture. This democratization empowers users to modify, reproduce, or repair pieces independently, fostering a culture of ownership and sustainability. I envision a future where furniture is more modular, adaptable, and deeply personal, with design evolving beyond consumption to collaboration between designer and user.
Balancing structural integrity with visual lightness was one of the most demanding aspects. Early prototypes revealed weaknesses in material strength and gear alignment. Through iterative testing, I refined the mechanism, replacing complex joints with simplified, reliable components and integrating hidden metal shafts where necessary for reinforcement. The final design conceals technical complexity within a clean, geometric form, maintaining the stool’s elegance without compromising stability.
The development process revealed that while 3D printing offers flexibility, it demands careful structural consideration. Initial designs struggled with print accuracy, assembly complexity, and weight-bearing limitations. I learned to simplify the structure, reduce part counts, and incorporate minimal metal reinforcements only where essential. These changes improved not only the stool’s strength but also its user experience, making assembly intuitive and enhancing its refined, architectural presence.
The locking system was inspired by the desire for seamless interaction. Mechanically complex or visually obtrusive locks would detract from the stool's minimal design. Magnets offered a discreet, efficient solution, allowing the adjustment mechanism to engage or release with a simple pull. This approach keeps the interaction intuitive while preserving the stool’s clean aesthetic, reinforcing the balance between functionality and form.
Material efficiency was critical, but never at the expense of safety or longevity. Through numerous print tests, I optimized infill patterns and densities to provide structural strength while minimizing material waste. By adjusting print angles, part geometries, and selectively reinforcing stress points, I achieved a balance where each component remains lightweight yet durable. This process reflects my belief that sustainable design begins with intelligent, resource-conscious engineering.
Modularity enables repairability, longevity, and transport efficiency—core values of sustainable design. I wanted each part of the Polyhedron Stool to be accessible, replaceable, and adaptable. This approach not only extends the product’s lifespan but also reduces environmental impact during shipping and production. It embodies my belief that sustainable furniture should be as much about thoughtful construction as it is about responsible consumption.
The recognition validated my exploration beyond conventional furniture production. It reinforced my belief that design can—and should—challenge established methods by integrating emerging technologies. The award has encouraged me to continue questioning boundaries, embracing experimentation, and pursuing designs that offer not only functional value but also provoke conversation about how furniture is made and experienced.
At Pro-Sp, we believe products are not isolated objects but elements that shape the character of a space. The Polyhedron Stool embodies this philosophy—it is more than seating; it’s an interactive, sculptural presence that defines the atmosphere. Its geometric form, mechanical movement, and material expression all contribute to creating environments that feel intentional, distinctive, and reflective of both user and space.
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