Portmanteau

BARE is a multifunctional portmanteau that merges a bench and chair into a single, transformable object.

Studio Assignment

Design and fabricate a multifunctional seating object that explores transformation, joinery, and material efficiency. The project challenges students to create a “portmanteau”—a hybrid object that combines two distinct functions into a single, cohesive system. Emphasis is placed on iterative design, precision in fabrication, and the development of a clear structural logic. Students must use CNC-milled plywood as the primary material, integrating interlocking components and friction-fit connections to minimize the need for additional hardware. The final design should demonstrate both stability and adaptability, allowing the object to transition seamlessly between its intended uses.

Project Description

BARE is a multifunctional portmanteau that merges a bench and chair into a single, transformable object. Its name plays on both “bench-chair” and the idea of being “bare,” reflecting an honest expression of structure and material. Constructed from interlocking plywood slats, the piece is assembled through friction-fit comb joints and two dowels—one acting as a hinge and the other locking the form into a stable bench configuration. BARE transitions seamlessly between uses, inviting interaction while exposing its construction. The design celebrates simplicity, precision, and adaptability through a minimal yet highly functional system.