DX Machina

furniture project for Vellum Furniture Competition // studio Jackson

Furniture as a Display of Force

DX Machina manifests the force of sitting, translating it into motion that highlights the reality of sitting that we typically ignore. At first glance, the typical elements of a chair are apparent. Cushioned white leather seats signal a comfortable space for the user to rest, and the legs emphasize the structural stability. But upon further inspection, the parts are overly detailed, emphasizing pinned connections to create confusion about how the chair is standing. The feet are cantilevered away from the leg, the front of the seat does not rest directly on the front legs, and there are wires reaching out from the underside.

When viewed from behind, the overwhelming complexity of the machine is fully revealed. But even with all parts exposed, the mechanics present a complexity that obscures their function. This creates a sense of sublimity, as the user is both in awe of the mechanics, and slightly apprehensive about interacting with it. When sat upon, the chair unexpectedly reclines and deploys armrests from the sides of the seat, changing the makeup of the chair when people are seated within. They function to improve the experience of the user, but also create an eerie feeling, as when the user is seated, they cannot see the mechanical process that occur to change their environment, but recognize that the force of sitting has caused the change.