This product concept was made as part of a university team project called Superjacent; Meaning above, over or on top of. The project tasked us with using additive manufacturing, in the form of 3D printing to improve a premade structure. In this case the structures to improve were benches located in the courtyard of Building 7, at the University of Canberra. These benches were unappealing and uncomfortable, and in their position on site, only enhanced the nervous feelings for people waiting to take exams. If they were even used, as many seemed to prefer to just stand.

The designs made as part of superjacent, had to be created as “supertubes”. These are 3D printed structures which are created as one continuous, hollow shape. The designs were to be made using the large 3D print robot called OOZIE at the University of Canberra. This machine uses shredded, recycled plastic, which is heated and used as filament to print.

For my team’s design, we focused on improving the functionality of the bench though added uses, as well as changing the implied seating position. Users more often than not, used the bench facing inwards toward the classrooms. We added seat extensions to the bench, with tables facing outwards towards the courtyard. This was done to imply that users should sit looking out over the courtyard and to nature.

Because of the addition of the table and because we were trying to add pieces to the bench rather than covering it with plastic, we needed steel elements to make sure the structure would be secure and safe for use.