The Squash Fold is a cardboard chair that uses folding to promote mindfulness through the means of a form activated seating structure.

The structure of the Squash Fold directly responds to the forces applied as the user leans back. The valley in which the user is seated conforms to the body, offering a snug experience. The SF has the ability to sway from side to side, this swaying motion is what engages the user to promote a mindful experience.

This chair is best for reading, practicing mindfulness, or taking a nap.

THE CONVENIENCE OF THE SQUASH FOLD

SF can be folded into a diamond sheet that can be conveniently transported or stored away. Spatial efficiency and effortless assembly is what makes the SF so convenient, the user can lounge when needed then fold and store away when not.

WHY WE SHOULD PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

Practicing mindfulness allows one to truly appreciate and experience the moment they are in. Without mindfulness, the present moment is lost. The SF is a tool that will guide the user through their mindfulness journey.

ASSEMBLY

The SF’s assembly is simple. Pull the bottom corners together and it pops up like a tent.

WHAT IS SQUASH FOLD?

Squash fold is a folding pattern in origami. Using these folding patterns, the form activated structure was formed.

TRANSLATING PAPER MODELS TO CARDBOARD

Cardboard must be scored to be folded. After it is scored it can only be folded in one direction. After experimenting with cardboard models, a final form was developed. This form could be unrolled into a flat sheet. The scoring and folding is either on side A or B, which is marked on the template below.

TEMPLATE

After the template was made, the full scale model was ready to be constructed.

Plan, Elevation, and Section

Flat Packed State

Elevation w/ Scale Figure