Project Overview.
This project explores the intersection of functional furniture design and acoustic interaction with Wellington's unique wind environment. The design responds to Wellington's reputation as the world's windiest capital city by transforming the ubiquitous park bench into an instrument that celebrates rather than simply endures the city's challenging weather conditions.
The bench features a hollow construction punctuated by strategically placed curves, inserts, and apertures that function as wind channels. As Wellington's famously strong winds pass through these openings, they create a range of tonal sounds, transforming the static furniture piece into a dynamic, environmentally-responsive acoustic sculpture.
As my first FDM printing project, this piece presented significant learning opportunities; Hollow construction techniques - Optimizing internal geometry for both structural integrity and acoustic performance. Overhang management - Designing curved apertures that could be printed without excessive support material. Scale considerations - Working within printer bed limitations while maintaining design intent. Layer adhesion - Ensuring structural soundness in a primarily hollow form
Given the constraints of first-time 3D printing and available equipment, the project was executed as a scale model. To demonstrate the acoustic concept, I designed and printed a separate component that simulates wind interaction, allowing the sound-generating properties to be tested and demonstrated without relying on actual wind conditions.
