Chesterfield chest of drawers

The Chesterfield Chest of drawers is an object that explores the emerging trend of using technology within furniture objects, but uses furniture design to lead the implementation of the technology. At first the handles for the drawers are positioned so that the are embedded in the surface of the draw. This, combined with the Chesterfield upholstery inspired pattern of handles across the surface creates a sense of curiosity and encourages a tactile exploration of the object. Once the user puts their hands near to the handles, they extrude from the surface of the draw, allowing the handle to be grasped and the drawer to be opened.

This creates an object that uses technology to speaks about furniture and itself, and also allows an intervention into daily routine, directly countering the drive for efficiency and interconnectedness that many projects in this field focus on. These interventions encourage a sense of exploration and play that are sympathetic to the rich visual and cultural history of furniture.

Dimensions (mm):500 x 400 x 1200.
Materials: Birch plywood, beech handles, aluminium legs (later beech legs), various electronic components.