Having analysed some multi-generational, co-living homes in my typology review, I found many of these homes had more than just one or two shared living spaces and living together in this way enabled increased communication between the families.
I chose the chair as a metaphor for human interaction that takes place in a supported and deliberate manner. By observing and engaging in close interaction through conversation and connection with another, I redesigned the chair by following the form of the of posture of the human body when actively engaged in conversation. I created an angled base, a forward leaning back and a single armrest that was created using the superfluous area of the back rest.
Time is also an important aspect of interaction and connection. Time is represented by age and generations of humans who engage in the process of communication. There is a meaningful and lengthy interaction between different generations that is represented through the form of the chair and through the visibly worn parts of the seat and the armrest. This communicates how relationships work, how wisdom is passed on through the generations and represents the support that exists within families. Just like the chair, this engagement is not always comfortable but it’s components are important in developing an ongoing inter-generational process of purposeful connection. This chair which is a metaphor for human interaction is a piece of furniture that supports and encourages it role through its function.
Charlotte Pelletier 