The Granary's are a family of seven unique objects for sitting. Each form was constructed around an intriguing existing piece of abandoned lumber from a historic landmark granary building in Bellingham, WA.
The Granary's were constructed on site in 1 day using 3 tools acting as functional full-scale sketch models. Each design was an exercise in building hierarchy, tension, and balance while being constrained by materials, tools, and time. The location of the chairs was also important to the ethos of the project, located at a newly constructed DIY skatepark under a bridge. Drawing inspiration from the location, The Granary's are made from the same discarded lumber as the skatepark features. The beauty of building with industrial materials from the surrounding urban environment is an art that any skater can appreciate.
The challenge of building functional objects on site from abandoned or discarded material using limited tools is one I intend to continue and pursue. It is the most fulfilling route of creativity and craft I have ever experienced.
The granary building has been a landmark in Bellingham since 1944.
After its remodel much of the flooring and lumber from inside the granary was placed under a nearby bridge.
I saw this discarded material as an opportunity to freely create and explore form for seating.
The DIY skatepark is a creative hub that is a meeting place of people from many backgrounds however it lacked seating for people to rest and engage with one another. As I built, people would ask “What are you making?” as I would explain we’d get to talking. These interactions and moments of connection were the highlights of the experience.
