Mimic is a kinetic, responsive, active and passive, futurist office product concept that incorporates Eastman’s glass-laminated transparent 4K film. Initially imagined when I personally teamed up with the amazing designers at MulvannyG2 (now MG2), the concept evolved to incorporate behavioral queues, dynamic space sharing, and lighting sequences that respond to worker’s natural circadian rhythms. In the future we imagined that this platform could be deployed as a standalone installation (above), or a conference room wall, or even as a sun shade for heat mitigation. The name Mimic came from our need for an office environment that could anticipate our needs and respond dynamically, mimicking our behavior and making a better workplace overall.
Define uses linear repetition and approachable surface forms to draw guests in and make them feel welcome. The flared silhouette of the table bases conveys sturdiness while the negative space between the vertical linear elements maintains lightness and balance. This balance is crucial as each group of pieces will be observed at human and architectural scales. At the human scale, the semi-enclosed design of the base helps to define a space that is restful. At the architectural scale, when this furniture is deployed in multiples throughout a gallery, restaurant, park, or quad, the linear and columnar construction balances form and lightness to create welcoming destinations for relaxation.
Each element of the collection is designed to be manufactured with minimal hard tooling so long as certain machinery and assembly methods are available. Vertical tubing in both the tables and chair are made from thin-wall aluminum tube which is bent using a combination of pressing and forming processes. While tube-lasers and CNC mandrel-benders could help achieve economies of scale, it was imperative to imagine these pieces being manufactured with fixtures and fabrication techniques in lieu of heavy machinery and robotic welding. The surface of each table is designed to be detachable making shipping easier. If separated, the surface is intended to be mechanically affixed to a ring that is welded to the tops of each vertical tube, creating structural stability and a strong mounting element. At the base of each table is a ring made up of two mandrel-bent shapes which combine to solve several issues at once. The exterior angle of the ring makes a natural footrest, while the inside element is welded to the vertical tubes creating a structural space frame. Simultaneously, those two elements create a void within and below themselves making room for adjustable feet that lifts the vulnerable metal surfaces slightly off the ground, helping to mitigate degradation from rust.