The Durotaxis Chair is a fully 3D printed multi-material dual position rocking chairdesigned by Synthesis Design + Architecture and manufactured by Stratasys. The chair isinspired by the biological process of the same name, which refers to the migration of cells guided by gradients in substrate rigidity. The chair is an ovoid rocking chair which hastwo positions, as an upright rocking chair and as a horizontal rocking lounge. Thevolume of the chair is defined by a densely packed three-dimensional wire mesh thatgradiates in size, scale, density, color, and rigidity. The chair capitalizes on the multimaterialprinting capabilities of the Stratasys Objet 500 Connex3 to produce gradients ofmaterial performance. The varying gradient conditions are expressions of the combinedformal, ergonomic, and structural properties of the chair.
Commissioned by Stratasys to produce a piece that would not be possible at all without3D printing, Synthesis took the challenge a step further to produce a piece which morespecifically would not be possible without the Stratasys Objet 500 Connex3. Thecomplexity and density of the three-dimensional mesh of the Durotaxis Chair would beridiculously laborious in any other conventional manufacturing process, however thegradient distribution of material properties and performance which would be impossiblewithout the Objet Connex3.
As an extension to an on-going body of design research which explores the reciprocalrelationships between form and performance - the chair provides an opportunity toexplore a design and fabrication process that articulates both visually and materially whatthe chair is doing structurally and ergonomically. The chair is thicker and more rigid whereit needs it, and thinner and softer where it needs it.
