OVER 125 MILLION TENNIS BALLS ARE THROWN INTO AMERICAN LANDFILLS EACH YEAR. I SET OUT TO CHAMPION A GREENER FUTURE By DESIGNING A BEAUTIFUL FORM TO GIVE THESE OBJECTS A NEW PURPOSE. THROUGH WEEKS OF DEVELOPMENT A FUNCTIONAL, AESTHETIC, AND INNOVATIVE SEATING BENCH CAME TO LIFE. Introducing agness.
ITERATION 1
IDEATION
Agness underwent an intensive ideation process where extensive exploration was key to bringing the form to life. We ultimately settled on a design featuring a series of metal ribs threaded with over 200 tennis balls to create a unique, curved bench.
As a team, we explored ideas through sketching, building cardboard models, and even soldering metal wire to simulate the construction process, ensuring the final design was both functional and visually striking.
METAL RIBS
The structural foundation of this piece consists of seven 0.5-inch steel rods, each bent using a roller. These rods were tack welded at the center and reinforced with a cross brace for added stability.
To ensure precision, we underwent a meticulous process of heating and bending each rod, straightening them to be ready for threading the tennis balls, ensuring both strength and a smooth, cohesive form.
FIRST LAYER
The next step in the fabrication process was drilling a 0.5-inch hole through each tennis ball to ensure they would slide seamlessly onto the steel ribs, forming the desired shape.
To assemble the bench, we threaded a section of tennis balls onto the ribs, welded an additional cross brace for stability, and repeated this process until the entire structure was complete. This method allowed for both precision and strength throughout the piece.
PHOTOGRAPHING
With the final tennis balls in place and the last cross braces welded, the bench prototype was complete. we then set it up for final product photography, capturing the unique design and craftsmanship of the piece.
PROTOTYPE 1
ITERATION 2
In the next iteration of Agness, I am exploring various material finishes for the bench to adapt its aesthetic to different environments. By experimenting with different coatings, textures, and colors, I aim to refine the design to suit a range of settings, from modern interiors to outdoor spaces, while maintaining the integrity of the original form.