Space Shuttle
A Space-Aged Dresser
SUMMARY
The Space Shuttle is a dresser that encapsulates design elements of the 1960s "Space Age" with a touch of modernity.
TIMEFRAME
June 2025- Present
TYPE
Personal Project
SKILLS LEARNED
Furniture Design, Woodworking, Rhino + Grasshopper, CNC Cam + Cutting
THE PROBLEM
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my bedroom
needs a new piece of furniture
An empty 4.5 ft space existed in my room along with a clutter of objects and clothing.
I wanted a a piece of furniture that offered both an aesthetic display of my belongings along with a functional storage component.
TIME PERIOD
WHY
After considering the existing elements of my space—bright colors, organic shapes, and bold features—I decided to explore the Space Age design movement of the 1960s and 1970s. This era’s use of materials like plastics, organic forms, and metallic accents felt like a natural fit for my room, as it would complement the space without competing with it.
RESEARCH
KEY TAKEAWAYS
PLANETS, SATTELITES, AND STARDUST
SMOOTHE, IRRISTABLY CAPTIVATING LINES
ELEGANT & SOPHITICATED
SIMPLE
BOLD AND VIBRANT, VISUALLY STRIKING
ORGANIC FORMS
Space Age design reflected both nuclear anxiety and optimism through playful "vital forms" inspired by atoms and molecules.
Organic, spherical shapes symbolized the dual promise and danger of nuclear energy.
Geometric and circular motifs dominated, echoing the era’s fascination with science and technology.
NEW MATERIALS
Designers, inspired by aerospace engineering, embraced plastics, fiberglass, and metal for their versatility.
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These materials enabled bold, sculptural forms and lightweight designs beyond traditional constraints.
Iconic pieces like the Panton Chair and Broyhill’s Chapter One embodied this spirit of innovation and experimentation.
COLORS & AESTHETICS
White dominated interiors, creating brightness and bold contrast.
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Warm tones like yellow and orange reflected the era’s optimism.
Metallics like chrome and steel added a sleek, futuristic touch.
A MODERN TWIST
Modern Space Age design blends metallics with sustainable plastics and advanced tech.
Functionality is key, with form and purpose working in harmony.
MOODBOARD
IDEATION
DESIGN ELEMENTS
GLOSSY WHITE FINISH EMULATES PLASTIC
A material experimented with greatly during this period
CONTRAST BETWEEN SRUCTURED & ORGANIC
Storage circles and rectangular drawers create interplay between the curved, organic form of the dresser and these more structured, geometric shapes
CHROME ACCENTS HIGHLIGHT FUTURISTIC AESTHETIC
Reflective material was used to evoke a sense of advanced technology
UNCONVENTIONAL FORM REAINS EFFICIENCY
The dresser maintains large storage capabilities reflecting the era's focus on efficiency and conventionality
ORANGE-RED VELVET ADDS WARMTH & VIBRANCE
The rich texture and color provides a striking contrast against the white walls and metallic accents common in Space Age interiors
COLOR EXPLORATION
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CUTTING THE WOOD
WOOD BENDING
STEP 1
LET WOOD SOAK 2 HRS
STEP 2
BEND WOOD INTO DESIRED CONFIGURATION AND LET DRY 24 HRS
STEP 3
GLUE DRIED WOOD TO FRAME (FIRST LAYER) OR LAYER BENEATH
CLEANUP
gluing 1/8" MDF vinyl to front for clean finish
wood filler to close any gaps
DRAWERS
cutting dados on table saw
made pocket holes, glued & screwed together drawers
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laser-cut templates for routing drawer fronts to the correct size and corner profile
STEP 4
LET GLUEUP REST 24 HR AND REPEAT UNTIL 3 LAYERS OF 1/8" BENDY BOARD ARE ON ALL SIDES