BUILD THE OVAL ROCKER YOUR SELF
Andrew Doxtater is the mind behind the innovative Oval inspired rocker. It is a part of his mission to provide fellow designers and people that are simply in love with this chairs look, the oportunity to build their own.
Andrew has provide a template that is available for purchase on his website, along side that he has shared his plans and a 5 step video tutorial on how to build the chair yourself.
Andrew has provide a template that is available for purchase on his website, along side that he has shared his plans and a 5 step video tutorial on how to build the chair yourself.
What brought you to design?
I went to school initially for recording engineering and then moved into civil engineering. Always had a passion for design and interest in creative arts.
Where does the design influence come from?
I love mid-century modern design/designers. I think a lot of iconic designs and imagery came out of this era that I find influential. Particularly Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret.
Why a rocking chair?
I didnt set out to design a rocking chair, but I knew wanted to create an interesting chair design and make it completely out of plywood. Rocking chairs always seemed kind of ancient to me. I usually picture an old Windsor style rocking chair when I think about them. I like to the think of the Oval Rocker as a new take on a seemingly antiquated design.
Where did the inspiration for the rocker come from?
I was inspired by slot-together furniture and some mid-century/contemporary designs. Initially I wanted to re-create Tom Sach’s Shop Lounge chair and through the process of trying to figure out those measurements I began to sketch ideas for my own design. Donald Judd, Matt Pecina and Gustavo Barroso were particularly inspiring to me around this time as well. I always loved the Kangaroo Chair designed by Pierre Jeanneret and I tried to use it as a guide to help aid the ergonomics of the Oval Rocker.
What compeled you to give the plans for free?
When I was making the prototype I realized how easy it was to make out of a single sheet of plywood. I posted a video that did well on online and had a lot of people asking for the plans. Since I work primarily with AutoCAD, and made plans for myself, I thought I could put together a set of instructions pretty easily. I thought it would be a fun project for an individual at any skill level to take on. I also thought it was a good opportunity to contribute something positive to the world. I have fond memories of building things with my Papou and my dad, and I think if could give that experience to someone too that would be pretty cool.
Find more about Andrew and the Oval Rocker