Origami Chair

This is a 1:8 scale model of Frank LLoyd Wright's famous "Origami Chair". This design exists in a few variations, including one without the distinctive (and probably impractical) tail. I modeled what seems to be an early iteration that includes some classic FLW cutouts on the arms rests. The cutouts were pretty annoying to print, so I left them out for now. I also like how there are some notes in red about adding holes so you can clean the dust out of the back fin area.

My goal with this was to study the design in case I'll like to make one full size. I also wanted see if it can actually fold up origami style from a flat sheet. I haven't made one yet, but it does fold, sort of. You have to ignore the seat, headrest and back fin plus the fact that the plans call for different thickness of plywood for the arms and sides .

As one would expect from a decades old web discussion, there are plenty of dead links, but the drawing I used can be found here:
https://wrightchat.savewright.org/viewtopic.php?t=2765&start=90

The Design
I used Fusion 360 for the 3D modeling. First step was to import the blue print image as a canvas and calibrated it. The overall length of the seat piece is 34", so I converted that to metric and divided by 8 for length of 107.95mm. The 1/8 scale was chosen so it would fit on a typical print bed. Next I traced all the plywood parts and extruded them. Some pieces are 1/2" thick, so the get extruded by 1.5875mm, others are 3/4" so they get 2.381mm. Please leave a comment about Metric vs Freedom Units if that is important to you. Once all the pieces were traced and extruded I added some more sketches that were perpendicular to the chamfered edges so I could figure out the exact angles that were cut out using the sweep tool. Sadly, these angle have to be adjusted slightly so there is a bit material left to make a hinge and so that the seams close up to the correct angles.

The STL Files
The chair was printed in three parts, the single piece that folds up for the back sides and armrests, the seat piece and the little headrest. After uploading the photo of my print I realized it was from an earlier version that had the cutouts in the armrests, so I uploaded that two as well. You can print the originals, then snap off the plain armrests and glue on the fancy ones if you want.

Printing and Assembly
It should be a pretty easy print job. Just make sure that FlatLayout.stl is laying on its one planer surface to avoid needing support. Once printed, you should be able to bend the flat parts and slip the seat before into position before gluing all the seams. Thin CA should do the trick for PLA. The original chairs had a fairly thick cushion. I'd suggest using a piece of foam for that for now, but I'll upload a separate 3D model when I get a chance.

Scaling
After printing this, I realized it might be a fun accessory for your Barbie or dollhouse. Unfortunately, 1:8 scale doesn't quite work for either case. Since Barbie is about 1:6 scale and dollhouses are traditionally at 1:12. It should be possible to print this at 66.6% for a Dollhouse and 133% for Barbie

Coming Soon
A 3D model for those cushions I mention along with the bits for the back support.