This Metal Stool is a Conversation Starter, a Piece of Art!

Creative product design is always challenging. But once you get an inspiration, it takes only a few working hours to finish your design. Let us have a quick brainstorm: If you were an industrial design student, what would you create? Riley Mackay from Queensland University of Technology has designed a very grotesque metal stool.

Image Credits: Riley Mackay on Behance

No one can be sure if Riley Mackay got inspiration from the movie franchise. But what we know is the metal stool is just stunning and eye-catching. The design stands out as a unique blend of modern design and functional art.

Design Process of Metal Stool by Mackay

The metal stool design process behind this stunning piece of furniture was as meticulous as it was innovative. Mackay drew inspiration from both organic forms and geometric precision. Of course, this resulted in a stool that marries the fluidity of nature with the exactness of industrial design. The creative process involved numerous iterations, where the designer explored different shapes and configurations to achieve the stool’s distinctive look.

The stool features legs that appear to double in number due to the unique way they split and twist around the center. This leg design creates an almost tentacle-like appearance. Despite this organic look, the design maintains strict symmetry. Each leg protrudes at a precise angle to form a star-like pattern when viewed from above.

In terms of materials, Riley Mackay opted for a combination of sheet metal for the legs and birch wood for the seat. These materials were chosen not only for their durability but also for their sustainability. The sheet metal can be sourced from factory offcuts. This source can reduce waste, while the birch wood is a renewable resource.

For industrial design departments, there are product design challenges for students. It seems Riley Mackay has created a conversation starter, a piece of art with his alien-like stool design made on Solidworks!