PARTICIPATORY DESIGN PROCESS: SIMPLICITY, EFFICIENCY, AND COLLABORATION
The design process emphasized simplicity, material efficiency, and an intuitive assembly system. The workshop's objective was to allow participants to immerse themselves in the design and thinking process, gain firsthand experience with material manufacturing and processing, and assemble a full-scale prototype.
This participatory design approach fostered a collaborative environment where students engaged in discussions, shared ideas, and worked together to overcome challenges.

FROM CONCEPT TO PROTOTYPE: NATURAL INSPIRATIONS AND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
The form of the furniture follows function, drawing inspiration from natural shapes like nests, cocoons, eggs, pods, and igloos—shapes that maximize volume while minimizing surface area. To manage the complexity of creating a curved surface, the design was segmented into multiple portions, simplifying the shape into flat surfaces that could be easily cut by a CNC machine. This grid-like appearance, while not generated through computational parametrics, was achieved manually using geometric and structural approaches reminiscent of gothic domes.

DETAILED CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: LOAD DISTRIBUTION AND STRUCTURAL STABILITY 
 A critical aspect of the design was ensuring the load distribution allowed the piece to stand out and balance on its legs, providing stability and ground isolation.
The main frames were composed of double-layered plywood pieces, which transferred weight to the ground effectively. Horizontal curved ribs were attached to these legs via precisely engineered male-female joints, and secured with rings, creating a self-supporting structure. The integration of these three structural orders defined the overall shape and provided the main skeleton of the piece.

MOVABLE COMPONENTS: DYNAMIC WINGS AND DOORS 
The wings, doors, or arms of the structure were designed as lighter grids interlocked with
the main frame using a pipe mechanism. This allowed for smooth rotational movement, enabling the wings to open and close, thus enhancing the versatility and functionality of the piece.

ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY: PRECISION AND EFFICIENCY

Digital Craftsmanship: Participants explored how CNC technology extends the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship, allowing for precise and efficient fabrication of complex forms.
Form and Function: The workshop focused on balancing aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, ensuring the final piece was both beautiful and useful.
Material Mastery: Students learned the art of selecting, preparing, and finishing materials for CNC projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Collaborative Learning: The participatory design process encouraged students to engage in discussions, share ideas, and collaborate closely with their peers.

To further reduce material usage and cost without compromising structural integrity, all pieces were duplicated using 8mm plywood sheets, interlocked with scuttree joineries, and glued with Fevicol. Cutting the 512 pieces required three working days. The assembly and gluing process took one full day and a night for the adhesive to dry completely. The final assembly of all pieces was accomplished in a single long morning session, taking approximately five hours. Final touches, including sanding, applying wood protection layers, and painting, took an additional half day.

COLLABORATIVE ACHIEVEMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This ambitious project was developed by Manuel M and Kaustav for the UID Annual Program, with the invaluable collaboration of Parat, and the enthusiastic participation of 15 students from the Interior Design Department. The success of this workshop not only showcased the potential of participatory design but also highlighted the importance of merging digital craftsmanship with traditional techniques to create innovative and functional furniture.