CR.24.5.0
The inclusion of the tripod in the design of the original milking stools was no accident. A tripod naturally provides stability, even on uneven terrain, unlike a four-legged stool. This stability was crucial for the user. The tripod, combined with tapered legs that nestled into the ground, ensured a solid foundation and offered a stable seat. Additionally, the original milking stool was very low to the ground, accommodating its primary function. These stools were often constructed from rough pieces of wood joined with mortise and tenon joints, resulting in a lightweight yet sturdy piece of furniture that was easy to move but strong enough to support the user.
Research into the original archetype of the milking stool involved a thorough exploration of both the historical context and the functional aspects that influenced its design. Understanding why the archetypal milking stools were made as they were was essential.
The milking stool was also one of the foundational seating objects in the material culture of Flanders. It was constructed with only the essentials: three legs and a rudimentary seat primitively connected. This archetype later evolved into the chairs and sofas we know today, with additions like backrests, armrests, and cushions.
This 'new' milking stool aims to be a literal translation of the archetype. Initially, that was the approach, but it proved too simplistic. Therefore, a balance was sought between maintaining the recognizability of the milking stool and making adaptations suitable for contemporary use: the milking stool is a forgotten archetype, and its original function has vanished.
The height of my reinterpretation of the classic milking stool differs significantly from the original. While traditional milking stools were low to the ground to facilitate their function, my design is slightly higher, providing more comfort for indoor use by modern individuals. This makes the stool more of a seating piece than a functional tool. Additionally, the legs of my stool taper from wide to narrow, making it suitable for placement on a hard surface. This adjustment considers the changing environment in which the stool is used. While the original milking stool was designed for farms with uneven ground, my reinterpretation is intended for a more artificial environment. Using stone for the seat creates a heavy object, contrasting with the lightweight construction of traditional milking stools. The seat surface of my stool is specifically designed with modern concrete blocks in mind. The surface consists of three holes in a row, reflecting the design of these modern building materials while also facilitating a mortise and tenon connection like the original. Additionally, the bottom of the stool is constructed with a rib system, providing extra strength and stability.
The basic structure remains the same: a stool with a tripod for stability, a broad seating surface, usually made of oak, and a rough yet sturdy construction. This gives it the characteristics of a traditional stool, but its height, thick legs, and refined finish with materials like brick make it more of a reinterpretation of the classic design. It is now designed for indoor use by modern individuals.
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