For this project, I am exploring Fusion360's generative design tool to create a chair.

Step 1: Build Model

First, I made a rough sketch of a chair design on pen and paper. I wanted a non-traditional chair form, so I chose to use circular curves as opposed to square bases.

I then brought the sketch into Fusion360, revolving a simple poly-line (made in the configuration shown in the sketch).

Step 2: Specified Constraints

I needed to specify structural and load constraints for the model. However, when specifying these constraints, I kept getting errors because my object was registered as "one body." It seemed like I couldn't partition it into faces and edges, so I made a second base and combined it with my original shape to create a more feasible design that wouldn't give me any errors when in generative mode.

I put a load constraint and a geometry constraint on the "seat" portion of the chair. The second version of my chair was able to generate 5 iterations, displayed in the image above.

Step 3: Choose Design for 3D Print

I chose the last generative iteration (after contemplating between outputs #4 and #5) due to its structural and aesthetic dissimilarity from my original input design, as this form was much more interesting aesthetically in my opinion. Not that I didn't like my initial form, I just think that in the generative design process, the most dissimilar/surprising output is the most aesthetically interesting. This form also affords a seat cushion type chair, with clear places for the sitting area and back rest, making it the most structurally viable option.