Introduction: Multi-functional Space Dividers

About: Industrial designer. maker

The space dividers I designed are for a space that could be used for small discussions in a studio, office or even at a study at home, basically a semi- formal work area. The Panels have a facility to jot down and put up ideas. I added a couple of pop colors to make the design seem a little more fun.

Step 1: Materials

1. Pine wood 2x2 inch 7 ft - 5 No.s, 2x2 inch 5ft - 4 No.s (Exterior wooden frames)

2. Pine wood 0.5 x 0.5 inch 8ft - 2 No.s (Smaller internal wooden Frames)

3. Aluminium sheet of 4ft x 8ft (for 5 panels)

4. White sticker sheets

5. 18 magnets

6. Gear cables

7. Fasteners

8. Oil paints

9. Lacquer and melamine wood finishers

10. Nails- 4 inch, 0.5 inch

11. all fix (glue)

12. Fevicol SH (wood glue)

Step 2: Tools and Machines

1.Orbital Sander

2.Hammer

3.Saw

4.Rip saw

5.Sandpapers - 80-120 grit coarse, 200- 220 grit fine finish

6. Hydraulic Sheet metal cutting machine

7. Pliers

8. Flat file

9. Drilling machine

10. Emery paper- 320 grit

Step 3: Making the Frames of the Dividers

Cut and assemble the 2 inch x 2 inch logs of pine into two rectangular frames of 7 feet x 3 feet and 7 feet x 5 feet respectively. Angle the ends of the logs at 45 degrees (Mitre joint). Glue the pieces together with wood glue and nail the pieces using a hammer and 4 inch nails.

Step 4: Creating the Base Stand for the Dividers

Cut 4- 2 feet long pieces of the 2 inch x 2 inch logs of pine, this is for the base of the frames so that they do not topple. At the center of each of these pieces make 2 inch x 2 inch square and using a rip saw set at a depth of 4 mm, make multiple passes to achieve slots of width of 2 inches.

Step 5: Sub Assembling the Frame and the Base

Align the base pieces with the frame and nail them in together using the four inch nails. Once assembled get rid of the splinters using a orbital sander with a 180 grit pad. A layer of lacquer is to be applied and let to dry. Once dry it should be sanded using fine emery paper and a final layer of melamine coating would complete the finish of the frame.This will also help preserve the wood.

Step 6: Grooves on the Frame

Create grooves on the frame using a saw to hold the gear cables in position. Make the grooves according to the design. Reference drawing attached.

Step 7: Internal Wooden Frames

Cut and assemble the 0.5 inch pieces into a rectangles of dimensions 2 feet x 4 feet and 2 feet x 1.5 feet respectively with mitre joints. glue using wood glue and nail using 0.5 inch nails.

Step 8: Aluminium Panels

Out of the large Aluminium sheet cut out panels of sizes- 3 feet x 4 feet, 1.2 feet x 3.5 feet, 1 foot x 1 foot, 2 feet x 3.5 feet, 1 foot x 3 feet. (total 5 panels). Once cut file the edges using a flat file to ensure the edges are not sharp.

Step 9: Holes for Hanging

In the aluminium panels drill holes of 4mm each leaving a distance of 1 inch from both the edges.Once the drilling is done sand off the burrs using emery paper 320 grit.

Step 10: Painting the Panels

The panels of the dividers that are to be painted must be sanded using emery paper and go through a layer of primer before being painted. Once the primer dries it must be lightly sanded. The larger aluminium panels can be used to put up post its, the second largest panel could be made into a magnetic board to put up sheets for discussion .These boards are to be painted in white. The three other smaller aluminium panels are to be painted red. The two wooden frames are to be painted in blue.

Step 11: Making the Magnets

For the magnets of the front panel cut little blocks of medium density fiberboard and paint them in red and blue ( the same colors as the aluminium panels). Once the paint has dried stick the magnets on these little blocks. The magnets that are to be stuck at the back of the panel are to be painted in blue.

Step 12: The Magnetic Panel

The second largest white panel is made into a magnetic pin up board. Twelve magnets could be arranged and stuck at the back of the panel and the other magnets are to be arranged in the front. I stuck white squares to mark the point at which the magnets attract. This magnetic board can be used to put up sheets.

Step 13: Assembly

Once the frame and all the internal components are dry and the finishing is done they are to be assembled together using the gear cables and fasteners according to the desired composition.

Step 14: Putting Up the Panels

To attach the panels to the wooden frame measure the desired gear cable length so it looks like the planned composition. bend the gear cables using so that they wrap around the frame properly. to hold the cables properly use the fasteners and tighten using the same pliers. The pliers were also used to cut the cables.

Step 15: Finale

Once all the panels are up at the right positions trim off any excess cables using the pliers.