A Documentation, Analysis, and Optimization of the Woodworking Workbench as Tool, Appendage, and Work Plane for an Architectural Craftswoman
Woodworking workbenches have evolved, from our earliest documented Roman workbenches, used in workshops or at a building site, to more recent workbenches like the commercial Black and Decker Workmate of 1968, for use at home. By approaching the woodworking bench as an extension of the craftswoman’s body, it becomes an ergonomic design problem.
This thesis analyzes historic woodworking workbenches and their components to gain knowledge and draw design influence for the fabrication of a Case Study Workbench (CSWB) that is then used and altered throughout a series of woodworking sessions. This research also focuses on addressing and breaking down the historic influence of the male figure in determining the size/shape/features of the woodworking bench.
Performing essential woodworking operations on a workbench, recording those operations, and analyzing the movements of the craftswoman’s body reveals the unifying relationship between the body and the bench. The documentation of modifications and movements is customized to the craftswoman working at the bench but can be translated to another craftsperson to understand the unique relationship of a specific body (its measure, stature, strength, and reach) to the workbench, addressing the need for consideration of the female body in a historically male-dominated field.
Advisers/Committee
