Matthias Pliessinig

INDD 508 Materials & Processes 

Hallmark Speaker
Who is Matthias Pliessinig?

• Matthias Pliessinig is a famous furniture designer who is from Philadelphia. 

Products & Services: What does he make?

• Matthias is most famous for his furnitures made of steam bent wood.

Market For Whom Does He Make It?

• Most of his clients are architects who want to add exotic furniture to their buildings. Matthias also builds furniture for major universities and other public facilities. For example, he was once asked to build custom benches for Harvard's library. 

Vocabulary Terms & Definitions (Materials):

• The most frequently used words and process mentioned by Matthias would have to be steam bending. The majority of his recent works, if not all, are made of wood which require steam bending in order to form into usable furniture. 

Forming Technologies:

•  For Matthias, steam bending is the most commonly used process to shape wood. Steam bending allows the wood to become pliable by forcing the polymer fibers to become shapable. Steam rollers are also used to heat the resins lying within the wood to force the wood into a pliable state. However, Matthias says that steam rolling is his favorite, and most efficient method of shaping wood. He also mentions kelm drying which is a quick way to dry wood, however, it damages the resins making it harder to manipulate. 

Cutting Technologies:

• A CNC machine and router are commonly used at Star Signs. The router uses CAD base software to route materials. However, the tools located on sight are somewhat limited in their capabilities to manipulate materials. For example, Star Signs cannot transform aluminum that is thicker than half an inch. In such scenarios, Star Signs simply outsources their work to other companies that can complete their work. Such companies may include Gemini, High Tech Laser, and P1.

Joining Technologies:

• Joints are held by glue and rivets, but pinch clamps are initially used to hold various pieces of wood together. 

Finishing Technologies:

• Wood furniture is finished by sanding out imperfections, and applying a clear coat to protect the wood through usage and time. 

Overall Impressions/ Epiphanes/ Aha Moments?

• I thought it was interesting how Matthias had a handful of interns helping him in the process of making pieces of furniture. For as unique as the work is, it's surprising that he allows outside help to finish his projects. I also found it interesting when he mentioned that certain architectural projects that are funded by the public's money are allotted a certain percentage of the budget to fine arts no matter what.