The Polymorphic Bench is a kinetic and interactive installation utilizing an innovative design and engineering solution inspired by the simple kinetic action of a see-saw and the reverberating motion of a Slinky. A series of 119 unique and interconnected sections, a simple central pivot and a bolt system allows the vertical movement of one section to be picked up by others down the line. Together, this motion enables the installation to transform from a series of leveled sections into an undulating form activated through interaction with its occupants.

The design of Polymorphic was inherently efficient, due to the financial constraint of a $1000 budget. The design was broken down into small and linear pieces that maximized the quantity fit on a sheet of plywood. In total, the entire installation only used 18 sheets of plywood, which were utilized at over 90% efficiency.

Designed and fabricated with a group of colleagues at Columbia University, the full team included:

Trevor Holly Taub, Charlie Able, Alexis Burson, Ivy Chan, Jennifer Chang, Aaron Harris, Trevor Hollyn Taub, Brian Lee, Eliza Montgomery, Vernon Roether, and David Zhai

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