Ryan Pieper
An exploration of the theoretical and technical challenges faced when repairing a modern classic with a significant origin
Bent Ply Chair Back - Sixteen Photos
33 Questions...
When is a repair completed? What defines a restoration? What defines originality in the context of refinishing?
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Does a broken object with a historic provenance warrant special treatment during its repair? If so, how much? What should be considered 'special provenance'?
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What should or should not be repaired? What is original? If seeking to retain originality, what length must one go in order to preserve originality? Should priority be given to keeping aesthetic traits or its functionality? Both?
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Where does one draw the line if time and budget are of no consequence?
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What if the refinishing requires the use of protected species? What are the responsibilities and consequences of incorporating such a material?
If the design contains a flaw that can be resolved, should the improvement occur without input from the designer? Who has the last word?
Who sets the rules? Is it the manufacturer, original designer, or the current owner?
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Should the object be returned to the precise factory specifications the day it rolled off of the assembly line? What if the design has evolved with newer technology since the item was revealed to the public?
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Is anything 'lost' if aftermarket parts are utilized? If so, what is exactly lost? Is it problematic to incorporate 'unauthorized parts' during the refinishing? Why? Why Not? What if these parts are superior in performance to the originals?
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What defines a design improvement? Is there a percentage of original parts that must be included? If so, what is that number?
Should a restoration pay homage to the designers and their original intentions?
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When should refinishing be discussed? Who cares? Why do they care?
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Ryan Pieper teaches the Design Build and Product Making courses along with overseeing the WAAC workshop facilities.
He lives in Alexandria and maintains an independent product design practice where he uses non traditional joining techniques and explores the interactive relationship that we have with furniture.
His work has been on display in a variety of venues, notably the Salone del Mobile (Milano, Italy), Detroit Design Week (Detroit, MI), Design Within Reach (Washington D.C.), and participates as an active member in the DCDC+30 furniture collective.