Modular Furniture Design for Small Living Spaces: A Development Study Using CAD and Rapid Prototyping

Abstract

This study presents the design and development of a modular furniture system optimized for small living spaces through the use of CAD-based design and rapid prototyping methods. The project addresses common challenges in compact urban homes, where traditional furniture is often rigid, oversized, and poorly adapted to limited spatial layouts. An iterative design-thinking framework was adopted, supported by user surveys, concept screening, and a House of Quality (HOQ) analysis to translate user requirements into functional design specifications. A scaled prototype was fabricated using 3D printing to evaluate functional mechanisms and validate the design’s adaptability, modularity, and usability. Structural simulations demonstrated strong performance, with a maximum deformation of 0.094 mm and stress values well below the material yield limit, confirming the robustness of the design under expected loads. A comparative assessment also highlighted the benefits of digital design and prototyping in reducing material waste and enabling higher customization compared to conventional manufacturing. The findings demonstrate that modular furniture systems developed through CAD methodologies can significantly enhance space efficiency and user adaptability in small living environments, offering valuable insights for future urban furniture innovation.