DESIGN NAME: Vanilla
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Lounge Chair
INSPIRATION: This design was inspired by today’s generation. A design that creates a moment of reflection towards the many contradictions between our generation and our parents’ and grandparents’, whereby even though these differences seem to tear us apart at times, our heritage and history always ground us, creating a harmonious and complementary marriage between what may feel like two very different realities. The decorative metal sheet in the middle serves a meaningful purpose of tying both sides together, while its beautiful patterns cast shadows symbolizing heritage. More importantly, however, the concept is to bring forth to the spotlight our precious traditional arts by sourcing this component of the lounge chair to our talented local craftsmen .
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Has a rear end to be proud of!
- Its ergonomic form supports the knees and back.
- Very comfortable 7 cm cushioning.
- Bent wood provide cantilever effect.
- Decorative patterns create beautiful shadows.
- Wide seat for leisurely sitting.
- Tilt knee mechanism: 360 rotation and tilt back.
- Adjustable neck rest.
- Handmade decorative sheet metal to support local craftsmen.
- Simple production processes, local suppliers; means greener product.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: There are many lounge chairs and statement furniture, but this one speaks to our generational gaps and grounds us. It is a lounge chair with a message.
However, if to some it is just an attractive statement chair that looks like it is split into two, they will quickly realize that it is also a very comfortable lounging experience!
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Project started in February 2010 and ended November 2010
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Furniture Design
|
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Main frame: Bent plywood with a polished stainless steel base.
upholstery; suede & leather.
Decorative element; engraved sheet metal(brass / local suppliers of handicrafts).
Tilt and 360 degree rotational mechanism.
Once put into sub assemblies there are only four main components; upholstery, bent wood frame, decorative sheet metal, and base. This provides ease of assembly, shipping and eventually maintenance.
All materials and manufacturing process are quite simple, do not require sophisticated machinery. The objective is to manufacture this lounge chair locally in order to reduce its carbon footprint.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Overall dimensions;
1140 mm Width x 870 mm height x 2030 mm Depth.
Seat dimensions: 860 mm Width x 410 mm Height.
Stainless Steel base diameter is 860 mm.
TAGS: -
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: I thoroughly researched the ergonomics of seating, seat height, width, cushioning and the lower back support curvatures. In addition, I looked at best practices and incorporated the most comfortable features including tilt mechanisms and where they can be found and their suppliers.
Furthermore, I researched bent woods and manufacturing techniques, visited factories and met with local carpenters. I found at least 4 qualified local suppliers willing to help build this chair. I would like to stress that this is one of my main goals; having greener furniture and encouraging local suppliers to work on projects that allow them to think outside the box.
CHALLENGE: The most difficult part of this project was to design a lounge chair that can be produced in very minimal industrial processes, without affecting the aesthetic quality of the chair.
ADDED DATE: 2010-11-29 08:40:19
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Sahar Madanat Haddad
IMAGE CREDITS: Sahar Madanat Design Studio, 2010.
|