[Description]

Sigmund Freud posited that the chair acts as a covert disciplinarian, controlling the mind by regulating the seated human body. Indeed, he suggested that chairs have deeply influenced our minds in a subtle manner.

The chair is among the objects that come into closest contact with our bodies, second only to clothing. It is also the piece of furniture with which we spend the most time. Beyond merely supporting our bodies, chairs play numerous roles in our lives.

Discourses on chairs have introduced a compelling notion that chairs can dictate the dynamics of human relationships. Designers often imbue chairs with this intention. Throughout history, the design of a chair has often indicated the status and power of its user. For instance, in ancient Rome, the distinct designs of seating for a king and his servants reflected their hierarchical relationship. Even within a Roman household, different types of seats at the dining table—such as a sofa for the father, a recliner for the mother, and stools for the children—denoted their roles and standings.

Moreover, chairs have a hidden role in shaping relationships between people and are designed to discipline the body according to the type of work being performed. Office chairs, for example, are designed to facilitate concentration over long periods, while student chairs are intended to promote prolonged periods of intense learning.

With such profound impacts on our minds, I aspire to create a chair that honors the dignity of human nature without betraying any background conditions. This chair would not indicate social position or power status, nor would it emphasize work efficiency. Instead, it serves as a mediator, encouraging users to contemplate their inherent dignity. To achieve this, traditional chair legs, which often convey various stances, have been removed. This allows the natural gestures of human legs to replace those traditionally expressed by the chair. Furthermore, the design of the seat and backrest mirrors the human form, allowing the chair to emanate an aura reminiscent of a powerful human torso.

Materials and High Technology

To construct a chair without legs, we have employed cutting-edge magnetic technology. Flexible magnetic films are embedded in both the seat and a corresponding floor plate, allowing the seat and backrest to be securely suspended in midair. These components are connected by carbon fiber threads, which are stronger than steel yet lighter than aluminum.

For the seat and backrest, GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) has been selected for its ability to convey a neutral character, with added flexibility and lightness provided by the glass fibers.

The base plate is crafted from wood, a traditional material for chairs, which is then fitted within a steel frame equipped with handles on both sides to complete the chair’s construction.

2016 VMODERN Furniture Design Competition

Result : Honorable Mention 

Design by KIM MIN JAE