A feeling of security comes with a stable surface supporting you, but the 1.3 Chair appeals in quite the opposite way. Exploring the limits of lumber materials, designer Ki Hyun Kim set out to create the world's lighted full-size seat.
Balsa wood was chosen to build the structure of the perch, using crisscrossing frames below the wafer-thin seat. The benefit of this type of timber is its hardwood properties combined with its remarkably lightweight quality, enabling the the average adult to sit comfortably and soundly on a chair of just 1.28 kg.
But anyone who has worked with balsa wood can appreciate why these components were coated in a hardwood veneer. All the same, the 1.3 Chair is an impressive feat of delicate design and engineering.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Lightweight Materials
- Opportunity to explore and develop innovative materials that are both strong and lightweight for various applications.
- Minimalist Design
- Opportunity to create furniture with minimalistic design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
- Sustainable Furniture
- Opportunity to design furniture using sustainable materials and eco-friendly production processes.
Where This Applies
- Furniture Manufacturing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity for furniture manufacturers to incorporate lightweight and sustainable materials in their product lineup.
- Interior Design
- Opportunity for interior designers to incorporate minimalist furniture designs in their projects for a modern and clean aesthetic.
- Materials Engineering
- Opportunity for materials engineers to develop and optimize lightweight and sustainable materials for various industries, including furniture manufacturing.
