To develop a comfortable minimalist lounge chair, the team at Design Grenade used a simple design method of bending and folding two loops of paper.
Through experimenting with simple techniques, the team then allowed the property of the modeling material to reveal certain forms. Through persistence, they were able to create a minimal chair with a very natural seat and back. The dimensions and contours were adjusted in the prototype, but retained the simplicity of the initial process.
In translating the model to prototype, fiberglass was used for its thinness, strength and matte finish to reflect the softness and roundness of the chair. The fiberglass also had recycling capabilities, and is non toxic to the environment as a finished product. Most important was the longevity of fiberglass and its ability to be easily refurbished.
Design Grenade is located on the Island of Bali in Indonesia. The team chose Indonesia because of its diverse and international community, and the phenomenal level of skill practiced here daily by local designers and craftsman.
Implications - The Big Bend chair is a cost effective design that, while being hand made, is also produced by mold and can be translated into mass production. This chair is also very diverse in that it can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. Big Bend is currently in production and can be ordered in various colors.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Minimalist Lounge Chairs
- By utilizing simple design techniques and innovative materials like fiberglass, there is an opportunity to create minimalist lounge chairs with natural forms and long-lasting durability.
- Handmade to Mass Production
- Designing chairs that can be produced both by hand and through molds opens up the potential for cost-effective mass production while maintaining artisanal craftsmanship.
- Indoor-outdoor Versatility
- The use of versatile chair designs that can be seamlessly integrated into both indoor and outdoor spaces presents an opportunity for furniture manufacturers to cater to a wider range of consumer needs.
Where This Applies
- Furniture Manufacturing
- The furniture manufacturing industry can explore the use of innovative materials and minimalist design techniques to create lounge chairs that are visually pleasing, durable, and suitable for various environments.
- Interior Design
- Interior designers can incorporate minimalist lounge chairs that are adaptable to both indoor and outdoor spaces, providing versatile seating solutions for their clients.
- Sustainable Design
- The sustainable design industry can embrace the use of eco-friendly materials like fiberglass in the production of lounge chairs, offering consumers long-lasting and environmentally conscious furniture options.
