# Petal-Like Plastic Seating The Zip Chair by Chen Liu is Delicately Simple By Meghan Young | Published 2013-03-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zip-chair-by-chen-liu References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/zip-chair-by-chen-liu/) & [chen-liu](http://chen-liu.com/) Inspired by two words, plastic and easy, the Zip Chair by Chen Liu, a Chinese designer pursuing her master degree in [Furniture Department](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragments) from Rhode Island School of Design, was born. Shaped like a delicate flower petal, it consists of nothing more than [laser cut polypropylene](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pla-modular-chair), two zip ties and a [steel leg base](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stamping-chair). Clearly the designer was able to check off her two defining criteria off without any hassels. To gain its graceful shape, panels of the Zip Chair by Chen Liu were lasercut and gathered to a single point on either side to be secured with the zip ties. It is this act of gathering that created the curve of the seat. It can be used indoors and outdoors. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Furniture Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new methods and materials for creating furniture that prioritize sustainability and minimal environmental impact. - **Minimalist Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create sleek, simple designs that prioritize functionality and efficiency, using fewer materials. - **Laser Cutting Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new applications and advancements in laser cutting technology for creating intricate and precise designs in various industries. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Furniture Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate sustainable practices into the manufacturing process, such as using eco-friendly materials and reducing waste. - **Outdoor Furniture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative materials and designs for outdoor furniture that are weather-resistant, durable, and aesthetically appealing. - **Architectural Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize laser cutting technology to create unique architectural elements and furniture pieces that enhance the aesthetic and functionality of buildings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Naturalistic Grass-Inspired Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-flip-chair.md) - [Ergonomic Butterfly-Inspired Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wings-chair.md) - [Simplistically Shaped Geometric Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sitter-chair.md) - [Practical Folding Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patan-chair.md) - [Ribboned Recycled Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ruffini.md) - [Singular Metal Sheet-Made Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fold-chair.md) - [Sculptural Marbled Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tulip-chair.md) - [Haute Cohesive Plywood Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peel-chair-by-blond.md) - [Plant-Based Dynamic Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chiachair.md)