DESIGN NAME: Chicago Line
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Armchair
INSPIRATION: The "Chicago" collection is inspired by the essence of modern and industrial architecture that defines the city of Chicago, in the United States. Known as the birthplace of skyscrapers and a symbol of innovation, the city serves as the backdrop for furniture that balances structural strength and sophistication, bringing timeless elements to contemporary design.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Chicago armchair features a design that combines solid wood machined with 5-axis technology and a seat with gentle curves and dual radii, providing maximum comfort. Its high-quality foam ensures the user can enjoy extended periods of use with complete ease.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The Chicago armchair is intuitive and comfortable. Its ergonomic structure adapts to the body, while the seat and backrest provide optimal support. The ottoman complements the experience, allowing for total relaxation. Designed for extended use, it combines comfort and durability with an elegant and functional design, creating a harmonious interaction between the user and the furniture.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The concept of the Chicago armchair began in 2021. Throughout the process, adjustments and improvements were made to refine the design and meet expectations. After several iterations, the project was completed in 2024 with the final prototype, and its official launch is scheduled for 2025.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Furniture Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The Chicago armchair was designed to provide exceptional comfort, supporting hours of continuous use. Its design features arms precisely sculpted on a C.N.C. lathe, complementing the solid wood structure. The seat incorporates two curves that adapt to human anatomy, combined with high-performance foam. All wooden components are CNC machined, resulting in a product that appears as a single piece. The accompanying ottoman extends comfort and completes the design with elegance and functionality.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: armchair: 770mm x 750mm x 840mm
puff: 640mm x 550mm x 440mm
TAGS: Chicago armchair, contemporary design, comfort, solid wood, upholstery, ergonomics, Brazilian joinery, minimalism, timeless style, exclusive pieces
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The research for the Chicago armchair involved an exploratory study focusing on ergonomics, comfort, and aesthetics. The goal was to create a functional and elegant piece for extended use. The methodology included C.N.C. prototype testing, usage simulations, and comfort analysis. Tools like 3D modeling software and feedback from end-users were utilized.
Participants included designers, woodworkers, and selected consumers for practical testing. Results revealed that adjustments to the seat curvature and armrest angle were crucial for optimal comfort. The main insight was that high-performance materials combined with precise production techniques deliver a superior user experience.
The impact was significant on the design, ensuring durability, refined aesthetics, and comfort. The project also underscored the importance of collaborative and iterative processes, resulting in a product aligned with real market needs and enhancing the interaction between design and society.
CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge in developing the Chicago armchair was balancing a sophisticated design with ergonomic comfort and large-scale production feasibility. Internally, drawing inspiration from Chicago's architecture required an in-depth historical and aesthetic study to translate the city's essence into a functional piece of furniture. Externally, technological limitations demanded precise adjustments in the design to enable C.N.C. machining without compromising the perception of structural unity.
Additionally, challenges related to material selection, such as securing high-quality wood and high-performance foam, required careful negotiations with suppliers. The need to comply with international ergonomic standards added another layer of complexity to the process.
We overcame these challenges through a collaborative process involving designers, engineers, and woodworkers, along with a continuous cycle of prototyping and testing. The result is a design that harmonizes aesthetics, comfort, and efficiency, while staying true to values of quality and durability.
ADDED DATE: 2025-01-03 16:44:19
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Alexandre Kasper
IMAGE CREDITS: Alexandre Kasper
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Alexandre Kasper
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