DESIGN NAME: Armonia
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Guest Chair
INSPIRATION: Armonia draws inspiration from the profound yet subtle wisdom of Japanese joinery and the minimalist beauty of Scandinavian design, both historically admired for their respect towards material and form. Rooted deeply in the ancient philosophy of Wabi-sabi, this chair embraces imperfections and simplicity, harmoniously combining stability, delicacy, and functionality. The design symbolizes unity, balance, and the poetic interaction between human craft and nature’s elegance.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Armonia is an exquisite dialogue of balance, stability, and elegance, uniquely constructed from three meticulously crafted wooden elements. The cylindrical cross-sections of the seat and back evoke softness, fluidity, and tactile comfort. In contrast,the diagonally placed rectangular legs symbolize structural strength and stability,elegantly channeling forces away from the center. The organic leather shells gently embrace the wood, forming a unified piece that radiates minimalist sophistication.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Upon interaction, Armonia intuitively accommodates the human form, encouraging comfortable seating and ergonomic support. The angled diagonal legs efficiently distribute weight, gracefully balancing stress without strain, enhancing overall comfort. The cylindrical handles and back provide intuitive comfort, naturally guiding the hand and back to restful positions. Interaction with Armonia thus becomes a harmonious experience of refined simplicity and functional beauty.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project began in March 2024 in Philadelphia, USA, and simultaneously in Tabriz, Iran, and was thoughtfully developed over eight months, reaching completion in November 2024.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Furniture Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Armonia merges precise CNC woodworking with meticulous handcrafted finishing. Utilizing sustainably sourced European walnut for the cylindrical frame enhances structural integrity and aesthetic refinement. The diagonal legs, crafted from American white oak, contribute strength and visual contrast. The luxurious leather, crafted from sustainably sourced avocado byproducts, provides softness and durability. Organic cotton threads are used for stitching, ensuring ecological sensitivity and a refined aesthetic.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Total Height: 88 cm
Seat Height: 49 cm
Depth: 52 cm
Width: 50-52 cm
Materials: European walnut, American white oak, avocado-based organic leather
Joinery: Traditional wood joinery, reinforced organic cotton stitching
TAGS: Minimalist design, sustainable furniture, ergonomic chair, Scandinavian, Japanese joinery, organic leather, eco-friendly, walnut, oak.
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Research for Armonia focused on the historical integration of structural elegance found in Japanese joinery techniques and the ergonomic philosophies of Scandinavian minimalism. Studying the efficient material use and visual harmony found in these traditions provided insights into developing a structurally sound yet visually delicate design. Material research prioritized sustainable sourcing and innovative applications of organic, biodegradable leather alternatives to align ecological responsibility with refined aesthetics.
CHALLENGE: One of the greatest challenges in crafting Armonia was achieving maximum structural stability and refined visual elegance through minimal material usage. Precision was required to perfectly position the rectangular legs at angles that effectively distributed stress without compromising aesthetic grace. Precise joinery methods, such as carefully crafted tongue-and-groove connections, demanded exceptional accuracy and meticulous attention to detail. Additionally, the wood-bending process involved shaping components in custom molds to achieve precise curvature without compromising structural stability. Metal articulated joints were strategically incorporated to reinforce and secure the wood pieces, significantly enhancing overall structural cohesion and ensuring durability, all while maintaining a harmonious aesthetic. Developing the seamless interaction between wood and organic leather required careful selection and experimentation, ensuring lasting comfort, durability, and adherence to rigorous ecological standards.
ADDED DATE: 2025-03-30 15:54:06
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Designer: Sepideh Bayat and Designer: Mohammadali Nemati
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Illustrator Mohammadali Nemati, Armonia, 2025.
Image #2: Illustrator Mohammadali Nemati, Armonia, 2025.
Image #3: Illustrator Mohammadali Nemati, Armonia, 2025.
Image #4: Illustrator Mohammadali Nemati, Armonia, 2025.
Image #5: Illustrator Mohammadali Nemati, Armonia, 2025.
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