A chair is typically described as a raised surface above floor level for one person to sit on. They traditionally have a back, arm rests and are supported by four legs, however nowadays there are many different variations. Thus although a universal definition may be assigned to this form, many versions of it exist, for example;
Lounge chair - a comfortable upholstered armchair otherwise known as an easy chair
Office chair- a type of comfortable and adjustable chair that is generally designed for use at a desk in an office
Dinning chairs- usually provide formal seating around a table in the dinning room for family and guests, comes in groups of six to eight, comfortable and attractive seating that takes up less space than the upholstered chairs, sturdier and formed with slightly expensive materials to make them fairly substantial and ornate, generally have high backs.
Poolside chairs- traditionally a portable or foldable apparatus to permit users to sit or lay by the pool in comfort, thus it contains armrests, back support and materials that allows contact with water.
Things to consider
Although the above examples provide room to fulfill their individual purposes through unique forms, functions and designs, they all still have one thing in common; the traditional chair at its most basic level is still to provide a raised surface or place of rest for the human body.
However in recent years, chairs have been designed in such a way that their aesthetics focus on producing something that is modern, contemporary and different. This takes away from the comfort factor valued in previous years as often a chair that we throw ourselves into and love at first due to its uniqueness and design aesthetics, might not be the best chair down the road.
Writers of Exine Articles (2010) provide a quote that supports the idea that nowadays chairs are often produced in light of artistic, and unusual design aesthetics rather than comfort and convenience. They state, “Remember the first time you ever jumped into a bean bag chair didn't it feel great initially. But finally you came to your senses realizing that cool may not be worth folding yourself in half like a tortilla sinking to the floor.” http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Interaction-Between-the-Human-Body-and-the-Zero-Gravity-Chair&id=3064733
Thus owing to this current issue in relation to modern chair designs, I will aim to produce something that balances modern aesthetics with comfort and convenience.
Office Chair
After examining the definition of a chair and the current design issues encountered nowadays, I have decided for the purpose of this assignment I will aim to produce a type of office chair which will be designed in such a way that it differs from all the existing forms out there.
This type of chair will not only allow me to produce something that fulfils the role of the traditional chair, but will permit me to attempt to create a modern and contemporary form that considers the interaction between the human body and the chair in relation to comfort, convenience and function.
Rethinking Form & Function of an Office Chair
Office chair:
A type of comfortable and adjustable chair that is generally designed for use at a desk in an office, is a raised surface above floor level for one person to sit on, has a back, arm rests and is supported by legs (often on wheels).
Thus my initial thoughts and ideas that my design should consider are the following;
- What is the typical office seat? Is it a chair that is adjustable, has a back, legs and arm rests?
- If so, how do I move away from this traditional view?
- Could possibly design a chair with many legs or no legs etc.
- Perhaps I could design something that incorporates these conventional forms but in
a completely different way for example;
Traditional office chair ---> a new and improved office chair but with similar conventional features
http://www.imexbb.com/office-chair-10587610.htm
http://www.furnitureinfashion.net/product_info.php?products_id=1923
- Traditionally it is a seat for someone, so what purpose can I make it serve if there is no one
in it?
- Could it possibly be folded up and put away? Contain storage units for office materials? For
example;
- How can I improve on the design of an office chair in terms of its form, function, mobility, body positioning, convenience etc?
- Perhaps I can design it in such a way to allow it to perform new functions and a higher level of convenience
- For example for it to contain or incorporate technology and other equipment needed in the workplace such as a computer screen, table, coffee holder etc.
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