Created in response to the failures of the majority of folding chairs inability to fold compactly and efficiently, and therefore ultimately store effectively.

As such a very analytical approach was taken to the design, which resulted in a chair whose aesthetics were almost completely dictated to by the resolving of these issues.

The utilitarian design is the direct result of rigorous analysis of its engineering and functional requirements and testament to the expression ‘form follows function’.

The chair needed to be contained within itself with no external components that could interfere with the way in which it was stored. To achieve an optimum minimal thickness and flatness it needed to utilize flat geometric planes that could be contained within a frame, which acted as both a structural and bordering element to the chair.

Referencing Gerrit Rietvelds iconic ‘Zig Zag’ chair, a series of panels are linked together to create a seat, back and base, which in turn connect to the outer frame. The panels are fixed at one end but allowed to rotate and slide through the frame at the other end in order for the chair to open and close. Each element is triangulated to one another to evenly distribute the weight acting upon them when in use. There is also a deliberate allowance of flex to the panels providing the user with an unexpected level of comfort and support.

The chair is available from Gebruder Thonet Vienna in white, black, orange, and blue and folds totally flat and within its own frame to a depth of 3cm. A docking station is also available to store 4, 6 or 10 chairs.

Designer: Jake Phipps Manufacturer: Gebruder Thonet Vienna

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