Plit Side Chair

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The typical seat is often imagined as a static entity, supporting the body in a linear way, disregarding the frequent changes in sitting poses and the shifting user weight. Plit chair proposes a new perspective by dividing the seating surface on the vertical axis to create two sides that react to the user independently as they re-adjust their pose. The seat surface is scored to provide better support. The base is composed of two curving strips to give the impression of fluidity and leniency.

Dimensions & Packaging

Seat Height – 453mm; Seat Width – 445mm; Seat Depth – 445mm; Seat Angle – 5 degrees
Backrest Height – 405mm; Backrest Width – 405mm; Backrest Angle – 5 degrees; Lumbar Support Height – 155mm
Base Total Height – 505mm; Base Depth – 515mm
Package Size – 600mm x 600mm x 300mm unassembled

Tags

Chair, Contemporary, Ergonomy, Onement, Side Chair, Split

Production Technology

The structure of the chair is a combination of machined and cold-formed aluminum. The continuous strips that form the base feature a polished and a black satin finish applied through masked anodization to create a laminated effect. The seat is overmolded Polypropylene Copolymer around a machined aluminum internal frame to increase structural integrity, featuring a smooth matte finish with slight texturing, soft to the touch and flexible. The seat components are connected via a set of bolts.

Design Challenge

The typical chair design assumes that seating positions are static and weight distribution is symmetrical on the vertical axis at all times. However, research suggests that sitting is a dynamic action and users naturally shift their body weight to regulate blood flow and balance tissue perfusion. This chair proposes a unique design by splitting the chair on the vertical axis. Through utilizing flexible materials, the chair can respond to the shifting body weight independently and asymmetrically.

Project Duration

The project was started in May 2020 and completed in November 2020.

Operation Flow

The chair is designed to deliver an unusual and comfortable seating experience while complementing modern corporate and residential interiors with its unique look. The flowing lines and sculptural aesthetic makes the chair ideal for creating focal points, however, the relatively simplistic features enable the designer to use the chair in a repeated fashion without overwhelming the intended visual composition.

Research

Although often envisioned as a static posture, sitting is a dynamic action. Seating surface applies pressure to the user’s body and forces them to shift their weight and realign their body to regulate blood flow and balance tissue perfusion. Research suggests that fidgeting starts within 30 minutes. This design addresses the dynamic nature of seating by splitting the chair into two sides that can flex independently and respond to the shift in weight distribution more actively and efficiently.

Inspiration

Inspired by the dynamic nature of sitting, in order to adaptively support the shifting poses and weight of the user, the chair form is split on the vertical axis creating two halves that can react to the user independently and asymmetrically. The effect of the split is inspired by the Onement series of paintings by Barnett Newman. The split creates a negative space that emphasizes independence yet, it also becomes the visual element that underlines and celebrates unity and totality.

Image Credits

Kutay Guler, 2020

Colors of Plit Side Chair