Oco Armchair

The hollow hemisphere was conceived as the central element of the Oco Armchair, reflecting my pursuit of exploring the visual and symbolic strength of pure geometry. This choice was not solely aesthetic but also functional. The spherical form, with its symmetry and continuity, creates an experience that naturally, almost intuitively, embraces the human body, providing physical comfort and a sense of protection. At the same time, the piece establishes a dialogue between functionality and artistic expression. The simple and precise geometry evokes a minimalist language, while its striking presence invites reflection on the role of everyday objects in our environment. My intention was to go beyond utility, proposing a design that also fosters emotional and intellectual interaction with the observer, positioning the armchair as a balance between functional furniture and a piece of contemporary art. This concept adds a deeper meaning to the design, connecting aesthetics, utility, and purpose.

The inspiration to combine the minimalist design and ergonomic comfort of the Oco Armchair arose from a desire to explore contrasts—strength and softness, simplicity and sophistication. Fiberglass was chosen not only for its structural integrity but also for its versatility in shaping organic, continuous forms that align seamlessly with the chair’s minimalist aesthetic. Additionally, this material allowed us to achieve a clean, fluid silhouette while ensuring both durability and stability. The development process was a lengthy and exhaustive journey. The focus was on creating a visually lightweight structure that remained sufficiently robust to support adequate loads. During prototyping, we explored different thicknesses and fiberglass stratification techniques to ensure the shell maintained its slim profile without compromising strength. The combination of the fiberglass hemisphere and the upholstery was a deliberate choice to contrast rigidity and softness. This pairing reflects the dual purpose of the armchair: to serve as both a design object and a functional piece of furniture. Throughout the development process, ergonomics were refined by adjusting the curvature, proportions, and finishes, ensuring not only a striking appearance but also a welcoming comfort. The dialogue between materials and forms embodies the ethos of the armchair: a minimalist design rich in experience, seamlessly blending artistic expression with human-centered functionality.

The prototyping process of the Oco Armchair involved complex stages and significant time investment, particularly due to the challenges of working with fiberglass and natural wood veneers applied to an organic, spherical surface. It demanded innovation, extensive experimentation, and persistence to achieve the desired result. For fiberglass, the main challenge was ensuring a uniform, slender, and sufficiently robust structure with perfect fittings, providing the necessary structural integrity for the project. Ensuring strength at the connection points between the shell and the steel base was perhaps the aspect that required the most attention. Regarding the natural wood veneers, the difficulty lay in adapting a material with limited flexibility in multiple directions to a spherical surface, avoiding cracks, deformations, and visual imperfections. The solution came through highly specialized craftsmanship in marquetry, which helped refine the processes of cutting, bending, and attaching the veneers. Additionally, we opted for wood species with greater flexibility. The meticulous development of the Oco Armchair required intense collaboration between industrial and artisanal processes, deepening our appreciation for the value of manual craftsmanship within the design context.