Arc Cadira by Dheeraj Belgaonkar is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award de Ferro in Disseny de Mobiliari Competition Category.

FerroMobiliari· 2024

Arc Cadira

by Dheeraj Belgaonkar

Client: National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad

A' Design Award de Ferro Winner in Mobiliari Category

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Verified Award Winner
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Colors

The Design

About Arc Cadira

Arc és una cadira multiusos dissenyada per a l'ús quotidià. Les corbes donen forma a cada part de la cadira, des del respatller envoltant fins als braços arquejats. L'estructura està feta de tub d'acer suau de 16 mm, corbat en arcs de segon grau racionalitzats. El seient, el respatller i els braços estan tallats amb màquina CNC a partir de contraxapat de bedoll de 18 mm i acabats amb una tinta fosca. La cadira es subministra en dues meitats que s'uneixen amb cargols, i els braços es poden acoblar quan calgui. Les proporcions ergonòmiques es van definir a partir de dades antropomètriques d'usuaris d'entre 25 i 35 anys.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Ferro

Arc Cadira és un guanyador del guardó A' Design Award de Ferro, un reconeixement prestigiós concedit a bons dissenys que compleixen els requisits professionals i industrials esperats de creacions ben dissenyades. Els guanyadors de Ferro demostren una gran habilitat, una alta especialització, una comprensió experta i la capacitat creativa dels seus creadors. Es preveu que Arc Cadira sigui una creació molt apreciada, admirada i estimada que és pràctica i innovadora. Aquest disseny guanyador del guardó A' Design Award de Ferro integra les millors pràctiques del sector i té característiques tècniques competents lligades al coneixement i al talent. Arc Cadira és respectat per la seva minuciositat i està pensat per oferir millores en la qualitat de vida que ajuden a fer del món un lloc millor.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Arc Chair is a multipurpose seating solution that combines aesthetics, functionality, and versatility to create a unique and adaptable piece of furniture.
The Arc Chair is characterized by its dynamic form, which seamlessly integrates arcs into every aspect of its structure. From the sweeping curves of the backrest to the gracefully arched armrests, the chair embodies a sense of movement and harmony. The arcs serve as a visual focal point and contribute to the chair's ergonomics and comfort.
Dimensions & Packaging: Overall Dimensions: 550 mm x 550 mm x 730 mm
Seating height: 445 mm
Seat area: 450 mm x 430 mm
Tags: Arc Chair, Curves, Biomorphic, Multipurpose chair
Production Technology: The chair structure comprises a 16 gauge CRC Mild Steel Pipe of 16mm dia. A multi-axis pipe bending machine can bend this to shape, as all the curves are rationalised second-degree arcs. However, due to the limitations of the prototyping facility at the institute, the component had to be made in parts and welded later on to complete the whole. Threaded holes were made to align to attach the various elements using bolts.
The seat, back and armrests consist of 18mm thick birch plywood cut to shape in a CNC machine. The edge was routed to give it a smoothly finished edge. This was later polished with a dark stain and attached to the structure using D-nuts and bolts.
Design Challenge: During the development of the Arc Chair, the creative challenge was to seamlessly integrate arcs into every aspect of the design while ensuring ergonomic comfort. One obstacle was to strike the right balance between aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that the chair's unique form didn't compromise its usability.
Access to information and technology played a vital role in overcoming obstacles. Extensive research on ergonomic principles, user preferences, and material properties was conducted. Advanced design software and prototyping technologies facilitated the exploration and refinement of design iterations.
Further challenges were faced while manufacturing the prototype, as the lack of availability of tech meant that each part had to be made separately and required a jig to hold the pieces together. Overall each challenge served as an opportunity for learning and reflection.
Research: Primary research
To get the relevant data for the Indian demographic and not necessarily rely on standards biased towards the Western body type.
Users aged 25 to 35 were selected, with a 50-50 split between male and female respondents.
Various anthropometric data were collected related to seating.
The data was further split into segments at 3-inch intervals, and an average was considered.
This aims to provide furniture inclusive of the target demographic.
Inspiration: The motive was to create a seating solution that captures the fluidity and elegance of arcs while providing ergonomic comfort.
The inspiration came from the idea of movement and harmony found in biomorphic forms such as the lotus, translating those qualities into the design.
The research consisted of studying carrying patterns and primary user data. Iterative design processes, such as sketching, 3D modelling, and physical prototyping, were employed to refine and validate the design concept.
Project Duration: The project started in March 2023 at the National Institute of Design Ahmedabad as part of the student furniture design project and finished in May 2023.
Operation Flow: The chair consists of 2 easy to assemble halves which the provided bolts can attach. Above these halves, one can connect the backrest and the seat. Further, if required, the armrest can be attached to the sides by the smaller bolts provided.