Skip to content
Aeriform Cadair Freichiau by Kristian Ruden

Aeriform Cadair Freichiau by Kristian Ruden is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Gwobr Efydd A' Design Award in Dylunio Dodrefn Competition Category.


EfyddDodrefn· 2025

Aeriform Cadair Freichiau

by Kristian Ruden

Client: Kristian Ruden

Gwobr Efydd A' Design Award Winner in Dodrefn Category

14,189

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #163941

Colors

The Design

About Aeriform Cadair Freichiau

Mae'r Gadair Freichiau Aeriform yn ailddiffinio cysur gyda'i dull arloesol o ran ergonomeg a dyluniad. Wedi'i chynllunio mewn rhithrealaeth a'i llywio gan astudiaethau anthropometrig, mae'r gadair hon yn cynnig opsiynau eistedd amlbwrpas, o ymlacio hamddenol ac eistedd ochrol i gefnogaeth uniongyrchol. Mae ei dyluniad di-dor yn cynnwys cylchdroi diymdrech a gwaelod sbringog ar gyfer siglo tawelol. Wedi'i chrefftio gyda chragen ffibr gwydr, dodrefnwaith moethus, a ffabrig neu ledr o ansawdd uchel, mae Aeriform yn cyfuno presenoldeb sofistigedig â swyddogaeth ymarferol, gan ei gwneud yn ychwanegiad amlwg i fewnfeydd modern.

The Recognition

About the Gwobr Efydd A' Design Award

Mae Aeriform Cadair Freichiau yn enillydd Gwobr Efydd A' Design Award, cydnabyddiaeth hynod fawreddog a roddir i ddyluniadau rhagorol sydd yn nodedig am greadigrwydd, dyfeisgarwch a chraffter. Mae enillwyr Efydd yn arteffactau medrus iawn a thrawiadol o greadigol sydd yn dilysu profiad helaeth, dychymyg a dyfeisgarwch eu dylunwyr. Disgwylir i Aeriform Cadair Freichiau fod yn wrthrych uchel ei fri, a edmygir ac a anwylir, sydd yn nodedig o broffesiynol ac arloesol. Mae'r dyluniad buddugol hwn o Wobr Efydd A' Design Award yn ymgorffori arferion gorau mewn celf, gwyddoniaeth, dylunio a thechnoleg, ac yn rhagorol am ei sylw i fanylion. Mae Aeriform Cadair Freichiau yn bodloni anghenion yn odidog, yn cyffwrdd â dyheadau, yn swyno teimladau ac yn apelio at chwilfrydedd.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties
The Aeriform is a luxury seating design focused on both comfort and aesthetic appeal. Its form draws inspiration from aerodynamic shapes, offering a sculptural presence. Crafted from high-quality materials, the armchair is designed with ergonomic support in mind. The use of innovative materials and precise craftsmanship sets it apart, blending artistry with functionality. Its unique design serves as both a functional piece and a statement of elegance, making it suitable for high-end interiors.
Dimensions & Packaging
Amchair sports 3 layer fiberglass frame with XPS foam core, various thickness and hardness of PU padding foam, fabric/leather upholstery with a single seam running around the edge. Base is done in steel with a 3D printed shell (time saving measures during prototype creation).
Dimensions of armchair: 1026 x 931x 1135
Dimensions of ottoman: 687 x 571 x 409
Tags
Armchair, sculptural, ergonomic, luxury, comfort, presence, high-end, dynamic, aerodynamic, seating
Production Technology
The prototype started with a foam core, CNC-milled from XPS foam and assembled with adhesive foam. It was sanded smooth, coated with epoxy resin, and layered with fiberglass for a strong shell. The base and legs were laser-cut steel, welded, and finished with a 3D-printed shell. The frame was padded with foam and batting, then covered with a precisely cut and sewn fabric. Finally, the chair was assembled with its base, lazy Susan, and headrest cushions.
Design Challenge
Main challenge was the lack of proper studies of comfort in anthropometric books. While ergonomy is well documented, there isn't much information abou comfort. Ergonomy looks at things from 2 dimensions, and while it's a good start, seating is usually a dynamic activity for the body and needs to be studied in 3-4 dimensions. Thats why personal testing on the jig was conducted.
Research
Research started with ergonomics. Drawing inspiration from anthropometry books and personal tests on a special jig constructed to allow for change in seat and backrest positioning and change of angles. From that data was constructed a 3D "skeleton" of the armchair and then iterations took place in virtual reality. Testing was performed with people ages 18-60 as the main target demographic. First 1:1 model was made out of polystyrene and tested as well. Drawing conclusion on overall dimensions.
Inspiration
The Aeriform Armchair draws inspiration from the natural elegance of bird wings, evoking the feeling of an embrace. Designed entirely within virtual reality, the form was conceived from a flowing, ribbon like structure suspended in space. Influenced by Pierre Paulin’s Ribbon Chair, the design was further refined to create a more imposing and luxurious piece. Extensive prototyping and ergonomic testing via jigs and models were undertaken to ensure optimal comfort across various seating angles.
Project Duration
Work on the project began in December 2023 and came to conclusion in June 2024 as the main focus of the diploma project.
Operation Flow
The Armchair is designed for ease and comfort, promoting a natural seating posture. Its flowing structure supports the body, distributing weight evenly and allowing various sitting angles, such as sideways or with legs crossed. No complex adjustments are needed; interaction is intuitive. A Lazy Susan facilitates movement and fidgeting, while the springy base offers a rocking motion. The design combines aesthetic elegance with practical functionality for a comfortable and inviting experience.
Patents
Patent pending. PVZ 2024-42455. Kristian Ruden. 2024. UPV.
Image Credits
Image #1: Creator Kristian Ruden, Photo of Aeriform, 2024
Image #2: Creator Kristian Ruden, Photo of Aeriform, 2024
Image #3: Creator Kristian Ruden, Render of Aeriform, 2024
Image #4: Creator Kristian Ruden, Render of Aeriform, 2024
Image #5: Creator Kristian Ruden, Render of Aeriform, 2024

Sponsored

Explore Beyond Designers.org

Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

The A' Design Award is an international, juried accolade for good design. Take part in the A' Design Award to get an opportunity to earn meritocratic recognition, gain fame, prestige and publicity for your work. Nominate your work for the A' Design Award and compete for the coveted A' Design Prize.

Nominate