Memphis Klappstuhl by Nora Voon is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2022 A' Design Award in Eisen in Möbeldesign Competition Category.

EisenMöbel· 2022

Memphis Klappstuhl

by Nora Voon

Client: Noda Designs

A' Design Award in Eisen Winner in Möbel Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #135056

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Memphis Klappstuhl

Das schlichte, aber elegante Design ist handgefertigt aus rostfreiem Edelstahl mit Pulverbeschichtung. Dieser stapelbare Klappstuhl ist von einer Büroklammer und Süßigkeiten aus der Kindheit inspiriert und verfügt über ein sehr klares und minimalistisches Rahmendesign. Die Idee besteht darin, einen Klappstuhl zu schaffen, der auf Details wie die freiliegenden Messingschrauben und die Nut im gesamten Stuhlrahmen achtet. Das Profil ist sehr einfach und wurde bewusst so gestaltet, dass es fast wie eine Strichzeichnung aussieht und den Betrachter so dazu anregt, die Details genauer zu betrachten. Der Stuhl kann für den Versand großer Mengen einfach flach verpackt oder gestapelt werden

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Eisen

Memphis Klappstuhl ist Gewinner des A' Design Award in Eisen, einer prestigeträchtigen Anerkennung für gute Designs, die die beruflichen und industriellen Anforderungen erfüllen, die an gut gestaltete Schöpfungen gestellt werden. Eisen-Gewinner zeigen großes Können, hohe Spezialisierung, fachkundiges Verständnis und die kreative Kapazität ihrer Schöpfer. Von Memphis Klappstuhl wird erwartet, dass es eine hochgeschätzte, bewunderte und geliebte Schöpfung ist, die praktisch und innovativ ist. Dieses mit dem A' Design Award in Eisen prämierte Design integriert bewährte Branchenverfahren und weist kompetente technische Merkmale in Verbindung mit Know-how und Talent auf. Memphis Klappstuhl wird für seine Gründlichkeit geschätzt und ist darauf ausgelegt, Verbesserungen der Lebensqualität zu liefern, die dazu beitragen, die Welt zu einem besseren Ort zu machen.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: This is a stackable folding chair that has a very clean and minimal frame design. The idea is to make a folding chair that has attention to details like the exposed brass screws and the groove throughout the frame of the chair. The profile is very simple and was designed intentionally to make it look almost like a line drawing therefore draws the viewer to look closer at the details. Memphis can be easily flat packed or stacked for large shipment orders and easy for storage as you can hang them on the wall when not using to save space.
Dimensions & Packaging: W410 x D400 x H815 mm
Tags: folding chair, chair, patio chair, bistro chair, cafe chair, powder coated
Production Technology: Memphis chair is made using stainless steel and has rust proof powder coating. The frame is very simple with a groove in the middle and anchored together using the brass screws and fittings. Collapsible into a flat surface so that it is easy for shipping. For storage, it can be stored laid flat and stacked or it can be hung on a wall to save space. The reason for not having a back rest because I wanted to have a design that is very minimal as folding chairs should be and wanted the form to take centre stage with the idea that it can look almost transparent in a way. The missing back rest does not effect the comfort of the chair.
Design Challenge: The hardest part of this creative challenge is making sure that the frame is strong enough to support the chair - that is why stainless steel came to mind which is a solid and strong material to work with and if painted correctly with powder coating, it can minimize on corrosion. Using stainless steel means the cost is higher but still doable for a mid range product. We showed it on social media and the response was great with lots of enquiries on this product and also a manufacturer in New York wanted to produce them.
Research: When we were working on a commercial project recently and we realized there aren't any good looking fun folding chairs that are good for commercial use such as cafes, bistros, or even public spaces. I embarked on finding a solution for this but also wanted to make sure it can be easily shipped in a flat pack format. We spoke to a few manufacturers and because of the groove we wanted to make sure the corrosion is at a minimal since we wanted this to be a contract furniture which is why the frame is rounded so that accumulation of water is not possible. I used colours that are bright ad cheerful because most folding chairs are either white or silver/chrome finish, I wanted the chair to be fun and exciting which can brighten any interior or exterior.
Inspiration: The Memphis chair is an updated modern take on the folding chair. The simple yet elegant design is handcrafted in rustproof stainless steel in powder coated finish. Inspired from a paperclip and childhood candies, I wanted to create a folding chair that is minimal but yet substantial with attention to detail like the grooves around the chair frame. Anchored together with exposed brass fittings and screws for that extra special touch. The chair is stackable, therefore making it easy for storage (hung) and comes in 5 colours and can easily be shipped in a flat pack.
Project Duration: I started this project out of necessity on January 11th 2022 and did some research on materials, forms and fittings throughout for 2 weeks. The design concept was done in Toronto, Canada but manufacturing will be done in Indonesia.
Operation Flow: The operation is simple, folded chair can be operated using one simple movement by unfolding the chair. The ease of this chair and the simplicity of it makes it a timeless piece, and the fact that one can hang it on a wall to reduce storage space is ideal for small apartments or homes.
Team Members: Nora Voon
Image Credits: Images #1 to #5: render by Katie Zhang
video credit: Katie Zhang