The Laidback Cathair Socair by Uslu Design Studio

The Laidback Cathair Socair by Uslu Design Studio is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Umha A' Design Award in Dealbhadh Àirneis Competition Category.

UmhaÀirneis· 2026

The Laidback Cathair Socair

by Uslu Design Studio

Client: Uslu Design Studio

Duais Umha A' Design Award Winner in Àirneis Category

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Colors

The Design

About The Laidback Cathair Socair

'S e an Laidback an neach-amhairc taobh a-staigh cruinne an Disco House. Cha bhi e a-riamh air a bhogadh gu tur ann, an-còmhnaidh beagan air falbh, cha lean e an t-àile ach tha e ga mhìneachadh gu sàmhach. Air a shònrachadh le còmhdach mheileabhaid Nobilis agus mion-fhiosrachadh stàilinn gun mheirg, tha e a' halla a-steach do chomhfhurtachd fhad 's a chumas e làthaireachd shocair. An àite cuideam a chur air gnìomh, tha e a' nochdadh staid inntinn. Air a bhrosnachadh le beatha-oidhche shaor deireadh nan 1970an is toiseach nan 1980an, tha e a' glacadh mionaid far a bheil ceòl, ruitheam agus àite a' leaghadh a-steach do chèile. Tha e a' socrachadh air ais anns a' chùlaibh, a' cumadh àite tro dhìomhaireachd agus tarraing shocair.

The Recognition

About the Duais Umha A' Design Award

Tha The Laidback Cathair Socair air Duais Umha A' Design Award a bhuannachadh, aithneachadh gu math urramach a bheirear do dhealbhaidhean sònraichte a tha air an comharrachadh le cruthachalachd, innleachd agus geurchuis. Tha buannaichean Umha nan obraichean gu math sgileil agus gu sònraichte cruthachail a dhearbhas eòlas farsaing, mac-meanmna agus tapachd an luchd-dealbhaidh. Thathar an dùil gum bi The Laidback Cathair Socair na nì air a bheil mòran meas, ion-mholta agus gràdhach, a tha gu sònraichte proifeiseanta agus ùr-ghnàthach. Tha an dealbhadh seo a bhuannaich Duais Umha A' Design Award a' cur nan cleachdaidhean as fheàrr ann an ealain, saidheans, dealbhadh agus teicneolas an gnìomh, agus tha e sàr-mhath airson an aire do mhion-fhiosrachadh. Bidh The Laidback Cathair Socair a' sàsachadh fheumalachdan gu h-iongantach, a' suathadh ri miannan, a' tàladh faireachdainnean agus a' togail fiosrachd.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: The Laidback is a lounge chair defined by its low, enveloping form and relaxed seating posture. Designed for extended comfort, it is paired with a matching ottoman and a dedicated side table positioned for effortless use. The seating ergonomics support a naturally reclined position without physical strain. High gloss lacquer, velvet and stainless steel create a refined contrast, offering a contemporary interpretation of comfort and spatial presence.
Dimensions & Packaging: Lounge chair with ottoman. The structure combines cnc-machined base elements, a 5-axis cnc-fabricated supporting leg and a molded flexible plywood backrest. Upholstery is in high-density foam and velvet fabric. Surface finishes include high-gloss lacquer, stainless steel details and fused glass elements. Approximate dimensions: chair 1000 w x 800 d x 700 h mm, ottoman 700 w x 520 d x 420 h mm
Tags: Lounge Chair, Ergonomic Lounge Chair, Luxury Furniture, Statement Furniture, Collectible Furniture, Mid Century Furniture, Disco House, Uslu's Disco House, Uslu Design Studio, Uslu Architects
Production Technology: The Laidback is produced through a hybrid process combining cnc fabrication and handcraft. The base is cnc-cut, while the side table leg is shaped with 5-axis cnc in alignment with the digital model. The backrest is formed using molded flexible plywood. The side table features fused glass with a color finish. cnc precision and molding techniques ensure consistency and efficiency in production. Velvet upholstery, high-gloss lacquer and stainless steel details position the piece within a premium segment, while material variations allow for adaptable cost strategies.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was twofold. Conceptually, it involved translating abstract ideas such as rhythm, atmosphere and character into a coherent seating form, balancing expressive geometry with ergonomic comfort and structural integrity. Interpreting and reconstructing a cultural atmosphere that was not directly experienced, as a designer from a different generation, required an additional layer of research, imagination and reinterpretation.

From a production perspective, the project faced significant constraints due to limited initial production volume, making it difficult to engage manufacturers. As an independently developed project for SaloneSatellite and Alcova, it required self managed resources and fabrication. The complex curved geometries necessitated mold based solutions, increasing initial costs. Additionally, producing in Turkey under high taxation and import constraints led to elevated material costs, requiring direct sourcing of certain materials from Europe.
Research: This project is based on a conceptual and experiential design research exploring the relationship between music, space and human behavior. Developed as part of the Disco House collection, it proposes a scenario for living where each object embodies a distinct character. The research builds on two core ideas: the invisible relationship between music and architecture, translated into spatial form, and the liberated, glamorous nightlife culture of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Through observational analysis and prototyping, the design investigates how atmosphere can be transformed into form, ergonomics and material expression.
Inspiration: The inspiration for The Laidback comes from two references. Its formal language is shaped by the relationship between music and architecture, translated into soft, continuous geometries that express rhythm and flow in space. Its visual identity draws from the glamorous nightlife of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Rather than nostalgia, it reinterprets that era through a contemporary lens, reflecting a more restrained and introspective presence within social space.
Project Duration: The project started in Istanbul in August 2025 and was completed in March 2026. It is presented as part of the Disco House collection during Milan Design Week 2026, with its official debut at Alcova Milano 2026 and SaloneSatellite 2026.
Operation Flow: The Laidback is designed for effortless use. Its low seating position naturally guides the body into a relaxed posture, supported by the ottoman. The side table is positioned within easy reach, allowing the user to place and access objects without interruption. The overall experience encourages stillness, comfort and a more passive interaction with the surrounding space.
Team Members: Alp Usluduran
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Yesim Ozugeldi, The Laidback, 2026
Image #2: Photographer Yesim Ozugeldi, The Laidback, 2026
Image #3: Photographer Yesim Ozugeldi, The Laidback, 2026
Image #4: Photographer Yesim Ozugeldi, The Laidback, 2026
Image #5: Photographer Yesim Ozugeldi, Fashion Styling Merve Kusmenoglu,The Laidback, 2026