Oco Fotelis

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The Oco armchair translates a design with non-complex shapes, simple in its aesthetics but strong visually.
Its name refers to the hollow shell made of fiberglass that carefully houses the upholstery. The half-sphere shape is the main element of the piece and can be made in a variety of finishes, such as lacquer or laminated wood. The laser-cut carbon steel legs also come in a variety of finishes.
The upholstery is soft and ergonomic, successfully fulfilling its main function as an armchair.

Dimensions & Packaging

Product dimensions: L880 mm x W880 mm x H720 mm

Tags

armchair, modern armchair, furniture design, furniture, interior design, original design, fiberglass, sculpture design, product design

Production Technology

Several prototypes were needed to achieve the desired result. First, a plywood mold was developed to produce the fiberglass half-sphere. Next, we developed the laser-cut carbon steel feet. Finally, we developed the upholstery, using high quality, soft foams. A 12 kg metal profile was added to the backrest cushion to give the product greater stability. The fiberglass structure can be coated with lacquer or natural wood veneers.

Design Challenge

There were two main challenges in developing this product. One was certainly the process of laminating the fiberglass half-sphere. Working with natural wood veneers on organic surfaces requires skilled labor, time and a lot of care.
Another major challenge was fitting the half-sphere to the feet. The project required an aesthetically clean connection and it took many tests before we got the final version. Achieving the result we did was an arduous task, but one I'm very proud of.

Research

Form and function must be inseparable allies in the construction of a product. The user's expectation must be to be involved when sitting down as much as to see a product that generates desire. We started from this point and tried to succeed in this proposal.
The Oco armchair is the synthesis of this search, resulting in a product whose material, aesthetic and functional aspects do justice to the purpose of being complete without, however, being separated from existing design icons.

Inspiration

The Oco armchair is inspired by the search for aesthetic simplicity, combined with originality in the harmonization of shapes.
As its name suggests, the shell in the shape of a half-sphere, produced in fiberglass and hollow inside, translates the idea behind its design, producing a pleasant and striking aesthetic and, at the same time, intriguing from a production point of view.

Project Duration

The armchair began development in May 2022 in Sarandi and was launched in January 2023 at a private event in the state of Paraná, Brazil.

Operation Flow

With proportional dimensions, the Oco armchair is a product designed to fulfill its function and at the same time provoke contemplation and desire.
The upholstery is soft and ergonomic, as proven by experiments on different types of bodies during its design. The backrest cushion is loose and can be moved to adapt it to the best sitting position. The seat, on the other hand, is fixed and stable. The armchair does not tip forwards or backwards and can support more than 150 kg.

Image Credits

Image #1: Cláudio Fonseca
Image #2: Cláudio Fonseca
Image #3: Cláudio Fonseca
Image #4: Cláudio Fonseca
Image #5: Cláudio Fonseca
Vídeo Credits: Lucas Gouveia