Chicago Line Nofoa Faalava by Alexandre Kasper

Chicago Line Nofoa Faalava by Alexandre Kasper is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Auro in Mamanu Meafale Competition Category.

AuroMeafale· 2025

Chicago Line Nofoa Faalava

by Alexandre Kasper

Client: CGS Móveis

A' Design Award Auro Winner in Meafale Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #166917

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Colors

The Design

About Chicago Line Nofoa Faalava

O le Chicago Line o se nofoa faalava faatasi ma se nofoa mo vae e fetaui lelei, ua mamanuina mo taimi umi o le nofonofo malolo. O le nofoa faalava e faia i laau malō ua tipiina i le tekinolosi e lima ona itu (five axis), ma o lima o le nofoa e faia i luga o se masini vili e pulea i le komepiuta (CNC lathe). O le nofoaga e tuufaatasia ai ni pi'o agamalu se lua e mulimuli i le tino o le tagata faatasi ma le foam maualuga lona lelei. O vaega uma o laau ua tipiina ina ia foliga mai ai le nofoa faalava o se fasi pese e tasi. O le foliga na musuia mai le fausaga faaonaponei ma le fausaga fale gaosi oloa o le aai o Chicago. O le nofoa mo vae e faalautele atili ai le to'a filemu ma faamaea ai le seti atoa.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Auro

O le A' Design Award Auro na manumalo ai Chicago Line Nofoa Faalava, o se faamaoniga matuā mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu o le tulaga muamua, matagofie ma maoaʻe. O ē manumalo i le Auro o galuega fou tele, matuā vaai i le lumanaʻi ma susulu e faaalia ai le atamai, le poto ma le tomai o tagata mamanu. E faamoemoeina Chicago Line Nofoa Faalava e avea ma mea fou e matuā vivii, e faatulaga ai uiga fou ma tetele, e tuuina mai ai se tau e leʻi iai muamua. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Auro o se galuega ofoofogia, ua faaaloalogia, e aogā tele ma tuleia atu tapulaʻa o le faatufugaga, saienisi, mamanu ma tekonolosi. Chicago Line Nofoa Faalava e fatuina ai lagona malosi o le manaʻo, faaosofia le tuinanau, faalauiloa le fatufatuaʻi ma faamalosia i tatou.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: The Chicago armchair features a design that combines solid wood machined with 5-axis technology and a seat with gentle curves and dual radii, providing maximum comfort. Its high-quality foam ensures the user can enjoy extended periods of use with complete ease.
Dimensions & Packaging: armchair: 770mm x 750mm x 840mm
puff: 640mm x 550mm x 440mm
Tags: Chicago armchair, contemporary design, comfort, solid wood, upholstery, ergonomics, Brazilian joinery, minimalism, timeless style, exclusive pieces
Production Technology: The Chicago armchair was designed to provide exceptional comfort, supporting hours of continuous use. Its design features arms precisely sculpted on a C.N.C. lathe, complementing the solid wood structure. The seat incorporates two curves that adapt to human anatomy, combined with high-performance foam. All wooden components are CNC machined, resulting in a product that appears as a single piece. The accompanying ottoman extends comfort and completes the design with elegance and functionality.
Design Challenge: The biggest challenge in developing the Chicago armchair was balancing a sophisticated design with ergonomic comfort and large-scale production feasibility. Internally, drawing inspiration from Chicago's architecture required an in-depth historical and aesthetic study to translate the city's essence into a functional piece of furniture. Externally, technological limitations demanded precise adjustments in the design to enable C.N.C. machining without compromising the perception of structural unity.

Additionally, challenges related to material selection, such as securing high-quality wood and high-performance foam, required careful negotiations with suppliers. The need to comply with international ergonomic standards added another layer of complexity to the process.

We overcame these challenges through a collaborative process involving designers, engineers, and woodworkers, along with a continuous cycle of prototyping and testing. The result is a design that harmonizes aesthetics, comfort, and efficiency, while staying true to values of quality and durability.
Research: The research for the Chicago armchair involved an exploratory study focusing on ergonomics, comfort, and aesthetics. The goal was to create a functional and elegant piece for extended use. The methodology included C.N.C. prototype testing, usage simulations, and comfort analysis. Tools like 3D modeling software and feedback from end-users were utilized.
Participants included designers, woodworkers, and selected consumers for practical testing. Results revealed that adjustments to the seat curvature and armrest angle were crucial for optimal comfort. The main insight was that high-performance materials combined with precise production techniques deliver a superior user experience.
The impact was significant on the design, ensuring durability, refined aesthetics, and comfort. The project also underscored the importance of collaborative and iterative processes, resulting in a product aligned with real market needs and enhancing the interaction between design and society.
Inspiration: The "Chicago" collection is inspired by the essence of modern and industrial architecture that defines the city of Chicago, in the United States. Known as the birthplace of skyscrapers and a symbol of innovation, the city serves as the backdrop for furniture that balances structural strength and sophistication, bringing timeless elements to contemporary design.
Project Duration: The concept of the Chicago armchair began in 2021. Throughout the process, adjustments and improvements were made to refine the design and meet expectations. After several iterations, the project was completed in 2024 with the final prototype, and its official launch is scheduled for 2025.
Operation Flow: The Chicago armchair is intuitive and comfortable. Its ergonomic structure adapts to the body, while the seat and backrest provide optimal support. The ottoman complements the experience, allowing for total relaxation. Designed for extended use, it combines comfort and durability with an elegant and functional design, creating a harmonious interaction between the user and the furniture.
Patents: Alexandre Kasper
Team Members: Alexandre Kasper
Image Credits: Alexandre Kasper