Ray is a conference and executive chair developed for Allseating, one of North America’s leading chair manufacturers in the contract furniture industry, in collaboration with Cooler Solutions Inc.. It began with an idea for an ‘endoskeleton’ chair, exercised through a very rational form, and with the partnership with Allseating, it took an additional step by integrating a new body balance mechanism.
Ray is a chair that results from a very rational approach to form giving. The formal character intends to create a counterpoint to the typical expressed high functionality of ‘exo’ skeleton chairs. We wanted something ‘quieter’, something that may not date so quickly, and thereby last longer - both functionally and visually. All the elements arise from an analysis of it’s function, and that directs its form.
The major components are articulated in such a way that high use contact areas are fabric, and are interchangeable for refurbishment, where other longer lasting components are aluminum, a far more enduring material than plastic.
Part of the ‘quieter’ form is a result of a ‘systems’ approach to the creation of a chair. It’s a visual expression of the technical approach. Many chairs are created as singular objects, varying in size and arm and finish options, but not cross platform. Our design background is in the world of contract systems furniture, where all parts have to be interchangeable, and work with much of what has come before, and what is yet to come. We brought this approach to Ray, with a view to creating a product ‘platform’ that allows for many formats without the creation of entirely new chairs. The rational formal approach allows for greater interchangeability, without the dedicated singular application of each component. The seat and back are transferrable across task, conference, side, lounge and bench seating. With the introduction of a few new key components, these highly tooled parts can be transformed and used on other chairs. This creates a better solution for enterprise wide applications. Not only is the form consistent across applications, but it also allows for a degree of interchangeability should some elements of certain chairs need refurbishing adding to its sustainability as a product line.
photographic credit to Luis Albuquerque
Previewing at Neocon: Allseating Showroom #394, 3rd floor | June 2009
available to order Fall 2009