Surf

• Prize
  Honorable Mention in Furniture Design
• Designer
  Reynold Tawiah-Quashie
• Photo Credit
  Reynold Tawiah-Quashie
• School
  University of Iowa
• Location
  University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
• Project Date
  2022

As a designer with origin from Ghana, I found inspiration for this contemporary metal lounge chair from gazing at the ocean and seascapes of my West African homeland. The bright yellow finish evokes the golden sun along the Ghanaian coast, while the fluid, angular curves reflect the movement of waves. Expertly crafted from steel rods, the lounge chair marries industrial durability and a sculptural aesthetic.
The 3-quarter-inch steel rods are shaped into dynamic contours using bending technique and the MIG welding method, forming a bold yet organic silhouette. The rods arc smoothly to emulate the flow of cresting waves while maintaining a sleek, sophisticated style. The piece is then powder coated in a vibrant yellow hue, also paying homage to Ghana's vibrant coastline and creating an eye-catching look. The combination of steel, sweeping shapes, and coloration allows this lounge chair to make a striking statement while blending harmoniously into varied places and spaces.