The Thinking Chair is an occasional chair designed to foster meaningful interactions, offering a comfortable space for thinking, reading, and conversation. Inspired by Eastern philosophy, its high curved back and gently curved seat ergonomically cradle the upper back and hips, fostering an active yet comfortable posture akin to traditional Ming dynasty chairs. The 100-degree angle between the back and seat, combined with a generously sized seat, ensures balanced comfort, encouraging mental engagement during activities like thinking and talking.
Crafted for longevity and versatility, the chair combines a brass-chrome powder-coated steel frame with 3/8-inch bending plywood, foam, and ultrasuede upholstery. Its robust construction includes furniture-grade screws and nuts to enhance stability, while its clean lines and timeless proportions adapt to various settings. Sustainability is integral, with most components designed for disassembly and recycling, reducing waste and improving transport efficiency. The Thinking Chair transitions seamlessly from public spaces to personal living rooms, offering a lasting, comfortable environment for thought and connection.
Bio Nomaki Etsu is an industrial designer who primarily uses furniture to express his holistic sense of understanding of the living world, particularly through the levels of architecture, artifacts, and visuals. Nomaki not only engages with the design realm but also embraces art, sensing the flow-of-being in various forms such as literature, performance, sound. He pursues his studio practice through questioning, thinking critically about, and designing the existing environment, dedicating himself to challenging the prevailing norms of living and offering alternative perspectives.
Other prizes The Aurora Table: IDA 2023, Honorable Mention
