chair advanced studio | spring 2022
aluminim, steel, nylon, foam
Chair 5052 is a flat-pack seating prototype designed for rapid assembly and structural clarity. Constructed from laser-cut 5052 aluminum, the frame is mechanically secured with solid steel rods, forming a rigid yet lightweight chassis.
The seat and backrest operate as tensioned elements: ratchet straps create a suspended hammock structure that distributes load across the aluminum frame, while a single polyurethane block provides minimal but sufficient support. The design eliminates traditional upholstery, replacing it with exposed structural logic and adjustable components. Originally conceived as adaptable seating for a retail-exhibition environment, the chair is engineered to assemble in under five minutes using a limited kit of parts.
The raw aluminum surfaces are hand polished, retaining industrial character with subtle optical variation. By prioritizing mechanical fastening, material honesty, and rapid deployment, CHAIR 5052 operates between product, structure, and portable architecture.
Early concept drawings and rendering:
