CO-DESIGNED WITH
Creating a unique adjustable seat from
concept to completion in 3 months.
The Jorgensen lounge chair combines a timeless, unique silhouette with functional versatility through ergonomic contours, inviting comfort into the home.
SOLID MAPLE
SUEDE
FULLY FLAT PACKABLE AND
DESIGNED TO BE SHIPPED READY TO ASSEMBLE
PROCESS
We intended to create an intuitive function and utilize space while heavily considering ergonomics. We knew we wanted to create a strong presence through form as well. We were initially inspired by the interaction between hardwood and soft upholstery elements. It was important to us that the upholstered element was properly integrated and considered, not just a cushion on top of a wooden frame but part of the chair.
The concept that we explored in our first 3 prototypes was a combination of adjustable ergonomics, as well as the ability to shift between table and chair. We were excited by the idea of using fabric to shift between a loose chair and taut table within the same wooden frame.
This first prototype turned out quite comfortable which was some exciting motivation for us! It also gave us great insight into structural and conceptual weaknesses that would need to be addressed in the next prototype.
Several variations of locking mechanisms to hold the seat bars were iterated on. Our first versions relied on the direction in which the fabric was being pulled but did not feel entirely reliable and safe.
Our final solution to this was to move from a round bar to a hexagonal bar that would be held in place through the weight of the person sitting.
Shown below are the blocks that would hold the hex bar in place.
Our chosen direction was inspired by the fluidity that paper allowed within our cardboard and foam-core models. We were excited by the idea of playing with slack and tension within ergonomics.
SECOND PROTOTYPE
The second prototype taught us a lot, not because a lot went right but because a lot went wrong, saving us from making the same mistakes during a more high-stakes version of the chair. As we iterated on our concept, it became clear that there were far too many elements to implement within the given time frame, and the table element was dropped. We chose to focus more on changing the ergonomics of the seats themselves, leaning into the dynamics of the fabric element.
This is all to say that our next step was to lean a lot more on simplicity for the final prototype.
It was also during this phase that we started to work out the specifics of the construction of the fabric seat.
In the first seat prototype, slats of wood were wrapped in batting
and sewn into sleeves running down the seat length. Its movement was inspired by a tambour material prototype.
Real leather was used for a small material study where the batting was puffed on top of the wooden slats. The order of operations was set in this construction and resulted in a heavy but fun and squishy study.
The seat for the second prototype was made using wooden slats with shredded foam encased in batting and taped to the slats.
FINAL PROTOTYPE
With all the previous considerations in mind, we planned out how we were going to construct the final piece. We spent a lot of time considering ergonomics, mechanisms for moving the bar/tightening of the seat slack, and connections and joinery.
The joinery was done so that the entirety of the chair could be packed flat for ease of manufacturing and shipping, while easily reassembled with an allen key.
The body of the chair was one, very large lamination. This meant that we had to process about 25 thin strips of maple and glue them to a mould 10 times. This process was extremely
time-consuming and strenuous, using about 30 clamps each round. Within the studio our team jokingly became clamp thieves, thus came the name Jorgensen for our chair, in homage to the time spent with the Jorgensen brand clamps.
Once we had the laminations done, the spacer blocks and cross bars were made and glued/bolted into the frame. Ready To Assemble furniture bolts were used for easy disassembly and reassembly.
The final seat was built upon previous patterns and orders of operations, this time adding foam, buckles and webbing for extra structure and comfort.
To make sure it worked, the foam padding was tested before being sewn together, as seen below.
