Gold Furniture Design · 2020
Infinity Armchair
- A' Design Award 2020 Gold Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: Alter Ego Studio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 63,958
- Verification code C5A1B35ED4 · Verify this award
About Infinity Armchair
The main emphasis of the Infinity armchair design is made precisely on the backrest. It is the reference of the infinity symbol - an inverted figure of eight. It is as if it changes its shape when turning, setting the dynamics of the lines and recreating the infinity sign in several planes. The backrest is pulled together by several elastic bands that form an external loop, which also returns to the symbolism of the infinite cyclic of life and balance. An additional emphasis is placed on unique legs-skids that securely fix and support the side parts of the armchair just like clamps do.
Natalia Komarova's Infinity Armchair, recipient of the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in Furniture Design, represents a sophisticated investigation into the translation of abstract mathematical concepts into functional domestic objects. The designer demonstrates exceptional command of continuous line principles, whereby the armrest element flows in an unbroken trajectory that evokes the lemniscate symbol while simultaneously providing structural support and ergonomic embrace for the seated body. This work participates in contemporary furniture design traditions that seek to dissolve boundaries between sculpture and utility, echoing the investigations of mid-century organic modernism while advancing distinctly twenty-first century material and manufacturing possibilities. The presentation of three chromatic variations allows viewers to appreciate how surface treatment transforms perceptual experience while maintaining formal consistency, from the theatrical depth of saturated ultramarine to the sophisticated restraint of natural cream tones. The relationship between these voluptuous forms and their austere concrete environment creates productive tension that elevates appreciation for both vocabularies. One observes particular accomplishment in the seamless integration of disparate textile surfaces in the central bicolored example, where the meeting of warm and cool upholstery occurs with precision that suggests meticulous pattern-making and construction methodology. The circular drum base provides visual and structural stability while echoing the curvilinear language of the arms, creating formal coherence throughout the object's silhouette. Viewers might contemplate how the infinite loop motif speaks to continuity, return, and the cyclical nature of comfort-seeking in domestic space.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The main emphasis of the design is made precisely on the backrest of the armchair. It is as if it changes its shape when turning, setting the dynamics of the lines and recreating the infinity sign in several planes. The backrest is pulled together by several elastic bands that form an external loop, which also returns to the to the symbolism of the cyclic nature of life and balance. The remaining elements of the chair are designed in a minimalist style.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- width - 830 mm, depth - 770 mm, height - 730 mm
- Tags
- infinity, armchair infinity, conceptual armchair, unusual armchair, infinity symbol
- Production Technology
- A simple-shaped cylindrical ottoman is used as a seat, while a medium-sized orthopedic pillow above it supports the user's lower back and ensures a comfortable stay in the armchair for a long time. An additional emphasis is placed on unique legs-skids that securely fix and support the side parts of the armchair just like clamps do. The legs fastening the side edges of the chair can be made of metal or thick plastic, depending on the wishes of the client. Velveteen is used for the soft surfaces of the chair, because we pay attention to the tactile sensations of customers, which are an integral factor affecting the comfortable and long-term use of furniture. The fabric can be made in several colors, both monophonic and providing contrasting shades for the base with a pillow and backrest. Bands should be made of elastic polymer, which securely fastens the back in the center, ensuring a long service life and harmonizing in color with the main palette of the chair.
- Design Challenge
- We strove to create a comfortable and spacious armchair with a lightened backrest that would meet modern requirements for comfort and convenience, while maintaining its original shape and identity. For a long time we worked on the creation of the backrest, and as a result, a bicycle tire bent in half served as a prototype for its form. We tried several options for the shape of the seat and back, before we came to the final version, in which we were able to achieve a balance of ergonomics, comfort and ease of production.
- Project Duration
- Design of the Infinity armchair was developed in July 2019. The start of production is planned for Autumn 2019.
- Operation Flow
- The potential owner will simply disassemble the armchair into its component parts without any outside help in order to carry out the cleaning of each individual element. The pouf is freely taken out of the loop - you just need to lift it up and pull it towards you. The bent backrest holds firmly due to the legs-clamps and its specific shape, enveloping the pouf. Thus, when assembling the chair, a minimum of fastenings and additional elements are used, which makes its production simple and further use convenient.
- Research
- In recent years, the influence of eastern culture has become increasingly noticeable. We tried to take these trends into account and incorporate elements of Chinese philosophy into our design in order to pay tribute to this rich culture and to allow everyone to give the space of their home or office a certain element of symbolism.
- Inspiration
- Backrest shape of Infinity armchair is the reference of the infinity symbol - an inverted figure of eight. In Chinese culture this sign personifies two worlds - darkness and light - Yin and Yang - death and birth. This infinity of perfection in the combination of masculine and feminine was laid in the basis of the design. It offers a user not only a new vision in the design of a piece of furniture, but also introduces a symbolism into the atmosphere for connoisseurs of spiritual practices.
- Image Credits
- Natalia Komarova
Colors of Infinity Armchair
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We create furniture and lighting that breathes life into spaces through dynamic rhythms, curves, and meaningful symbolism. Our designs blend Eastern philosophy with modern comfort, crafting pieces that move beyond static forms to evoke emotion and energy.
G0E23 ShopDesign Interview about Infinity Armchair
The idea of the shape of the backrest of the armchair is the reference of the symbol of infinity - an inverted figure of eight. In Chinese culture this sign personifies two worlds - darkness and light - Yin and Yang - death and birth. Moreover, only when connected they form the unity and infinity of all things. This infinity of perfection in the combination of masculine and feminine was laid in the basis of the design.
I wanted to combine functionality, style and conceptualism. It was important for me to create not only a comfortable chair, but also to get an emotional response from the end user. Therefore, the world-famous philosophy of the infinity of life formed the basis of my work.
I am now in search of a manufacturer company that would profuce my product.
It took me about two months. The base was ready quite quickly, the rest of the time was devoted to adjustments.
Design has become a reflection of the philosophy and values that are important to me. This is not a commissioned work, but a manifestation of my personal inspiration.
I am in search and would like to produce this product with the participation of the manufacturer.
Creative impulse comes spontaneously and I can not always control this process. In this case, I had a desire to create an unusual chair.
The inspiration was the philosophy itself, and not specific people or directions in design.
People who value comfort and unique product at the same time. These are those who are looking for a reflection of their personality in design.
Emphasis on details and elements that differ in form from other projects.
The name reflects the philosophy embedded in this design. And the shape of the sign of infinity is a central element in this work.
The process began with sketching, with an attempt to highlight individual forms and elements. Further, when there is an understanding of what you want to get, the stage of work in 3D max begins, after which a finished image appears, which remains to be processed a little. The process began with sketching, with an attempt to highlight individual forms and elements. To complete the project documentation, Autocad, Photoshop and InDesign are used.
The shape of the backrest of the armchair.
When I design furniture, I always consult with orthopedic specialists to make it convenient for people to use my products.
I can’t say that technology played a big role in this work. I tried to create a timeless design that would fit seamlessly into the style of the past and the future.
The work was influenced by my own experience in design, the path of trial and error, which each time leads me to create a better product design.
I myself create a certain challenge so that every work improves me.
This is my second year in this competition and I think that this is one of the most prestigious competitions. In addition, I would like to receive a feedback on my work from one of the most respected people in the world of design.
I have better mastered the dynamics of forms to add more movement to my work and get away from static.
No, thank You for your questions!
Grand Interview about Infinity Armchair
When forming the back and its shape, it was necessary to take into account several points: it had to be curved in several planes for a smooth transition from the sides to the back, the lines of the infinity sign at the back should not intersect, but should run parallel to create a comfortable support for the pillow. Since the fabric was stretched over the infinity sign according to the principle of tights and sewn in the middle part, elements were created in this place to cover the seam.
I think I wanted to primarily show how my search for inner harmony reflects what I create. Fluidity, smoothness of lines, creating an imitation of movements, softness of forms and materials, all this is a reflection of my perception of not only the study of Eastern philosophy and practices, but also my inner perception.
This element has more of a conceptual and aesthetic function. Conceptually, this is indeed an element of cyclicity, which is inherent in the laws of the Universe. And from an aesthetic point of view, they cover the junction of the fabric. This particular element did not require the use of complex or innovative technologies.
This is not just velvet, it is a stretch fabric that allowed us to stretch the upholstery over the Infinity sign like tights and eliminate additional seams on the surface, maintaining the accuracy of the geometry.
Polished metal legs not only complete the composition of the armchair, being a small accent that can be neutral, but also cover the place where the backrest is attached to the seat.
The shape of the armchair back itself is an active design element. The use of active additional elements would overload the composition. On the other hand, their use could not be avoided, since they are elements that hide the attachment points.
The system has 3 large, strong fasteners, which, on the one hand, ensure the strength of the structure, and on the other hand, allow to disassemble the armchair into individual components (back, seat, legs and pillow), if necessary, providing the possibility of re-upholstery or cleaning.
The Infinity armchair is one of the central products in my approach and vision of furniture design. Movement, bends in several planes, smooth lines; when turning, the armchair smoothly changes its shape, creating the effect of something living, sensual. This is what I would like to bring to my projects.
This award took me to a new level. Despite the fact that now my projects are simpler in form, I consider the creation of this product to be a very important experience in my life, and to some extent it has become my calling card.
I think that the dynamics and curves of the chair create a unique aesthetic, which at the same time fits seamlessly into the modern furniture trends of “Furniture as Piece of Art”. And I hope it will not lose its relevance over time.