Gold Furniture Design · 2023
Wave Armchair
- A' Design Award 2023 Gold Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Quorum Home Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 221,852
- Verification code F07FE8A2F9 · Verify this award
About Wave Armchair
Wave is an armchair inspired by the form of ocean waves. The shape holds more volume at the base and tapers gradually towards the ends. The seat and the backrest are suspended and do not touch each other, because the structure is made entirely of fiberglass. Five separate molds are used, and the resulting parts are joined by lamination. The curved base allows a slight rocking motion. The cover is closed by a hidden plastic clip sewn to the fabric, without zippers or staples. The armchair measures 800 mm in width, 950 mm in depth and 650 mm in height.
Crystian Freiberger's Wave Armchair emerges from a distinguished lineage of furniture design that treats seating not merely as functional apparatus but as inhabitable sculpture, continuing investigations into continuous form initiated by visionary designers throughout the twentieth century who sought to dissolve the boundary between art object and utilitarian equipment. The work demonstrates remarkable compositional intelligence through its resolution of structural and aesthetic demands within a single uninterrupted gesture: the ribbon of material that forms seat, support, and backrest achieves stability through geometric tension rather than conventional leg-based construction, creating a visual experience of suspended weightlessness that belies the engineering sophistication required to support human occupation. The chromatic decision to pair warm woven textile with luminous metallic understructure reveals thoughtful consideration of material semiotics—the fabric surface invites tactile engagement and bodily comfort while the reflective base suggests precision manufacturing and contemporary luxury market positioning. Technical execution appears exemplary, with the continuously piped seam maintaining perfect consistency around the form's complex curvature, suggesting either exceptional handcraft or advanced digital fabrication translated into physical production. Thematically, the work participates in enduring design discourse regarding the relationship between natural and manufactured form, its wavelike profile evoking both oceanic rhythm and geological stratification while remaining unmistakably a product of intentional human shaping. The title itself guides interpretation toward natural phenomena—the wave as universal symbol of cyclical motion, fluid dynamics, and the eternal conversation between force and form. One might consider how the design invites not merely sitting but a particular quality of repose, the gentle backward recline and floating visual character suggesting contemplative pause rather than active task engagement. Viewers are encouraged to reflect upon how the objects we choose to inhabit shape not only our physical posture but our psychological relationship to domestic space and the rituals of rest.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Wave Armchair boasts a unique design inspired by the rolling waves of the sea, which are characterized by more volume at the base as they form, before curving and gradually "breaking down" to taper at the ends. The seat and backrest are suspended without touching each other, thanks to a structure entirely composed of fiberglass. The fluidity and movement of the waves are captured in the armchair's design, with the curved base providing a gentle rocking motion.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- L800 mm x D950 mm x H650 mm
- Tags
- sculptured design, armchair, modern armchair, furniture design, interior design, experience design, fiberglass, confort
- Production Technology
- The first prototype was made of plain wood, layer by layer glued all together getting a crudest form. We spent 4 months to get the real shape with all curves, rays, ergonomic and swing aspects. Posteriorly, we started making fiberglass molds using the wood shaped like a counter mold. As it has volume and an unique shape, was necessary five fiberglass molds. Every fiberglass mold gives a different piece of the armchair, which are fixed all together in a process we call lamination. For coating, there is no zipper or staples, only an OKE plastic clip sewn at the cloth, and it's hidden under the seat, making it a cover. The internal part of the cover is made of an specific flexible synthetic leather, flexible to avoid ripples, and exterior with woven fabric, giving a nice contrast.
- Design Challenge
- I have previously incorporated fiberglass into various furniture products. However, this was the first time that I had to create a product that required molding fiberglass into a three-dimensional volume - a particularly challenging task due to the unique shape of the Wave Armchair. In fact, it took five different molds to successfully produce each armchair during the manufacturing process.
- Project Duration
- The project started in March 2022 in Jaraguá do Sul and finished in January 2023, and was exhibited in a private event for Quorum Home Design in February 2023 in São Paulo, Brazil.
- Operation Flow
- The Wave armchair is a sculpted masterpiece that piques curiosity with its unique shape. It evokes a sense of satisfaction when admired and seamlessly harmonizes with the human body during use, thanks to its flexible and adaptive seat. Adding to its appeal, the chair provides a slight swinging motion that enhances comfort. Additionally, the chair boasts remarkable durability, with a weight capacity of over 200kg.
- Research
- Moreover, we have witnessed the emergence of organic and sculptural furniture design, which evokes curiosity and introduces a fresh perspective to interior design. As a designer, I find inspiration in natural elements and shapes, which fuel my creativity. Combining this with my passion for surfing - a sport that fosters a deep connection between humans and nature - I set out to create the Wave Armchair. Through this piece, I aim to capture the essence of my surfing experiences and bring the feeling of being immersed in nature into interior design.
- Inspiration
- My love for the sea runs deep - I have been sporadically surfing since I was 12 years old. For me, the waves represent the epitome of natural beauty, exuding strength and fluidity in their movement. It was precisely these characteristics that inspired me to create a sculptural piece that emulates the shape of waves. My vision was for this piece to evoke a sense of satisfaction when admired, curiosity when pushing the boundaries of material form, and harmony with the human body in its usability.
Colors of Wave Armchair
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