Cloud: A Chair Inspired by Nature's Beauty

Shota Urasaki's Award-Winning Design Brings the Sky Indoors

Urasaki's inspiration for the Cloud chair came from a simple, yet profound observation of the sky. Living on Okinawa Island, he was captivated by the sight of moving clouds during a coastal rain. This experience sparked the idea for a chair that would capture the ethereal beauty of clouds and rain, resonating with people's universal experiences of nature.

The Cloud chair is truly a work of art. Its seating surface, made by piercing polyester fiber into polyurethane foam, mimics the fluffy texture of clouds. The high seat gives the sitter a sensation of floating, further enhancing the cloud-like experience. The chair's legs and pedestal, made of mirror-like stainless steel, represent falling rain, adding another layer of natural imagery to the design.

Despite its complex appearance, the Cloud chair is handmade, demonstrating Urasaki's commitment to craftsmanship. The chair measures 1000 mm in width, 900 mm in depth, and 600 mm in height, making it a substantial piece of furniture that can serve as a focal point in any room.

Urasaki's design philosophy emphasizes the importance of diversity and regional uniqueness in a world where many products are becoming increasingly uniform. By drawing inspiration from the natural environment of Okinawa, he has created a chair that is not only functional but also deeply connected to a specific place and culture.

Creating the Cloud chair was not without its challenges. Urasaki had to carefully determine the number, length, and diameter of the stainless steel round bars that represent rain. Nevertheless, his dedication and creativity have resulted in a design that is both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally enriching.

In conclusion, Shota Urasaki's Cloud chair is a remarkable example of how designers can draw inspiration from nature to create unique and meaningful products. This award-winning design not only provides a comfortable seating experience but also brings a touch of the sky's beauty into the home.