Ori: The Origami-Inspired Accent Chair

A Unique Blend of Art and Functionality

Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, has been transformed into a modern design concept by Manish Maheshwari, the renowned designer behind the Ori chair. By translating the principles of paper folding into metal folding, Maheshwari has created a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that is both visually striking and functional.

The Ori chair is made using sturdy yet thin galvanized metal, which allows it to withstand outdoor conditions while maintaining a lightweight appearance. This choice of material also aligns with the principles of sustainable development, as metal is a cradle-to-cradle material that can be recycled indefinitely. To ensure comfort, wood is used in key areas such as the seating and backrest, providing a balance between the harshness of metal and the comfort of seating.

One of the key strengths of the Ori chair is its foldability. Drawing inspiration from the origami technique, Maheshwari aimed to create a chair that could be easily packaged and delivered. The chair can be folded up and packed into a small box, significantly reducing the volume of the package. Simple mechanisms, such as bolts and magnets, allow the chair to be easily assembled into a usable piece of furniture, giving it a crisp and clean finish.

Measuring 880mm in height and 950mm in diameter when unfolded, the Ori chair provides ergonomically comfortable seating. The design overcame the challenges of folding metal to achieve this level of comfort, with the number of folds carefully calibrated through trials and errors. The result is a chair that not only looks stunning but also provides a comfortable seating experience.

The Ori chair is the culmination of three months of research and development. Maheshwari drew inspiration from the structure of a ruffled palm leaf, which features a broad circular shape originating from a thin branch. The colors of the chair are derived from the sunflower, adding to its artistic appeal. Overcoming the challenges of combining metal with origami techniques required Maheshwari's expertise and seven years of experience working with metal.

The Ori chair has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2021. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, technical skill, and resourcefulness. The Ori chair's incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology contributes to quality of life improvements, making it a truly remarkable piece of furniture.

With its unique blend of art and functionality, the Ori chair is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Manish Maheshwari. Its origami-inspired design, bold colors, and minimalistic flair make it a standout piece that adds a touch of elegance to any space, whether indoors or outdoors.