Oscarina: A Modernist Chair Inspired by Brazilian Design

Introducing Oscarina: A Fusion of Modernist Lines and Brazilian Craftsmanship

Oscarina, designed by Linda Martins, is a chair that pays homage to the modernist period and iconic Brazilian designers such as Lina Bo Bardi and Joaquin Tenreiro. Inspired by the Cathedral of Brasilia, a masterpiece by Oscar Niemeyer, this chair combines straight and hand-turned lines with noble Brazilian materials like wood and woven cane. The result is a unique piece of furniture that embodies the essence of modernist design.

Oscarina stands out from other chairs with its distinctive features and strengths. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, it captures the essence of Brazilian furniture from the 1950s when the quality of construction and materials was paramount. The chair is made using only two materials: wood and woven cane. By blending traditional carpentry techniques with modernist aesthetics, Oscarina seamlessly merges the old and the new. The use of noble wood in its purest form adds a touch of elegance to the design.

The realization of Oscarina involves a manual process aided by a lathe. Each chair is meticulously crafted one by one, ensuring a flawless finish. The wood is carefully cut, sanded, and turned before being glued together and finished with varnish. Finally, the woven cane fabric is expertly fixed in the wooden channels, adding both comfort and visual appeal.

With dimensions of 525mm x 497mm x 858mm, Oscarina is a chair that not only impresses with its design but also offers a comfortable seating experience. Its well-crafted wooden structure and simple lines allow it to seamlessly blend into various environments, bringing sophistication and lightness to any space. This chair embodies the fundamental act of sitting, providing both functionality and aesthetic pleasure.

The journey of creating Oscarina began in August 2020 and concluded in January 2021 in Brazil. Extensive research was conducted on the modernist period, studying the works of renowned designers and the materials they used. It was discovered that during this era, the quality of construction and materials played a pivotal role in furniture design. This knowledge influenced the decision to focus on two quintessentially Brazilian materials: wood and woven cane.

One of the main challenges faced during the creation of Oscarina was fixing the woven cane in the wooden channels. Through innovative craftsmanship, a string was used to secure the cane, resulting in an anatomically designed chair that offers both comfort and safety.

Oscarina has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2021. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence. Oscarina stands as a testament to the fusion of art, science, design, and technology, contributing to the improvement of quality of life and making the world a better place.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Linda Martins
Image Credits: Image #1: Rodrigo Ortega Image #2: Rodrigo Ortega Image #3: Rodrigo Ortega Image #4: Rodrigo Ortega Image #5: Rodrigo Ortega
Project Team Members: Linda Martins
Project Name: Oscarina
Project Client: Linda Martins


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