Haragana: A Unique Lounge Chair Designed by Tobias Kappeler

A Sophisticated Seating Experience for Observation and Relaxation

The inspiration behind the Haragana lounge chair stems from our fast-paced world, where we often forget to pause and appreciate the beauty around us. Kappeler aimed to create a chair that invites users to stay seated for longer periods, allowing them to observe their environment and indulge in moments of tranquility. The chair's design cleverly resembles an armchair, with an emphasized outline, although it lacks traditional armrests.

What sets the Haragana lounge chair apart from others is its unique combination of materials and minimalist design. The chair is constructed using bent steel tubes for the structure and cork disks for the seating. By reducing the chair to its essential elements, Kappeler achieves a light and airy design that seamlessly integrates into any interior space without overwhelming it visually. The graphical cork seating disks provide a striking contrast to the more complex tubular structures, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetic.

The realization of the Haragana lounge chair involved meticulous craftsmanship. Kappeler handcrafted the chair using 19 and 16mm steel tubes, bending and welding them together piece by piece. The process began with creating the outline, followed by the inside structure, legs, and finally, the seating. After welding, the chair was meticulously sanded down and spray painted. The cork disks were also sanded and added to complete the design.

Technical specifications of the Haragana lounge chair include a width of 75cm, a length of 65cm, and a height of 65cm. To enhance the stability of the legs, a thin stainless steel rod was welded in between. The intentional low seating position, at 28cm, encourages users to remain seated for longer, providing them with a comfortable and immersive experience.

The Haragana lounge chair's interaction with users is simple yet impactful. Its low and comfortable seating point invites individuals to relax and enjoy their surroundings. The chair's minimalist design allows it to seamlessly blend into any interior space, creating a harmonious environment without overpowering the overall aesthetic.

The Haragana lounge chair project began in January 2020 as part of Tobias Kappeler's MA/MSc Innovation Design Engineering degree. The design was developed over a four-week period and exhibited at the Royal College of Art in February 2020. The project involved extensive research into the theme of observation and prototyping on a 1:10 scale using steel rods. The production process relied on simple tools such as a tube bending machine, welding machine, and sanding machine.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2022. This award celebrates designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence. The Haragana lounge chair exemplifies these qualities, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology to enhance the quality of life and create a better world.

The Haragana lounge chair, designed by Tobias Kappeler, is a testament to the power of innovative design in creating unique and immersive experiences. With its sleek and minimalist aesthetic, this chair is not only a functional piece of furniture but also a work of art that elevates any interior space.