Swing Ao: A Revolution in Seating Design

Unleashing Dynamic Movement with Innovative Stool Design

The inspiration behind Swing Ao stems from the observation that most chairs are designed on the premise that sitting is a static movement, despite the human body being designed to move. This design forces our body to stay rigid for extended periods, accelerating our body's dis-activation. Swing Ao aims to solve this problem by allowing the seat to move freely in conjunction with the sitter's pelvis, much like a small swing. This innovative design not only provides a unique floating sensation but also activates the body's functions.

Swing Ao's unique properties lie in its tension structure that promotes the movement of the pelvis, spine, and surrounding muscles. It also features an 8-degree angle seat for maintaining a healthy posture that prevents hunching over. This dual functionality allows users to enjoy dynamic sitting when they want to relax or change their mindset and static sitting when they need to maintain a straight posture.

The stool is realized through a combination of an upper seat structure, a lower leg structure, and a suspension material that connects both. The design allows the user to move the seat freely within a certain range, providing a unique and engaging interaction with the furniture. The stool is made of solid black cherry wood with an indigo-dyed finish, and the seat is upholstered with artificial leather over a 60mm thick urethane cushion.

The Swing Ao project started in Tokyo in April 2021 and was completed in November 2021. The design was informed by extensive research into body manipulation and structure, with particular focus on the importance of balance. The suspension structure was inspired by Buckminster Fuller's Tensegrity concept.

The design of Swing Ao presents a creative solution to the challenge of developing a chair that benefits athletes and stimulates their athletic sense. It represents a significant shift in how we perceive and design seating furniture, moving away from static designs to dynamic, body-activating solutions. The design is currently pending registration with the Japan Patent Office.

Swing Ao's innovative approach to seating design has been recognized with the Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2022. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.