Max Chair: A Sculptural Design Blending Innovation and Elegance

An Innovative Chair by Arthur Casas

The inspiration behind the Max Chair was the pursuit of complexity distilled into a few simple lines. The chair's backrest and seat form a seamless surface, while four vertical supports of varying heights provide stability. These supports are connected at the base by intersecting axes, creating an X-shaped structure. To bring this design to life, extensive research was conducted to determine the ideal materials.

What sets the Max Chair apart is its ability to tackle a complex structural challenge with a combination of innovative materials. The chair features a lightweight fiberglass shell that rests on just four metallic support joints, while the base is covered in certified Sucupira wood. The seat and backrest are part of the same volume, enveloped in natural Solana leather, which not only adds durability but also enhances the chair's ergonomic curvature and compact aesthetics.

The realization of the Max Chair involved numerous tests to ensure the thin fiberglass shell could maintain its ideal curvature and weight. Aluminum was chosen for the structure due to its lightweight properties, making it the optimal choice among the materials tested. Developed by a Brazilian brand that prioritizes local designers and raw materials, this chair exemplifies the purposeful pursuit of innovation.

With dimensions of 450 mm x 640 mm x 770 mm, the Max Chair is crafted with certified Sucupira wood from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), guaranteeing sustainable management of raw materials. The Solana leather used in the chair is sourced from an industry that employs rigorous methods to trace and verify its origin, ensuring it does not contribute to deforestation in the Amazon. Additionally, the chair is certified by SENAI, validated by INMETRO, ensuring its compliance with Brazilian product standards.

Functionally, the Max Chair is a testament to its structural integrity. Despite its slender appearance, the chair can support up to 160 kg on the seat and 80 kg on the back without any deformation. The combination of fiberglass and aluminum provides strength and durability, while the natural leather covering the shell enhances the product's longevity.

The Max Chair made its debut at the launch of the mais55 Design brand in Sao Paulo in June 2020. The design process involved extensive research and experimentation to achieve the ideal curvature and weight for the chair. The challenge was to synthesize complexity into a minimalist and elegant form, resulting in a chair that is not only visually striking but also functional and comfortable.

The Max Chair has garnered recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2022. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that exhibit creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life.