The Stagione chair, a recipient of the prestigious Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2024, is not just a piece of furniture but a narrative of time and transformation. Its design is deeply rooted in the emotional landscapes of childhood, where comfort was found in the natural world. The chair's structure, suggestive of a pile of autumn leaves, offers a sanctuary of comfort, inviting users to sink into its layers.
What sets the Stagione armchair apart is its unique ability to capture the passage of time within its form. The chair's fabric cushioning, reminiscent of overlapping leaves, provides not only comfort but also an elastic support that adapts to the user's body. The use of magnets to attach the upholstery to the frame allows for a dynamic and personalized experience, mirroring the ever-changing nature of the environment.
The choice of materials speaks volumes about the chair's commitment to sustainability. The Stagione's removable padding is crafted from textured hemp, a durable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fabrics. This choice not only reduces the chair's environmental impact but also enhances the tactile interaction between the piece and its user.
From a technical perspective, the Stagione chair is a marvel of organic curvature and solid construction. Made from canaletta walnut wood, the chair's dimensions of 92 x 60 x 54 cm reflect a design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The wood is finished with low VOC and Bio Shield natural oil finishes, emphasizing the tactile and visual qualities of the material.
The interaction with the Stagione chair is a sensory experience that visualizes the changing seasons. The layers of upholstery can be altered or removed, much like a tree shedding its leaves, revealing a wooden structure that evokes the bare branches of winter trees. This transformative feature brings a piece of the natural world into the interior space, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
Studio Niko Kapa, the creative force behind the Stagione chair, has not only achieved a design that resonates with the cycles of nature but has also overcome the challenge of creating a piece that balances functionality with an emotional narrative. The Stagione chair is a testament to the coexistence of human-made objects and the natural world, a dialogue that is ever more important in our contemporary lifestyle.
Project Designers: Niko Kapa
Image Credits: Studio Niko Kapa
Project Team Members: Niko Kapa
Project Name: Stagione
Project Client: Porada