UKIYO long chair: A Rocking Long Chair Inspired by Imbalanced Beauty

Imbalanced Comfort and Floating Coziness

This chair, named UKIYO long chair, is the brainchild of designer Saburo Hazumi. Inspired by the concept of Imbalanced Beauty found in traditional Japanese art, this rocking long chair brings together comfort and aesthetics in a unique way.

The UKIYO long chair stands out with its imbalanced appearance and dynamic shape, which evoke a sense of floating comfort. It is composed of just two design elements: a carbon fiber panel and a leather pad. These elements seamlessly merge to create an organic, one-motioned panel work.

The main functional and visual elements of the chair are found on both sides of the united panel. This imbalanced proportion, known as the "mono-leg" style, requires a strong and thin material. Carbon fiber, renowned for its use in racing machines, provides the ideal combination of strength and lightness for the chair's structure.

On the upper side of the panel, where the user sits and lays down, a human-friendly material was chosen. Leather, with its traditional appeal and contrasting texture to the high-tech carbon fiber, adds a touch of warmth and comfort. Alternatively, other fabrics that offer a pleasant tactile experience could also be used.

The UKIYO long chair measures 730mm in width, 1776mm in depth, and 832mm in height, providing ample space for relaxation and comfort.

This rocking chair of the new generation offers a unique sitting experience. Users can lay themselves and relax in midair, similar to the feeling of being in a hammock. The chair's rocking motion adds to the sense of floating, creating a soothing and calming effect.

The UKIYO long chair offers three main sitting modes. The first mode is a simple and steady sitting position, with the user's feet on the floor and sitting towards the front of the seat. The second mode involves sitting on the end of the cushion, allowing the user to feel supported by the side panels as their weight shifts downwards. The final mode is achieved by leaning against the backrest, enabling the user to fully stretch their body and lay down more deeply.

The design work for the UKIYO long chair began in August 2014 in Japan. The designer's research focused on the concept of imbalanced shapes and their ability to evoke various emotions and reactions in people. By incorporating this concept into the chair's design, the UKIYO long chair aims to provide both functional and aesthetic stimulation.

The UKIYO long chair faced several challenges during its creation. The "mono-leg" style required a strong and sturdy material to support the weight of the user. Carbon fiber proved to be the ideal choice, as its structural properties are well-suited for such designs. The designer also experimented with the cross-section of the chair's leg, aiming to create a stronger arch shape to enhance its strength and stability.

The UKIYO long chair is not only a functional piece of furniture but also a work of art. Its imbalanced appearance and dynamic shape draw inspiration from traditional tree styles in Japan, such as Bonsai. The chair's presence in a room is meant to be symbolic and visually captivating, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

The UKIYO long chair has been recognized for its outstanding design and innovation. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2015. This prestigious award acknowledges the chair's remarkable expertise, creativity, and technical characteristics, which introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.