Strata: A Sculptural Masterpiece by Ben Preston

Strata, a Chair that Transforms into a Sculpture, Wins Golden A' Furniture Design Award

Strata is more than just a chair; it is a piece of art. The design is based on the principle of 'complimentary juxtaposition', where the footrest portion is a subtraction from the overall form. This interruption creates a functional piece from a sculptural form. The seat and footrest are polished to a shine, contrasting the rough exterior surface. This contrast becomes exceedingly apparent when the user removes the footrest from the seat, revealing the smooth surfaces within, an act analogous to cracking open a geode.

Strata is built entirely from high-grade 12mm birch plywood and 1/4" diameter pine dowels. The 473 individual pieces are designed using a CAD program and manufactured with a 3-axis CNC router. The pieces are then numbered and assembled by hand, creating a play of shadows while simultaneously revealing the true nature and construction of the piece as a whole.

The chair's design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also eco-friendly. Material use was a primary concern for Preston. The cuts made from each sheet of plywood were optimized to reduce both cost and waste. The assembly process was another challenge. The chair was built from the middle layer outward, starting with the bottom half of the chair constructed upside-down as a dome, then flipped over and used as a base for the top half.

Strata is not just a chair; it is an interactive piece of art. When closed, it acts as a beautifully complex, eye-catching piece of sculpture. When the user removes the footrest from the seat, the interior surfaces are revealed. These surfaces, polished to a stunning shine, invite the user to touch, to feel, and to sit in the chair.

The design's uniqueness and innovation were recognized when it was awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2015. The award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, Strata is a perfect example of how modern technology and traditional building methods can be harmoniously integrated to create a functional piece of art. Its unique design, eco-friendly construction, and interactive nature make it a deserving winner of the prestigious Golden A' Furniture Design Award.