Exploded Chair: Celebrating Craftsmanship Through Design

A Unique Chair That Reveals the Beauty of the Assembly Process

The Exploded Chair stands out from other designs with its innovative approach to showcasing the assembly process. While most chairs hide their joint systems to maintain a clean and neat appearance, this chair embraces transparency. Every joint system is intentionally made visible, using solid wood combined with clear resin. The dowels used to strengthen the systems are also exposed. By accentuating these typically hidden parts, the Exploded Chair portrays how sketches are transformed into real products.

Made of locally sourced Sungkai wood with a natural finish and clear resin, the Exploded Chair is a testament to traditional manufacturing methods. The chair is crafted using resin casting and wood carving techniques, ensuring the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

With dimensions of 450mm width, 510mm depth, and 770mm height, the Exploded Chair is designed to be both functional and visually striking. Its seat height of 450mm provides optimal comfort for users.

While the chair is fully usable and can support the weight of one person, sitting on it evokes a sense of insecurity and awareness of the assembly process. This intentional design choice allows users to appreciate the craftsmanship behind the chair and connect with the craftsmen who brought it to life.

The Exploded Chair project began in August 2012 in Bandung, Indonesia, and was completed in March 2013. It was exhibited at the International Furniture Fair Singapore in March 2013, gaining recognition for its unique design and craftsmanship.

The design of the Exploded Chair is rooted in extensive research on connecting designers, craftsmen, and users. Technical drawings played a crucial role in the design process, serving as a tool to bridge the gap between the designer and the craftsmen. The chair's assembly process is accentuated through exploded view drawings, allowing users to witness how the chair is assembled and appreciate the craftsmanship involved.

Combining wood and resin precisely posed a significant challenge during the manufacturing process. Each part had to be manually formed to ensure a perfect fit and maintain the chair's strength and stability. The craftsmen overcame this challenge with their expertise and dedication to creating a flawless final product.

The Exploded Chair by Denny R Priyatna has garnered recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2015. This prestigious award celebrates the chair's exceptional creativity, technical characteristics, and innovative approach, which evoke positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

Through the Exploded Chair, Denny R Priyatna has successfully revived the appreciation for craftsmanship in furniture design. This unique chair serves as a reminder of the intricate process behind creating functional and visually appealing pieces, while also honoring the skill and dedication of craftsmen.