La Smilza: A Darwinian Chair for the Nomadic Lifestyle

Martina Taranto's Award-Winning Design Balances Fragility and Strength

The inspiration for La Smilza came from the observation of the nomadic lifestyle trend. Taranto realized that every time individuals change their living space, they adapt their way of living according to their new environment. This led her to design a system made of simple elements that allow every "wanderer" to transport, assemble, and disassemble a personal item, such as a chair, everywhere they go.

Despite its seemingly fragile structure, La Smilza is mathematically safe. The chair's frame is made of broomsticks and PLA 3D printed joints, which respond to different force strengths depending on how the joints are placed. This design allows the chair to be unique and personal, built on the owner's needs and anatomic features. Two elements - many structural arrangements.

The joints of the chair were designed using 3D modelling software, considering feasibility and structural criteria. They are designed to contrast the force imposed on the wooden frame by the person's weight. These joints can be printed with very basic 3D printers in different materials and densities.

La Smilza is designed to travel with its owner and reborn every time they change home. The user can bring with them only some pieces of the chair and leave the ones they do not need behind. This way, they will travel lightweight but will always have the possibility to rebuild their personal chair. Every piece of the chair is made of a distinct material easy to bin and recycle.

The project started in December 2014 in Turin and finished in July 2015. La Smilza is the result of a socio-semiotic research combined with a technical one. The design process involved studying the industrial evolution, identifying its failures, and proposing a more responsible, forward-seeing conduct to be adopted during the design process.

In conclusion, La Smilza is a testament to Taranto's innovative approach to design. It's a chair that is not just a piece of furniture, but a companion for those who lead a nomadic lifestyle. The design's adaptability, strength, and uniqueness earned it the prestigious Silver A' 3D Printed Forms and Products Design Award in 2017, a testament to Taranto's creativity and technical prowess.