y.O2 Zmart: The Convertible Chair Revolutionizing Modern Living

A New Class of Chair Designed by Rick Yestadt

The y.O2 ZmartChair, designed by Rick Yestadt, draws inspiration from early 20th-century furniture designs and Yestadt's experience working in the office of Marcel Breuer, the last practicing master from the Bauhaus. The Wassily Chair and Corbusier’s Sling chair served as inspiring examples of good design. Yestadt's desire to contribute to the management of resources in the face of emerging global urbanization and the challenges of small urban living spaces in cities like New York City further fueled his inspiration for this design.

What sets the y.O2 ZmartChair apart is its ability to effortlessly convert from a reclining position to an upright dining position in one fluid motion, without the need for latches or hardware. This seamless transition is achieved through the clever use of proportion, geometry, and gravity. The chair remains in one piece, functioning as a single object, while providing the utmost comfort and versatility.

The chair's convertible design is complemented by interchangeable snap-in cushion pads. These pads not only enhance the chair's aesthetic appeal but also provide additional comfort and design coordination. The through-slots in the chair allow the color of the cushion pads to show through from both the front and the back, adding a touch of visual interest. Made from recyclable TPE material, the cushion pads are easily removable for cleaning or to change the color scheme.

With dimensions of 558mm width, 558mm depth, and 914mm height in the dining position, and 558mm width, 571.5mm depth, and 698.5mm height in the lounge position, the y.O2 ZmartChair is designed to seamlessly fit into any living space. The chair weighs 9.2 kg in both positions. The dining cushion measures 406mm x 381mm x 12mm, while the lounge cushion measures 406mm x 457mm x 12mm.

The y.O2 ZmartChair's design is a testament to the meticulous research and creative problem-solving undertaken by Rick Yestadt. The chair's seat dimensions were carefully crafted to accommodate both the dining and lounge positions, ensuring optimal comfort in both configurations. The placement of the pivot point in the support piece was a critical consideration, affecting the seat height and stability. Yestadt's aesthetic sensibilities ensured that the chair maintains a visually pleasing appearance in both positions.

The cushion design for the y.O2 ZmartChair presented its own set of challenges. Yestadt aimed to find the perfect material and attachment method that would complement the chair's clean subtractive design. After testing various prototypes, the strips cut into the seat back and bottom not only saved weight and provided flexibility but also allowed for the easy insertion of different cushion pads in various colors.

The y.O2 ZmartChair made its debut at the 2015 ICFF with the support of Richlite/ecosupply. Since then, it has garnered recognition and accolades, including the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in 2017. This award recognizes the chair's outstanding design, resourcefulness, and contribution to improving the quality of life.

The y.O2 ZmartChair, with its innovative convertible design and attention to detail, represents a new class of furniture that seamlessly blends form and function. It is a testament to Rick Yestadt's commitment to creating designs that not only enhance our living spaces but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient lifestyle.