Floating: A Revolutionary Approach to Seating

Designer Venkatesh Kalidoss's Award-Winning Stool Design

The design of "Floating" is simple yet ingenious. It comprises a glass cylinder, wood, and two rubber pieces, one at the base of the glass tube and the other at the base of the cylindrical wood. These are fixed for air tightness. The stool works on the principle of air compression. When a person sits, the air in the cylinder compresses, acting as a cushion. This mechanism not only enhances seating comfort but also provides a novel experience to the user, making them feel as if they are floating on air.

With dimensions of 450 mm x 450 mm x 500 mm, "Floating" is compact and can be easily moved and placed anywhere over marble, granite, or other solid floors. It is perfect for spaces like hotel lobbies, where it can offer an interesting experience to users. The design is long-lasting, as the stress of usage is on the air, unlike other materials like cushions that undergo wear and tear after repeated use.

Creating "Floating" was not without its challenges. The main challenge was to find the right volume of air for compression so that the seat height is comfortable for the user, ensuring that their feet rest on the ground when they sit. However, Kalidoss successfully overcame this challenge, resulting in a design that is as comfortable as it is innovative.

"Floating" has been recognized for its innovative design and outstanding expertise. It was awarded Silver in the A' Furniture Design Award in 2018, a prestigious accolade given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs are admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence and introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

With "Floating", Kalidoss has truly redefined the concept of seating. This design is a testament to his creativity and innovative thinking, and it sets a new benchmark in furniture design. It is not just a stool, but an experience, offering users the unique sensation of floating on air.