Schweben: The Floating Seats Inspired by Bauhaus

A Mix of Functionality, Simplicity, and Geometry

Inspired by the basic geometric shapes that surround us in our daily lives, the Schweben seats are a modern interpretation of traditional chairs. Designed by Omar Idriss, these seats go beyond mere furniture and become features in contemporary interior spaces.

The Schweben collection is a perfect blend of functionality, simplicity, and geometry. Drawing inspiration from the Bauhaus movement, Idriss has created seats that embody the essence of basic elements and colors. Available in square, circle, and triangle shapes, as well as in primary colors such as red, blue, and yellow, and a classic white option, the Schweben seats are a testament to the power of simplicity.

Constructed primarily from wood, the seats are braced by an inner metal bar to maintain their shape and ensure safety. The seats are then suspended from the ceiling using a 10 mm metal rope, which is connected to a metal plate screwed into the concrete ceiling. To prevent twisting, an embedded bearing ring is incorporated into the rope, allowing for smooth and seamless motion.

The Schweben seats have a dominant dimension of 1100 mm, with a width, height, and depth of 1100 mm and 400 mm, respectively. The seat height from the floor is adjustable, ranging from 600 mm to 900 mm, providing flexibility and comfort for users.

These seats offer more than just a place to sit; they provide a sense of motion and freedom. With their rotational and swinging capabilities, the Schweben seats allow users to move gently and smoothly while seated, enhancing the overall experience.

The first version of the Schweben seats, known as "The Circle," with an Oak finish, was designed and manufactured in Dubai, UAE in February 2018. It was installed in a Youth Center in Abu Dhabi, UAE, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of these innovative seats.

Omar Idriss's design process for the Schweben seats was guided by a deep understanding of geometry and the potential of basic shapes. By focusing on the beauty and strength of each shape individually, Idriss was able to create a composition that is both visually appealing and functional.

The creative and structural challenges faced during the design process were overcome with ingenuity and innovation. Creatively, Idriss had to find a way to showcase the beauty of individual shapes within a composition of multiple shapes, elevating them from being mere squares or circles. Structurally, the challenge was to create seats that were safe, stable, and dynamic all at once. The rolling motion was also a concern, which was resolved with a customized hinge/hanging point embedded within the seat body, along with a bearing ring for smooth rotation.

The Schweben seats have garnered recognition for their outstanding design. In 2019, they were awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life.