During their university years, architects acquire a wide range of skills apart from learning to design buildings. Some of these include creative problem solving, project management, high attention to detail, coordinating teams and accurately responding to consumer needs. Therefore, a degree often provides the necessary tools to design at any scale – from urban to product design – and to explore other creative fields, such as art, photography, journalism or industrial design. Of the many possibilities that open up, it is especially common for many to make the leap towards furniture design, particularly chair design, instead of following the traditional route.
In fact, if we look into famous architects from past eras like Frank Gehry, Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Eero Saarinen, they have all designed iconic chairs. Looking into the 21st century, the pattern remains as strong; while some contemporary architects also design buildings in parallel, many are solely dedicated to furniture and chair design – some switched paths after graduating, others made the jump after years of conventional architecture jobs.
Why do architects design chairs?
A successful chair represents more than the union of form and function – it rises to the level of art. Therefore, whereas architecture sets the scene and provides the framework, a chair can have a strong influence on a room’s character. With this in mind, there are a number of reasons why architects choose to design chairs: they may view it as an opportunity to push their creativity, distill their techniques into a new medium, design the smallest detail of their own buildings, or have a new type of proximity to the user. And, of course, there are those who are not fulfilled by a traditional job and thus find greater success in designing chairs. Whatever the reason may be, it is clearly a popular alternative.
Therefore, besides former designs that have been relaunched, nowadays there is an endless amount of remarkable architect-designed chairs taking over the market. With changing trends, innovative technologies and a rising environmental conscience, many of these new designs explore advanced techniques and eco-friendly materials while providing an attractive modern aesthetic.
In this context, we present a compilation of contemporary architects who, regardless of their career path, have designed (or continue to design) beautiful, innovative and unique chairs that are extremely functional – and, in some cases, sustainable.
Paula Navone: Nepal Little Armchair (2011) by Baxter
After obtaining her architecture degree in Turin, Italy, Paula Navone has gained international recognition for her avant-garde, culture-inspired furniture designs. With a simple structure, the Nepal Little Armchair stands out for its particular upholstery, which provides an original exuberant look while being soft and comfortable to the touch.
David Adjaye: Washington Skeleton Aluminum Side Chair (2013) by Knoll International
Also known for many notable buildings around the world, the work of David Adjaye ranges from private houses to bespoke furniture collections. Just like his buildings challenge materiality and textures, the iconic Skeleton Chair reduces its design to a fine geometric die-cast aluminum lattice, creating a seamless and intricate pattern.
Patricia Urquiola: Dudet Chair (2021) by Cassina & Nuez BIO Lounge Chair (2020) by Andreu World
After studying architecture, Patricia Urquiola opened a design agency focused on interior and product design. Among her multiple models, the Dudet Chair combines a soft and playful shape inspired by 1970’s aesthetics with a sustainable design. Starting with the metal core, all of its elements can be easily disassembled for ease of disposal and recycling of its organic materials.
Similarly, the Nuez Lounge BIO Chair offers comfort, elegance and sustainability. While the high-backed shell is made of a thermpolymer generated by living organisms and without fossil fuels, the fabric is made from recyclable plastic bottles and packaging. Therefore, the modern lounge chair is recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.
Ludovica & Roberto Palomba: Lama Chair (2006) by Zanotta
Although they acquired their architecture degree in Rome, the Palomba’s mostly create furniture pieces, collections, and interior design projects. Following their history-oriented style with a contemporary touch, the Lama Chair is a timeless domestic icon, acting both as an elegant sculptural element and a comfortable lounge chair that explores different postures while sitting on slender steel frame.
Ma Yansong: Gu Chair (2018) by Sawaya & Moroni
As founder of MAD Architects, Ma Yansong is globally known for his futuristic, technologically advanced designs. Recently, he has also delved into product design with pieces like the Gu Chair, a contemporary interpretation of the traditional wooden armchair. Evoking a futuristic style, the chair is formed by joints that create a network of sinuous forms seamlessly connected like a skeletal structure.
Claudio Dondoli & Marco Pocci: Koki Chair (2015) by Desalto
Having met while studying architecture in Florence, Dondoli and Pocci founded their own industrial design agency, where they designed the Koki Chair. Made of integral polyurethane and a steel frame, its style is contemporary, fresh and simple, offering a high degree of comfort with a refined aesthetic.
Gaetano Pesce: UP5 Chair (2000) by B&B Italia
Since the 1960’s, Italian architect Gaetano Pesce has researched the function and form of utilitarian objects. Exploring colors and materials, Pesce designed the UP5 Chair, which can be compressed like a sponge and permanently pop into shape once opened. Even though it was later updated with high performance materials, its curvy and extravagant style remains intact.
Ramon Esteve: Faz Armchair (2011) by Vondom
After many architectural projects, Spanish architect Ramon Esteve began his industrial design facet in 1996, creating objects characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and the use of light. Under those principles, the Faz Armchair appears to be carved from a mineral, providing a robust sculptural image with triangular folds.
Dmitrij Kudin & Laura Malcaite: Bunny Chair (2017) by Sedes Regia
As founders of Inblum Architects, Kudin and Malcaite have recently taken the leap towards furniture design by creating chairs for their own projects. One of them is the Bunny Chair, a playful pet-like design padded with high-elasticity foam to fit its soft, cozy appearance.
William Sawaya: Maxima Chair (2002) by Sawaya & Moroni
Even though Lebanese-born William Sawaya graduated as an architect, he quickly began experimenting in the field of industrial design, resulting in furniture manufacturer Sawaya & Moroni. Known for his unique and innovative pieces, Sawaya designed the Maxima Chair, a contemporary model that evokes audacity, comfort, and flexibility with its folded polyurethane shell.
Norman Foster: Leva Chair (2019) by Mattiazzi
Recognized as one of the world’s most famous architects, Norman Foster is known for his sleek, modern, and high-tech buildings. Under these principles, the Leva Chair – the first wooden Foster + Partners chair – is carved with one single piece of timber, bringing a sustainable approach with a clean aesthetic.
Daniel Libeskind: Torq Chair (2010) by Sawaya & Moroni
In recent years, Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind has veered towards product design. Among all his works, the Torq Chair is a dynamic ensemble created from simple geometries in a complex relationship, offering a contemporary artistic expression by combining a linear tubular steel construction with the volumetric opacity of the seat and backrest.
For more contemporary chair designs, visit this catalog.
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Architecture Without Buildings. Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and projects. Learn more about our ArchDaily topics. As always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.
