ECAL X KVADRAT - SUIT UP

For this project, the students had to design a seat, or rather requalify and rehabilitate a chair or armchair using existing models such as the monobloc, aluminium bistro chair, or deck chair, as the base structure. Employing Kvadrat upholstery textiles, the designs had to be reversible, meaning it should not alter the existing structure. While the original function of the chair could be maintained or altered, the proposals aimed to improved the comfort and aesthetic character of the seats.

Some say that the best product [sustainability speaking] is the one that already exists. SUIT UP aimed to make us reflect on our relationship with furniture, the comfort it brings us and the legacy of upholstered furniture; to take a critical look at how these products are manufactured, distributed, enjoyed and discarded today. Following a selection of the projects.

RAVIOLI CHAIR

by Anouck Morlon

The entire project aims to enhance an affordable chair – the Transat – by bringing the chair, which is often associated with being "accessible, practical, for outdoor use," indoors and giving it a more unique and comfortable design. Using fabrics, padding materials, and a sewing machine, where technique plays a central role, the focus is on an intensive exploration of different ways to manipulate textiles in order to create an exceptional quilted pattern. The chair is completely covered, so the original shape disappears, and no association with the Transat can be made. The Transat is thus used as a framework to create a new indoor lounge chair.

YUPPIE CHAIR

by Arthur Németh

Yuppie Chair is a project aimed at creating a cover for the monobloc chair, thus transforming this outdoor chair into an indoor chair. The project draws more inspiration from the fashion world, as in its initial phase, it was oriented toward bridal gowns. The goal was to design a cover inspired by the yuppie style of the 1980s, using Kvadrat upholstery fabric. It was necessary to find a way to merge the language of fashion with furniture. The cinching detail evokes how tailored jackets are themselves cinched.

Link

by Zoé Letoucque

Link is a conference chair cover. Designed to instantly transform an aluminum chair into a comfortable, practical chair that can be connected to other chairs. A zipper linking the chairs allows them to be attached, providing safety and organization during gatherings at events.

Strapp

by Mathilda Zubek

Strapp utilizes the existing wooden frame of the deck chair to hold two sets of fabric loops tactfully sewn and interwoven with each other. "Strapp" can be mounted onto the chair frame during its assembly, thus becoming an integral part of the chair. The woven structure appears flat but adjusts comfortably to the person seated. The Strapp design was created to enhance the comfort of the deck chair. The material used is a cool wool upholstery fabric, making the seat soft and cozy.

SIENNE

by Leo Niksch

Sienne is a cover that easily fits over aluminum terrace chairs to transform them into indoor armchairs during the winter months. Thanks to two zippers, the cover can be adjusted to take shape. The edges fold over the sides, providing wide and comfortable armrests.

VANO

by Clara Uzunovic

Vano is a waterproof cover specifically designed to fit aluminum bistro-style chairs. Composed of two parts, it retains the stackability of the original chair while adding extra comfort. Terrace enthusiasts can once again enjoy the pleasure of savoring their drinks outdoors. The toggle buttons create an ingenious fastening system that gives the chair its enveloping appearance.