Orchid Chair

It’s obvious that one’s childhood affects one’s life long after it’s over. Such is the case with designer Sebastian Gronemeyer, who grew up hiding in an Arne Jacobsen egg chair (aka womb chair, though what that says about Gronemeyer is open to Freudian debate).

Orchid Chair. Designed by Sebastian Gronemeyer.

The German-born Gronemeyer has now invented his own feminine seating, The Orchid Chair. “Inspired by the leaves of an orchid,” The Orchid Chair undulates in serpentine parabolas-and if that sounds sexy, it’s because it is. Formed from one piece of molded reinforced fiberglass shell mounted on a chrome tubular steel base, The Orchid Chair connects to its base by rubber shock mounts-smooth, in other words. When you lean back, the chair gives beneath your weight (sort of like an embrace or a return to the womb), making The Orchid’s engineering as welcoming as its pleasurable shape.

Orchid Chair

Orchid Chair

If The Orchid Chair’s look and feel don’t inspire you, then perhaps Gronemeyer’s appeal to practicality will: “the chair comes with a complementary feather duster to keep the lower part of the chair (which can also be used to store newspapers and magazines) clean and dust-free.” With so many present-day designers ignoring everyday concerns, such as ease of cleaning, it’s refreshing to meet one who pays attention to daily life-and modern design, after all, should fit our needs. The newspaper and magazine “rack” built into the chair also pays homage to our quotidian lives.

You can get a closer look at Gronemeyer’s Orchid Chair in mid-September at 100% Futures in London, where prototypes will be unveiled.

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