SADDLE CHAIR
The saddle chair combines knowledge from two different fields: equestrian science and the fab lab movement. As can be seen from the name, the chair is modeled after a horse riding saddle, but in a way that takes into consideration modern manufacturing methods and the high price of raw materials.
Hardly ever will you see a passionate horse rider slump or round the back while in the saddle. Even tough this is partly achieved through training and extensive practice, there is a much simpler reason why: in the saddle, the shoulders, hipbone and heels form one straight line, perpendicular to the horse. It is the only position that is centered and balanced, such that the core of the body is neither tipping forward or falling backward. Naturally, this leads to a straight back, as shoulders are pushed back to meet in alignment with the hipbones.
Living hinges present an exiting and easy way to bend rigid sheets of wood without any treatment, just by making linear incisions along the wanted hinge. The incisions are placed in such a way that the wood becomes flexible at this line. Without pressure, the seat of the chair remains straight, but when being subjected to the pressure of the weight of the thighs, the flaps bend down, folding together with the leg.
Keeping in mind the high costs of raw materials, especially wood, and the urgency to conserve and save our raw materials, the saddle chair is designed in such a way that most of it can be cut out of a flat sheet of wood. If laid out properly on the sheet, little material would have to go to waste during the production. Production from sheets is fast, simple, and does not require expensive machines.
