Porada Chair Contest
September 2021
12 weeks
(100 hours)
Brief:
- Realize a solid wood chair
PORADA
Porada is an Allievi family business founded in Cabiate (Como) in 1948. The name “Porada” simply derives from the locality in Cabiate where the factory is born. The products are exported to over 60 countries around the world, making it an Italian icon of the furniture sector.
Search for New Needs
New lifestyles requirements
The current pandemic and the green economy in the future, thanks to smart-working will move work from offices to our homes.
Unfortunately, the chair used in the offices does not integrate into the home environment; on the other hand, chairs for the home force the body in a single position with a posture that is not recommended for a prolonged time.
Hence the new need for an ergonomic work chair well integrated with home furnishings.
Ergonomic Analysis
New observation of working positions
During the work there is the need to move away and approach the table. The two extreme positions are maintained for most of the time and it is therefore important that they meet a series of fundamental requirements for functionality and ergonomics.
*3D Model realized with PTC Creo 8
Ergonomic Analysis
Ergonomics of the back-end position
Thanks to the geometry of the slide of the chair and thanks to the fact that the center of gravity falls inside the slide, the chair remains stable in the rear position. The curved skates facilitate the change of position and facilitate the maintenance of balance by activating the muscles and circulation throughout all the body. Lumbar support and armrests help relax the spine and arms.
*3D Model realized with PTC Creo 8
Ergonomic Analysis
Ergonomics of the front-end position
The length and the angle of the skids are designed to reach the frontal end positions without allowing overturning because the center of mass fall inside the skids. In this working position, the open angle of 110° allows the spine to assume the natural curvature it presents when we are standing. In this position the abdominal and back are involved, the shoulders are relaxed, tension decreases and breathing improves. Maintaining a sitting position close to your center of gravity facilitates changes in posture. The further one moves away from this neutral positions, the more the postures are tolerated poorly and for less time.
*3D Model realized with PTC Creo 8
Design
How is made?
The frame is made of ash or canaletto walnut, typical Porada essences. The components have small and very linear dimensions, thus allowing less waste of material and the recovery of production waste. The joints on the frame are realized using tenons and mortises or – where necessary – using pins combined with finger joints. The seat and backrest can be disassembled thanks to the screws and they are made with a curved plywood base (with threaded inserts) combined with a preformed polyurethane foam cushion. The union of the base and the cushion will be covered with a fabric that is made removable by a zip; fabric that will be part of the existing Porada fabric sample. Note the backrest fixing system which provides a rubber block useful for its mobility for perfect adhesion to the back.
*Rendering realized with Blender 2.93
Design
Dimensions
These are the general measurements of the chair. Note that the dominant section of the wood structure is triangular.
*Rendering realized with Blender 2.93
Rendering
*Rendering realized with Blender 2.93
Rendering
*Rendering realized with Blender 2.93
Rendering
*Rendering realized with Blender 2.93
All artworks © Massimo Burberi - All right reserved
