Oh Chair

Readers' Lounge for Meso Design

Oh Chair is a modern response to the iconic retro-futuristic egg chair. By incorporating the bent wire base and the visually open design of the signature seat, the designers were able to capture the essence of their approach to cutting-edge technology. Involving AIGC in the creation process allowed Oh Chair to showcase the designers' perspective on Artificial Intelligence: co-piloting with an open mind and careful consideration, embracing progress while being mindful of the surrounding context.

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Download Press Kit № 159602 Readers' Lounge for Meso Design by Ao Zhou to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Oh Chair by Ao Zhou

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Readers 039 Lounge by Ao Zhou

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Ao Zhou Oh Chair

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Ao Zhou Readers 039 Lounge

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Unique Properties

Oh Chair is a modern response to the iconic retro-futuristic egg chair. By incorporating the bent wire base and the visually open design of the signature seat, the designers were able to capture the essence of their approach to cutting-edge technology. Involving AIGC in the creation process allowed Oh Chair to showcase the designers' perspective on Artificial Intelligence: co-piloting with an open mind and careful consideration, embracing progress while being mindful of the surrounding context.

Tags

Artificial Intelligence, Algorithmic Furniture, Retrofuturistic, Sustainability, AI-Assisted Design, Furniture Design, Generative Design, Recycled Material, Stainless Steel, Future Casting, Lounge Chair, Sessel Design, Ergonomics

Production Technology

Design Process: Blender/Figma/Photoshop/AIGC Materials: 100% recyclable polyethylene, Fabric, Stainless Steel

Design Challenge

Training the AI model is the biggest challenge that we met. Instead of just starting from scratch with a publicly available generative AI model, we trained the Stable Diffusion image-generation model on both modernism and retro-futuristic catalogs from the 1920s-1930s, and 1950s to 1960s. This process leads to thousands of Iterations and Ideations. We need to adapt to the technical demands of AI and invest in training and infrastructure. Images generated with these two distinct data sets reflect the general aesthetic of those time periods and that also correspond with our original design goal: While following the legacy of the timeless design from above two golden periods, exploring new materials, construction techniques, and ergonomic solutions within the constraints of a chair design, ultimately producing a functional and aesthetically compelling piece of furniture.

Project Duration

The project started October 2023 in Munich, and finished in January 2024 in Munich and Los Angeles.

Research

This design project is a speculative experience exploring the impact of creative technologies on the design process. We suspect generative design will speed up the early stage exploration with conversational response, but yet know how it helps the final visualization. To figure out, we conducted qualitative research on how the designer workflow is impacted by generative co-creation. In this test, designers are the participants. We collected and analyzed data exchange from every step of the design process, from MidJourney to Blender to Photoshop, and found the preset “prompt” setting of the scope for the entire project. After the back-and-forth chat process between the chief designer and mid-journey, generative tech assisted the designer in putting their vision to work and setting the boundaries and visual direction with an extensive image database from both modernism and retro-futuristic, thus clarifying the designer’s direction with the provided tangible option for the next stage. However, the image generated by AI hardly applies to furniture modeling and production because of its limitation on understanding the z-axis and following the basic law of physics. Here is when the designer takes the lead. During the iteration phase, the design, and design alongside the visualizer collaborated as human factor engineers to restructure the initial design with more human factor and production consideration. Adding human touches, like a round cushion for back support and a visual icon; injects consciousness of sustainability with the material choice. At this stage, generative AI assists the creative process by presenting an incorrect baseline design embodied in the same art direction, this gives designers great motivation to “Correct” the structure, thus self-critique their vision and focus on the human factor and material choices. The result of the research result is that generative AI is a great tool for visualizing designer vision with lightning speed and liberating design from the heavy lifting of self-double by accelerating the brainstorming process with a pre-trained database and creating “other” derivatives from “self” for more conscious iteration and less self double for later revisions.

Inspiration

The seating of the Oh Chair is reminiscent of bended paper, mimic the lightness and organic fluidity of a paper drifting in the wind, and symbolizing the dawn of a new era. The welded metal tubes, with their simple bends, pay homage to the outline of a classic paperclip. Drawing inspiration from Munich, the birthplace of Stable Diffusion, this armchair seamlessly blends diversity, vitality, humanity, and urban elements all in one.

Project Overview

Oh Chair Readers' Lounge has been a Iron winner in the Generative, Algorithmic, Parametric and AI-Assisted Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Ao Zhou.

Iron Recognition

Ao Zhou was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Oh Chair Readers' Lounge.

Ao Zhou Newsroom

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