doshi levien: paper planes for moroso

'paper planes arose from the creation of a design for a new fabric incorporating
swarovski crystal elements. the underlying idea of the fabric came from folded graph paper,
which brings to mind mathematical and scientific images, in total contrast to the festive,
joyful, superficial characteristics associated with crystals. we created a checked pattern
using thin black and white lines, each with its own line of crystals. the idea is that the
crystals are integrated into the design, so as to become almost invisible, hidden by the
checked lines, and reappear only when the light gleams off them. in creating this fabric,
we found we were working with a visual language that is architectural and spatial,
ornate but not ornamental. as the name suggests, our approach to designing the chair
involved creating shapes by folding and forming darts with the paper illustrating
the checked fabric.  we made a cosy, comfortable reading chair that was nonetheless
visually light, as if to defeat gravity.' - doshi & levien

installation view of 'paper planes' chairs at the moroso booth
image © designboom






'paper planes', low version




each chair is marked with the moroso logo and year of issue





low and high versions





side view of 'paper planes', high version





front view of 'paper planes', high version

'paper planes', high version



the seat is made from a cold-cured polyurethane foam upholstery




production process




'paper planes' fabric layout