andreas konradsen naturally welds chair by submerging it into the baltic sea

andreas konradsen naturally welds chair by submerging it into the baltic sea 
(above) harvesting the corroded frame
all images courtesy of andreas konradsen

recent graduate from the royal danish academy of fine arts school of design, copenhagen-based designer andreas konradsen has created a steel chair that requires no welds, but instead is merged by the corrosion generated during six months of submersion in the baltic sea. called the ‘ripe chair’, this seating object was part of the don’t run out exhibition that was held during paris designweek. the show put together by the scandinavian design group HOLDBAR focused on finding alternative perspectives on sustainable design.

the steel frame is fitted with a solid ash seat 

‘with the ripe chair I wanted to address my discomfort with the accelerating quantities and pace by which the design industry produces and replaces its objects. the trend driven approach has created a new branch of consumers following the mantra ‘next is more.’ comments konradsen.

video courtesy of konenuado

the ‘ripe chair’ however does not follow the ever changing trends and instead requires both commitment and patience from the user. it is created without welds but by submerging it in the sea, the slow process of corrosion merges the exposed steel construction to produce a sturdy frame that months later can be harvested from the sea bed.

the seabed off the coast of zealand 

corroded joints

CNC milled ash seat

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.