toru’s babu and clop chairs challenge the standard seated form

barcelona based design studio toru, has designed two unique chairs which will be presented during dubai design week 2016. ‘babu’ and ‘clop’ both use a local leather from igualada, that provides a distinct and high quality finish, which points towards the cultural roots of the city.

a single leather piece is used to shape the seat

‘babu’ uses a 6mm leather section which folds back on itself to create the backrest and bottom. the chair which is positioned on the ground, is supported by small brass feet that hold the structure together. toru state the design was influenced by the great journeys of desert tribes, who would sit in groups on the floor to eat, socialise and plan the route for their next journey. as well as a comfortable seat, the furniture piece aims to act as a place for meditation, comfort and relaxation.

‘babu’ acts as a shelter

‘clop’ uses an unusual fold which extends over the backrest of the chair, creating a seamless finish from top to bottom. the piece brings two materials toegther- leather and wood- which purposely references the ‘clog shoe’ which uses the same material. this playful reference has been translated into an luxury product, allowing both material and concept to shape the final outcome. 

the ‘babu’ and ‘clop’ chairs will be presented during dubai design week 2016. 

‘clop’ brings together leather and wood in a unique fashion

the leather fold overlaps the backrest 

leather and solid oak are put together with brass fittings 

the piece playfully references the ‘clog shoe’ 

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.