recipients of the liliane bettencourt prize david de gourcuff and creators aki & arnaud cooren have fashioned a unique low chair design using aluminum plates with the footprint of the fabric on both sides, finished with sewn edges. the combination of the rigidity of metal with the poetry of the fabric, ’tiss-tiss’ is an aesthetic vision realised by a feat in manufacturing.

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
all images © gwen le bras

 

 

the tiss tiss chair is created using six sheets of indigo-dyed aluminium, which manages to evoke a sense of sophistication while ensuring a strong and sturdy seat. craftsman david de gourcuff creates the appearance of textured denim stitched at the seams, when in reality, they are simply melded sheets of metal. the chosen color — indigo blue — is a reminder of both the workman’s blue clothes at foundry and the traditional dyeing of japan, designer aki cooren’s home country. 

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
the indigo blue color is a reminder of both the workman’s blue clothes at foundry and the traditional dyeing of japan

 

‘his passion, frankness, and pertinence has put into question our own work. this joy of exchange, this quality of a dynamic community is the reason of us becoming designers,’ explain the designers at A+A cooren. ‘the object recounts the story of a job done using multiple hands, a dialogue between traditional and contemporary techniques, and multiple trades that flourish with modesty and generosity.’

 

video © fondation bettencourt schueller

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
a profile of the chair

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
details of the ‘stitches’

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
fabrication of master piece with fabric

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
work in progress at foundry of aluminum

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
sand casting

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
an aluminum piece with footprint of fabric

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
aluminum pieces with footprint of fabric on both sides and sewing on edges, before assembly

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
aluminum welding phase

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
the delivery stage

the tiss tiss chair uses a welding technique that evokes the appearance of textured denim
the final product

 

 

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.

 

edited by: lynn chaya | designboom