nendo: transparent chair

‘transparent chair’ is made from a steel structure wrapped in polyurethane plastic. images © masayuki hayashi

japanese design studio nendo‘s transparent chair appears as only backrest and arm rests but is a fully functioning chair wrapped in polyurethane film. a transparent material that is commonly used as a packing material for precision instruments and products susceptible to vibrations and shock. nendo was able to use this material in a chair due to its high elasticity and ability to return to its original state.

the ‘transparent chair’ along with their ‘transparent textures‘ series are on display in milan design week 2011 at galleria jannone. nendo’s ‘bamboo-steel chair‘ is also being presented as a part of the ‘yii’ exhibition at la triennale di milano.

side view, seemingly invisible except for reflections of light images © masayuki hayashi

side detail of construction images © masayuki hayashi

focused on giving people a ‘!’ moment, the work of nendo continues to invite the viewer into their creations for something a little unexpected and pleasant. the plastic chair seems to invisibly support one’s weight and form into a hammock while one’s body seems to float in space to other viewers.

angled view of construction images © masayuki hayashi

side view with sitter images © masayuki hayashi

view of the sitter seaming to float images © masayuki hayashi

view of back images © masayuki hayashi