Limbo Chair
The Limbo Chair, a versatile domestic and outdoor relaxation seat, is a project I contributed to during my tenure as an intern at Atlason Studio in New York. Manufactured for Heller Furniture, its creation involves the art of rotational molding, and it is made exclusively of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), a resilient and sustainable material valued for its flexibility.
Role product Design Internship
client Heller furniture
Project duration June 2022 - August 2022
About the Project
The journey of the Limbo Chair began with a challenge posed by Heller CEO John Edelman to Hlynur Atlason: to design a modern lounge chair that exudes comfort and style. In response, Atlason's design studio crafted the Limbo Chair, a statement piece that marries supreme comfort with versatility for both indoor and outdoor settings, all while upholding principles of sustainability.
As a product design intern, my role was integral to the chair's development. I engaged in extensive research, contributed to the design process, and was involved in both the CAD and manufacturing phases. The Limbo Chair's distinctive swooping, sculptural form is not only aesthetically pleasing but is ergonomically designed to cradle the body in comfort. This playful yet practical design embodies a meticulous balance of creative thinking, rigorous research, and dedicated testing, culminating in its seemingly effortless appearance.
In the initial phase, our design team combined market insights with creative ideation to sketch the Limbo Chair's first concept. We aimed for a design that blends usability, aesthetics, and comfort, focusing on a chair that's not just functional but also visually appealing and enjoyable to use.
The Limbo Chair is a testament to sustainable manufacturing. In our commitment to environmental responsibility, the chair is fully recyclable, made predominantly from recycled post-consumer plastic. The proportion of recycled material varies by color, with the black variant containing the highest percentage. Furthermore, Limbo is available in a selection of warm, muted colors, thoughtfully chosen to complement natural environments.
In the production of the Limbo Chair, a key element is the rotational mold, meticulously crafted in Heller Furniture's factory. This specialized mold plays a pivotal role in shaping the chair's unique contours and ergonomic design. The material of choice for the Limbo Chair is Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), carefully selected for its properties. LDPE is renowned for its flexibility and durability, which are essential in achieving the chair's signature comfortable texture. This material choice not only contributes to the chair's physical comfort but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability, as LDPE is recyclable. The combination of rotational molding and LDPE allows for precision in design and consistency in quality, ensuring that each Limbo Chair meets our high standards for comfort and environmental responsibility.
Into Market
Awards
Conclusion
This project was a profound learning experience, underscoring the importance of thoughtful design, functionality, and sustainability in creating a product that not only looks effortless but is deeply rooted in ethical manufacturing practices.
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