005 Plywood Chair | Fukunaga Print

Thanks to Jasper Morrison for kindly permitting the inclusion of this chair in the 1:16 Series.

1:16 Series:
Paper models of chairs and interiors to cut, fold, and collect. Flat prints transform into three-dimensional pieces, creating miniature spaces that come to life.

Designer: Jasper Morrison, Manufactured by Vitra, 1988
Material: Birch Plywood

The Plywood Chair, constructed solely from plywood and wood screws, was designed for the exhibition Some New Items for the House held in Berlin.

As Jasper Morrison himself explained, the exhibition was meant to show how a few objects could naturally create an interior space without the need for excessive design to attract attention. The goal was to compose a real interior using modest, unpretentious items. His design process was shaped by necessity, using only a power saw and a curved ruler typically used by shipbuilders to cut the plywood pieces for this form.

One of the defining characteristics of the chair is its flat back, which differs from typical designs. Initially, a version with a backrest was also presented, but it was discarded in favor of the current design because, while comfortable, the backrest didn’t evoke excitement. However, comfort was still a priority, with small gaps beneath the seat and its underlying structure providing a cushioning effect when sitting.

This chair, which emerged as a reaction against the excessive designs of the 1980s, later became a representative piece of the minimalism that flourished in the 1990s. It was manufactured by Vitra and continued to be sold until recently.

PACKAGE SIZE | W105×H155mm

Made in Japan