Gustav Winsth and Alexander Lervik, two Swedish designers, have joined forces to create a project that blurs the lines between the physical world and the virtual universe. A small marvel presented at the latest edition of the Stockholm Furniture Fair.
A land of design, with its armada of great 20th-century masterse In the 20th century, Scandinavia also offered designs distinct from traditional, organically shaped wooden furniture. In Sweden, the young designer Gustav Winsth distinguished himself through collaborations and his exploration of virtual reality. Also Swedish, Alexander Lervik was one of the first to pioneer the then-unknown world of 3D printing. These two paths converged around the concept of seating. The Reality Armchair.
“Inviting someone to participate in my design process and share the experience of 3D drawing was an important step for me. Collaborating with someone who brings a traditional design background and appreciates my work reinforces my belief in the transformative potential of virtual reality for design.”, reports Gustav Winsth. For his part, Alexander Lervik says he "Fascinated by new technologies." “When I first met Gustav, I asked him if he would be interested in collaborating on a project where he could introduce me to virtual reality technology. The project exceeded all my expectations. Designing furniture in the air, with me in my studio and Gustav in his, and then seeing the final result alongside other chairs, is magical. When I take off my headset, it’s almost as if I forget he’s not physically there.”
After collaboratively designing this rounded piece, the time for production arrived. Aluminum was the obvious choice of material, being lighter than steel and more environmentally friendly. The two designers met with skilled sheet metal workers experienced in working with metal sheets, particularly in the design of motorcycle fuel tanks. Following the work of a welder, the chair was finished in a vibrant, lustrous red, thanks to the talents of a painting studio specializing in airbrushing. Available in red, as well as silver, The Reality Armchair highlights the unique talent of the Scandinavian peninsula, its ability to embrace new technologies while capturing the spirit of the times, through a resolutely contemporary design.
