Output details
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
Birmingham City University
Chair Design Programme for Specific User Groups
Following success of the Opus series of orchestra seating, this present research began in 2005, led by Professor Richard Snell working with David Rowe.
The programme has important features including detailed studies of the operational needs for specific user groups, paying particular attention to ergonomic requirements. Economic manufacture and high visual design considerations were also important. Groups researched:
1. School pupils and college students
2. Aging populations
SE range for schools and colleges
Posture was a particular focus. This was complicated by the wide range of proportions found amongst pupils of different ages. To accommodate this an entirely novel modular system of assembly was devised so a range of size variants can be produced from a limited number of constituent components. These can be assembled to produce six different size chairs. This limits the tooling and assembly costs thus meeting the financial constraints for this economically challenged market sector.
The SE, launched by Hille in 2010, was one of the first to observe the new BS EN 1729 standard. The postural requirements of this standard are exceeded in the SE by incorporating a lower back support profile.
Age Inclusive Seating (AIS)
This entirely new design uniquely addresses needs established through extensive research into furniture for older people. Also available to a broad population this seating solution is primarily designed for the elderly. The aims are to encourage activity as well as relaxation, through addressing the postural requirements of the target group, without stigmatising or stereotyping this particular sector.
Particular regard has been paid to the changing needs and aspirations of the 60+ ‘new generation’, from both practical and visual appearance perspectives.
This registered design (2013, European Community, Seats [furniture] (part of -) 002284406) was developed with HF Contract Furniture in line with its new business plan and manufacturing facility.
