Design Preview: Folding Floor Chair

What I Am Making

For my main project, I am designing a functional, space-saving floor chair that folds using origami-inspired techniques. My motivation stems from the need for more efficient seating in my small studio living/dining room. Since I am currently redoing my living space to accommodate a floor table, I want a seating solution that complements the table’s low profile while remaining comfortable and easy to store when not in use.

The chair will reflect a minimalist Japanese aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and efficient use of space. Origami, which originates from Japan, serves as the ideal foundation for this project because it embodies the principles of efficiency, strength, and flexibility through geometric folding. By integrating mathematical folding techniques, I hope to create a chair that is both structurally sound and visually elegant.

The challenge lies in balancing the structural integrity of the chair with the flexibility needed for it to fold and unfold smoothly. To achieve this, I plan to use a combination of rigid materials for the structural segments and flexible fabric for the hinges, allowing the chair to fold while maintaining strength and comfort. The final result will be a practical yet visually striking piece of furniture that merges traditional Japanese folding techniques with modern design principles.

Inspirations and Adaptations

My design is heavily inspired by my background in mathematics, my passion for origami, and my appreciation for Japanese design aesthetics. I’ve always been fascinated by how mathematical principles—especially geometric folding patterns—can be applied to create complex yet elegant structures. My early exposure to origami and Japanese home aesthetics during my time as an exchange student in Japan deepened my appreciation for efficient, space-saving design solutions.

Origami and Mathematical Influence

The core of my design draws inspiration from traditional origami folds such as the Miura-ori fold, which is known for its ability to create foldable yet structurally strong surfaces. The Miura-ori fold distributes stress evenly across the structure, allowing it to collapse and expand with minimal effort. This type of fold has been applied to fields as diverse as satellite design and expandable architecture, making it a compelling model for my chair’s structure.

In addition to traditional origami patterns, I’ve started studying the work of designers like Issey Miyake, whose clothing lines integrate complex folding patterns, and furniture designers who incorporate origami-like folds into chairs and tables. The mathematical elegance of these designs appeals to me because they demonstrate how form and function can be seamlessly integrated through geometry.

Existing Designs and Adaptations

I have looked into several existing folding chair designs, including plywood-based minimalist chairs and upholstered Japanese zaisu chairs (legless floor chairs). Most zaisu chairs have a fixed structure, but I aim to adapt the folding capability of origami to make my chair more versatile. Unlike existing folding chairs, which often rely on hinges or mechanical joints, my chair will depend on the natural flexibility of fabric to function as a hinge, reducing the need for metal or plastic components.

One particular inspiration comes from the work of architect and designer Shigeru Ban, known for his paper tube structures [5]. Ban’s use of simple, sustainable materials and innovative construction techniques demonstrates how even basic materials can be transformed into complex, functional designs through clever folding and assembly.

Artistic Vision and Aesthetic

My artistic vision is to create a minimalist floor chair that emphasizes the beauty of its folding structure rather than relying on decorative elements. The goal is to let the form speak for itself through clean, geometric lines and carefully chosen materials.

Minimalist Aesthetic

Japanese minimalist design often emphasizes natural materials, neutral color palettes, and simple forms. I want to reflect this aesthetic through the use of light-colored wood or composite panels paired with neutral fabrics like canvas or linen. The combination of rigid materials and soft fabrics will create a balanced contrast between strength and comfort.

By keeping the design simple, I can highlight the mathematical precision of the folding pattern. Rather than adding decorative elements, I want the folds and creases themselves to serve as the visual focus. The final piece should feel organic and effortless, blending into a small living space while offering a touch of geometric elegance.

Maximalist Exploration

To explore the other end of the spectrum, I experimented with a more maximalist aesthetic using an AI-generated design. The AI-based model added intricate crease patterns and decorative textures, but I found that this approach detracted from the chair’s core structural elegance. While the details were visually interesting, they overwhelmed the clean lines of the folding structure.

This exercise reinforced my decision to pursue a minimalist design. A simple, geometric form will better reflect the mathematical inspiration behind the project while ensuring that the chair remains functional and visually harmonious within a small living space.

Alternate Aesthetics and Changing Approaches

Initially, I considered incorporating more ornate detailing, inspired by traditional Japanese textile patterns and lacquer work. However, as I developed the design, I realized that adding too many details would undermine the structural clarity of the folding pattern. Ornate elements could also interfere with the chair’s folding mechanism and reduce its overall flexibility.

The AI-generated maximalist version helped me confirm that a minimalist approach is more suited to this project. The beauty of origami lies in its simplicity, and a clean, unembellished form will highlight the elegance of the folding structure itself.

Initial Sketches and Design Plans

I began with some sketches and simple folds to explore different folding patterns and structural configurations. With these, I am trying to focus on creating a pattern that would allow the chair to fold and unfold without compromising stability. Still in testing, I plan to try various geometric patterns, including triangular, diamond-shaped, and hexagonal creases.

After refining the pattern, I will move into Rhino to create a more precise digital model of the chair. The CAD model allowed me to test different material thicknesses and hinge placements, ensuring that the chair would maintain structural integrity while folding smoothly.

Final Design Elements:

• Structure: Rigid panels made from lightweight wood, plastic, or composite materials.
• Hinges: Flexible fabric strips or canvas backing to allow the structure to fold.
• Seat and Backrest: Cushioned with foam or batting for comfort.
• Finish: Neutral or natural wood tones to reflect Japanese minimalist aesthetics.

Prototyping and Fabrication Progress

My prototyping process starts with small-scale models made from cardboard and paper. This allows me to test the folding mechanism and ensure that the structure can collapse and expand without binding. I am also experimenting with different types of fabric for the backing, including canvas, linen, and nylon, to find a material that offers both strength and flexibility.

Once the folding structure functions properly, I am moving on to full-scale prototypes using cardboard and thin plywood. The initial prototypes are helping me identify weak points in the structure and adjust the hinge placements for smoother folding.

Fabrication Process

Materials and Construction Steps:

1. Identify Folding Pattern: Finalize origami-inspired fold pattern based on CAD model.
2. Cut Materials: Use CNC cutting or hand tools to create rigid segments from wood, plastic, or composite materials.
3. Prepare Fabric Backing: Cut fabric to size and reinforce with interfacing if necessary.
4. Attach Rigid Segments: Secure segments to fabric backing using adhesive or stitching, ensuring that the structure can flex along the fold lines.
5. Add Cushioning: Apply foam or batting to the seat and backrest areas.
6. Test Folding Mechanism: Ensure that the chair folds and unfolds smoothly without misalignment or binding.
7. Finish: Sand, stain, or paint the rigid segments as needed to create a cohesive look.

 

 

Phase	Duration	Dates	Description
Design Phase	2 weeks	March 12 – March 26	Develop sketches and CAD model
Prototyping Phase	2 weeks	March 27 – April 10	Small-scale and full-scale prototypes
Material Sourcing	1 week	April 11 – April 17	Purchase and test materials
Construction	1.5 weeks	April 18 – April 28	Cutting, assembling, and finishing
Testing and Refinement	1 week	April 29 – May 5	Adjust folding mechanism and add finishing touches
Documentation	1 week	May 6 – May 12	Final photos and write-up

Works Cited

[1] Lushome. 2025. “Modern Chairs: Unique Furniture Design Ideas Inspired by Origami Art.” Lushome. Accessed March 4, 2025. https://www.lushome.com/modern-chairs-unique-furniture-design-ideas-inspired-origami-art/228591.

[2] Nakamura, S., & Yoshida, H. (2021). Paper-based model of the Miura-ori pattern [Figure]. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Paper-based-model-of-the-Miura-ori-pattern_fig2_354504265

[3] Scandinavian Design. (2016). Iittala X Issey Miyake: A home collection for everyday rituals. https://www.scandinaviandesign.com/iittala-x-issey-miyake-a-home-collection-for-everyday-rituals/

[4] Shigeru Ban Architects. (n.d.). Blue Ocean Pavilion. https://shigerubanarchitects.com/works/cultural/blue-ocean-pavillion/

[5] Monochrome Japanese zaisu ‘Kitami.’ (n.d.). Kitami [Image]. (Include source link or catalog info if available)