Just released, the Uchiwa lounge chair designed by internationally acclaimed design studio Doshi Levien.
Uchiwa is a capacious armchair taking its soft and open shape from the traditional Japanese hand fan. Generous and inviting, Uchiwa’s hard plastic shell has surprisingly soft down padding inside. New and familiar at once, the armchair comes in two upholstered versions: in soft down for a more domestic environment and in moulded foam for a more demanding contract context. The dramatic seat shell can be exposed or upholstered, and the legs come in natural or stained oak. The chair has an accompanying foot stool as a natural extension of its comfort.
The chair was influenced mainly by a visit from Rolf Hay to London. Dosh Levien found his enthusiasm and energy infectious and set to work straight after their meeting in Brawn Restaurant under their studio. The brief was quite clear. They had to make a lounge chair that was affordable and the rest was up to them. In a sense it was as free as any other project in creative terms, only they had to make a piece with economy of production in mind. Most of the work in an upholstered piece goes into the stitching, so they were able to find a way to minimise this while coming up with an expressive gesture through clever pattern cutting. The chair took 7 months to develop.
Doshi Levien Biography:
Doshi Levien is an internationally acclaimed design studio founded by designers Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien. Nipa grew up in India and studied design at the National Institute of Design, founded on the manifesto by Charles and Ray Eames. Jonathan trained in fine cabinet making followed by industrial design. They met at the Royal College of Art and have been working together for over 10 years in their London studio.
Nipa and Jonathan bring together many worlds in their work. Nipa’s approach is rooted in her plural upbringing and astute eye for visual culture. Jonathan’s approach is rooted in industrial precision, combined with the sensuality of a makers hand and deep understanding of materials. Working across disciplines and industries, Doshi Levien’s work celebrates the hybrid and explores the coming together of cultures, technology, industrial design and fine craftsmanship. They have created work for industry leaders Moroso, Kvadrat, B&B italia, Cappellini, Camper, Swarovski, Galerie Kreo, museums and cultural institutions.