Polymorph Chair Design Process

The Polymorph Chair embodies the fusion of opposing design philosophies into a singular, cohesive form.

In ancient Greek, “poly” means “many,” while “morphé” translates to “shape.” In this context, “Polymorph” refers to a design that integrates multiple, contrasting stylistic approaches—each with its own design vocabulary—into a unified sculptural chair.

The concept stems from a study of design history. Over time, two fundamental principles have emerged: one favoring minimalist, linear, and functional aesthetics, and the other embracing organic, nature-inspired, and fluid forms. These opposing styles have alternated in dominance throughout history. The minimalist approach, for example, can be traced back to the early 1920s with the De Stijl movement, while the resurgence of organic design in the early 21st century echoes trends from the 1940s and 1970s. This cyclical evolution raises a question: is there still room for innovation in design vocabulary? The Polymorph Chair materializes this exploration, offering a sculptural and experimental object that challenges conventional form.

The design process began with an initial sketch, followed by a preliminary digital model where the geometry was defined in sectional layers. These layers were CNC-machined, cut, and stack-laminated. However, the chair’s final shape emerged through an entirely hand-crafted process—meticulously carved without computer-aided refinement. The chosen material, cherrywood, is hand-finished with oil and polished to achieve a rich, semi-gloss surface.

The Polymorph Chair is both a visual statement and a conceptual investigation—an interplay between historical influences and a forward-thinking approach to design.