Rethinking plastic monobloc chair

Concept

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The Monobloc chair is an icon of industrial design, mass-produced through an efficient and standardized manufacturing process. Its ubiquity and affordability have made it one of the most recognizable plastic chairs worldwide. However, its purely industrial nature leaves little room for craftsmanship or individuality.

This project reimagines the Monobloc chair by integrating an element of traditional craftsmanship—specifically, wood lathe-turned legs—to create a fusion of industrial precision and handmade artistry. The contrast between the machine-molded plastic seat and the meticulously crafted wooden legs challenges the conventional boundaries between mass production and handcrafted design.

By incorporating wood lathe techniques, the redesign introduces an organic, tactile quality that enhances both the visual appeal and material contrast of the chair. This transformation not only adds aesthetic and structural depth but also reinterprets the role of craftsmanship in contemporary design. It highlights how traditional techniques can coexist with modern manufacturing, creating a new dialogue between automation and human touch.

This hybrid approach aims to redefine the identity of the Monobloc chair, proving that even the most industrialized objects can embrace the warmth and uniqueness of artisanal craftsmanship, making each piece a bridge between past and future, industry and craft.

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Monobloc Chair

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Paul P.

Rethinking plastic monobloc chair

Year

2017

Role

Designer

Design at

KMITL

For

Coursework: Furniture Design 2

Project Overview

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