Designer Yuma Kano collaborates on the Sheeet Chair, redefining seating at the Material Design Exhibition in 2018 edition.

The Material Design Exhibition has become the stage for an intriguing collaboration, bringing together designer Yuma Kano and a prominent material manufacturer. The result of this partnership is the Sheet Chair, a notable creation that challenges traditional notions of seating.

Working alongside BASF JAPAN, a branch of the renowned BASF chemical company, Kano set out to explore the possibilities of Elastollan®, a thermoplastic polyurethane developed by BASF. This versatile material can be molded into various shapes, but for this project, the focus was on utilizing its potential within flat sheets.

The Sheet Chair showcases Kano's design vision, featuring a seat crafted exclusively from Elastollan. This deliberate choice was made to highlight the material's durability, strength, and ease of maintenance. With a thickness of only 0.8mm, the chair provides a lightweight and airy feel, while still offering the necessary stability for comfortable seating.

The chair's elegant catenary curve serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose, reflecting Kano's attention to detail. Furthermore, the seat can be easily detached for color changes, offering a customizable experience to suit individual preferences. When not in use, the chair can be conveniently rolled up and stacked, departing from the conventional design of chair seats.

Unlike many projects of its kind, the Elastollan Chair was not intended for mass production or commercial sale. Instead, its purpose lies in being a "seating experience device" specifically created for trade show attendees. This approach allows visitors to immerse themselves in the qualities of Elastollan sheets firsthand, exploring its resilience and characteristics.