The Monomorph
Chair for De Ontwerpdivisie
The Monomorph is a chair that is constructed with 39 identical wooden elements. Working with only one shape to create a chair results in a highly durable, modular product. These triangular shaped elements all come from one sheet of plywood. The 38 elements are connected by steel rods making creating the backrest, seat an legs. The chair can be transported as a flat package and is easy to assemble. The plywood is painted in preselected colors or can be used untreated in the raw edition.
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The Monomorph by Wouter van Riet Paap
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Chair by Wouter van Riet Paap
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Wouter van Riet Paap The Monomorph
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Wouter van Riet Paap Chair
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Wouter van Riet Paap Designer Portrait Photo
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Unique Properties
The Monomorph is a chair that is constructed with 39 completely identical plywood elements. These elements are connected by steel rods. The plywood is painted in pre-selected colors but can also be used untreated in the RAW edition. The Monomorph is a relaxing fauteuil, intriguing from all angles.
Tags
chair, fauteuil, plywood,steel, comfortable, modular
Production Technology
The 38 elements are CNC cut after various scale models were made. There has been substantial testing of various elements resulting in different chairs with different levels of comfort. eventually this single shape turned out to be the perfect single shape to create a chair with. There are several variants with 16 identical elements instead of 39, where the seat and backrest are formed with paper cord, used trucktarp or vegan leather.
Design Challenge
The hardest part was to actually find the single shape with which to realize an actual chair that is both beautiful and comfortable. After the shape was found the challange was to make the chair stable. For this several models were build and eventually the real life prototype. First with 16 identical elements with vegan leather used for seat and backrest. Later even more pure, using only that one wooden shape.
Project Duration
The chair was designed in Januari 2024 in Utrecht, The Netherlands after several models were made. The first real size prototype was build in March 2024 after which extensive testing at the designers house took place. All in Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Operation Flow
The chair can be assembled by everyone who can handle a allen wrench.
Research
As an architect I am always thinking about design and how to make it buildable. In construction the standardisation of elements, or even complete houses, has become more and more important. To keep costs acceptable, to minimize failure and maximize sustainability. But standardisation also limits the architects freedom to actually make a design. That is why I try to design these standardised elements myself in order to make the design leading and the standard elements following. The Monomorph is based on this principle of design lead standardisation. It is a chair constructed with 39 identical elements, which is a wooden triangle with rounded corners. A chair is formed by connecting these 39 elements with steel rods. The same element can be seat, backrest or leg. By adding more elements the chair can even be a sofa.
Inspiration
In nature, an organism existing out of one shape is called a monomorph. The Monomorph chair is the result of my research to find this ideal single shape to create a chair with: One form to define the result. It makes building the chair efficient, creating less waste.
Project Overview
The Monomorph Chair has been a Iron winner in the Furniture Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.
Image Credits
For design images and photos please credit Wouter van Riet Paap.
Iron Recognition
Wouter van Riet Paap was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work The Monomorph Chair.
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