mara bragagnolo designs chairs for “wrong” postures
Bad Posture Chairs is a collection of chairs designed by Mara Bragagnolo to accommodate postures that are considered “wrong” and non-conforming. The project stems from the observation that design has historically normalized a single way of sitting, turning any deviation into error. Many people, especially neurodeviant individuals, adopt spontaneous postures that are not supported by traditional seating, often resulting in restriction and discomfort.
Each element of the collection derives from research into alternative attitudes and proposes a structure capable of accommodating them rather than fixing them. Rather than imposing an ideal posture, these chairs adapt to actual and repeated gestures: sitting cross-legged, curled up, leaning to one side, folding one leg in front of the body, or constantly shifting positions, which become actions expected by the design, not deviations to be tolerated.
Bruno Munari Seeking comfort in an uncomfortable chair Inspirational
The collection, designed by designer Mara Bragagnolo questions the relationship between body and object, reversing the logic according to which the user is expected to conform to the design. Here, it is the furniture that adapts to the person. Inspired by Bruno Munari’s photographs dedicated to the exploration of comfort in an uncomfortable armchair, the series combines critical reflection and a playful dimension, provoking a rethinking of the concept of comfort and encouraging diversity as a starting point in the design process. The chairs, made of stained birch plywood, were made in collaboration with Valter Cagna and Tommaso Braceschi.
Bad posture chairs, together
Painted plywood detail
Birch plywood detail
project information:
name: Chairs with bad posture
designer: Mara Bragagnolo | @maragold
partners: Walter Bitch | @valter_cagnaTommaso Braceschi @tom_braceschi
photographer: Federica Borgato | @fede.borgato
designboom received this project from us DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom
