This year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) turned out to be a mega affair for unique furniture designs. Several students from the University of Iowa’s 3D design program also presented their designs. One such is the Brayton chair by Cory Christiansen, which takes its design cues from a staircase. That read weird, right? Let us explain: the chair draws on the experience of reclining on a staircase, translating the feeling to a practical seat.
The concept was born from the casual experience of reclining on a staircase. Christiansen gave that experience a soft seat along with a backrest, armrest, and footrest after realizing that the natural geometric rise and run of a staircase offers the same features. The design bridges the gap between rigid architecture and human anatomy, challenging standard furniture archetypes by proving that comfort can be found in angular, unconventional forms as well.
The chair mimics the stepped profile of a staircase, creating a highly sculptural, non-traditional accent piece. It features multi-level surfaces integrated into a single cohesive unit, where different planes serve distinct purposes: sitting, leaning, and resting. The aesthetic balances a bold, geometric presence with the inviting warmth of a soft-seat lounge chair, making it stand out as functional art.
The creation of the Brayton chair transitioned from physical exploration to high-end digital manufacturing. The process began with initial sketches and small wooden block models to map out the scale. Christiansen built a physical cardboard model and utilized 3D printing to test the stability and ergonomics of the stepped structure.
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The chair was then meticulously modeled using Rhino3D CAD software, mapping out precise specifications and construction blueprints. The physical piece features a custom-built wooden base as the primary structural framework, paired with precise joinery to support the user’s weight. It is finished with premium soft upholstery to contrast the hard architectural lines with tactile luxury.
The Brayton chair was handpicked to be exhibited as part of the prestigious ICFF x WantedDesign Launch Pad category, which shines a spotlight on emerging independent designers and fresh talent.
