The evolution of a chair

Alberto Meda has carved out a space in Palazzo Litta to tell the story and process behind Physix, demonstrating how design doesn’t proceed in a linear fashion. #MDW2016

On the upper floor of Palazzo Litta, a small exhibition carves out a space amid the constant and frenetic flow of new things with a closer look at a product that is not new at all. Alberto Meda has interpreted the theme “Tradition & Technology” set by curators Caterina Mosca and Valerio Castelli (Mosca Partners), by telling the story behind the design of the Physix chair for Vitra in 2012.

Alberto Meda, Physix, Vitra — The installation in Palazzo Litta tells the story and process behind Physix chair for Vitra by Alberto Meda

“The thing that interested me was to show what was behind this project”, explains Meda, “Based on the idea that, not only in living things but also in objects, there exists the phenomenon of evolution: just as we change and adapt to our surroundings, objects also adapt to the new demands of the user”.

The design process begins with a look at a range of historic chairs, from which Physix has borrowed a number of features. “There are two characteristics: the need for humans to sit and move around on a seat and that of being supported by a lightweight structure, comfortable and visually unobtrusive” says the designer.

The technological aspect is of course no less important. “Thanks to the fact that new materials and complex technologies exist, it is possible to construct a seat that is more dynamic than previous ones. The material used is loaded with fibreglass to varying degrees therefore giving the frame flexibility and at the same time rigidity. Some parts have been slimmed down to allow a kind of integral joint and to make it so that the profile that keeps the fabric in tension can be altered”.

A sequence of images shows the development of the project while an exploded diagram illustrates the chair components. One cannot help but notice the difference between the initial idea, the sketches and the end result. “Design doesn’t proceed in a linear fashion”, concludes Meda “but by trying out solutions until you get – if all goes well – a result”.

The installation in Palazzo Litta tells the story and process behind Physix chair for Vitra by Alberto Meda

Alberto Meda in Palazzo Litta

The installation in Palazzo Litta tells the story and process behind Physix chair for Vitra by Alberto Meda

The installation in Palazzo Litta tells the story and process behind Physix chair for Vitra by Alberto Meda

A sequence of images shows the development of the project and an exploded diagram illustrates the Physix chair components

12 – 17 April
Palazzo Litta
corso Magenta 24, Milan

The evolution of a chair

Alberto Meda has carved out a space in Palazzo Litta to tell the story and process behind Physix, demonstrating how design doesn’t proceed in a linear fashion. #MDW2016

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