The Aeriform Armchair is a study in how thoughtful design can bridge the gap between sculpture and seating. Inspired by the elegant sweep of bird wings, its continuous, ribbon-like silhouette wraps around the sitter in a gentle curve, offering both physical support and a striking visual statement. Conceived entirely in virtual reality, the form began as a suspended aerodynamic structure and evolved through rigorous testing into a commanding luxury armchair. While it acknowledges the influence of Pierre Paulin’s Ribbon Chair, Aeriform establishes its own identity with broader proportions, heightened presence, and a deliberate focus on ergonomics.
From the start, comfort was placed on equal footing with aesthetics. The design process began with extensive ergonomic research, drawing from anthropometric references and quickly moving into physical experimentation. Recognizing that most seating studies treat the human body in two dimensions, the designer built a custom jig capable of adjusting seat depth, backrest incline, and overall posture in three and four dimensions. This allowed for testing with participants aged 18 to 60, capturing feedback on how the chair performed in real-world, dynamic seating scenarios. The result is a form that naturally accommodates a variety of postures, whether forward-facing, reclined, sitting sideways, or with legs casually crossed, without requiring mechanical adjustments.
Designer: Kristian Ruden
The development process, spanning from December 2023 to June 2024, combined modern digital design tools with hands-on craftsmanship. The initial prototype was CNC-milled from XPS foam, assembled, and shaped to an exact finish before being sealed in epoxy resin. Layers of fiberglass added structural strength to the shell, while the base was fabricated from laser-cut steel. During prototyping, a 3D-printed shell was used to save time, ensuring focus could remain on refining ergonomics and proportions. The base incorporates a Lazy Susan, enabling smooth swiveling, and a spring mechanism that provides a subtle, controlled rocking motion, both features enhancing the sense of ease when seated.
Padding plays an equally important role in Aeriform’s appeal. Multiple densities of polyurethane foam, selected for their varying softness and resilience, are layered over the fiberglass frame and smoothed with batting for a seamless contour. The upholstery, available in high-quality fabric or leather, is cut and sewn with precision, featuring a single continuous seam that accentuates the armchair’s sweeping form. Every detail, from the tailored edge to the concealed joins, reflects a commitment to craftsmanship.
The Aeriform is paired with a matching ottoman that mirrors the chair’s lines, creating a unified and balanced composition. The armchair measures 1026 × 931 × 1135 mm, while the ottoman measures 687 × 571 × 409 mm, dimensions that provide generous seating without overwhelming a room. In darker, graphite-toned fabric, the Aeriform presents a sleek, contemporary edge; in warm camel suede, it takes on a softer, more inviting character.
What makes Aeriform distinct is its dual role. It is visually bold enough to serve as the focal point of a high-end interior yet practical and comfortable enough for daily use. The aerodynamic form ensures a sculptural presence, while the ergonomic design ensures that presence is matched by genuine comfort. Whether in a residential living room, an executive lounge, or a boutique hotel lobby, Aeriform offers a balance of artistry and function rarely achieved in seating design.
Ultimately, Aeriform is the product of a design process where aesthetic vision and human-centered research worked in parallel. Its form is not just a visual flourish but the outcome of hundreds of design decisions, ergonomic trials, and material refinements. The result is a piece that is as comfortable as it is striking, a modern armchair that redefines what high-end seating can be.
The post Aeriform Armchair Turns Bird Wings into Your Comfiest Seat Yet first appeared on Yanko Design.