Sitting Sturdy was an enjoyable and rewarding project that challenged me to design and construct a one-sixth-scale chair inspired by a specific artistic movement. My research began with the Brutalist architectural movement that emerged following World War II. I explored how Brutalism influenced postwar architecture, particularly through its emphasis on bold forms, raw materials, and imposing structures during the rebuilding period. From there, I shifted my research toward furniture design, focusing specifically on Paul Evans, an influential designer whose work helped bring Brutalist principles into furniture throughout the 1970s.

As I transitioned into my own designs, I wanted to create a chair that communicated a balance between coldness and invitation. I was particularly interested in the relationship between scale and human presence. I drew inspiration from the feeling of standing in a bustling city, surrounded by towering buildings and massive structures that make an individual feel small. I wanted to recreate that same sense of scale through my chair, giving it a presence that almost overwhelms the user while still inviting them to sit. I envisioned the piece situated in an empty room with tall ceilings, where its bold form and structure could command attention. Rather than prioritizing everyday functionality, I approached the chair as a statement piece an object intended to occupy space, establish an atmosphere, and create a strong visual presence.