Fortum is looking at new methods of chair and furniture making based on inspirational sporting moments in history. The Viren Chair honors the resilient performance of Lasse Viren in the Summer Olympics in Munich, 1972. The athlete fell in the middle of the 10,000-meter race yet proceeded to stand up and win the gold for the event.
The Viren Chair represents this same resilience as it is designed to stand up on its own if it is knocked down. Fortum uses the laws of physics that cause the chair to fall in order to raise it up without any help. The chair uses its own momentum from the fall to roll on its back. A specifically designed structure then causes the chair to roll to an upright position.
Physics-Informed Chairs
Fortum Uses Physics to Create the Viren Chair's Hopeful Design
Trend Themes
1. Physics-informed Furniture Design - Innovative furniture makers are using physics principles to create resilient, self-righting designs that could open up new possibilities for the industry.
2. Inspiration-driven Design - Designers are finding inspiration in remarkable moments from history, sports, and other fields to drive innovation and create products with deeper emotional resonance.
3. Momentum-based Product Features - Product designers are exploring the integration of momentum-based features in furniture and other products to create new functionalities and enhance user experience.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Manufacturing - Furniture companies can disrupt the industry by exploring physics principles in their designs, creating products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also more resilient and easy to use.
2. Product Design - Product design companies can use historical and inspirational moments to create products with meaningful emotional connections with consumers, driving brand loyalty and sales.
3. Sports Equipment - Manufacturers of sports equipment can explore momentum-based features in their products to enhance performance and create new functionalities, setting themselves apart from competitors.