Fillet

red dot
red dot award: design concept 2007

design:

Ravi Itiravivong

Fun, friendly and playful, the Fillet side chair explores the potential of interlocking “fillets” of bent plywood.

Furniture offers people an opportunity to rest and relax. It could be argued that a chair should provide comfort and present a level of unique interest through an inviting design language.  Furniture that provides these qualities creates an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Fillet is a welcoming side chair that was designed and built to explore the possibilities of “all natural” furniture. The unique interlocking design of the two bent plywood pieces provides a simple and clean outcome. Fastening components were eliminated. The result is an easy assembly process that creates a fun and unique experience. It also allows the user to truly understand the significance and potential of “all natural” furniture.

Fillet is playful in the sense that it may cause doubt in some peoples’ minds. Prior to purchase and assembly, some users will certainly question the integrity of the concept. Only after people experience the comfort and stability of the chair, will they realise its distinctive nature. Fillet is friendly and inviting. The curves on the backrest and seat provide comfort. Viewed from a distance, it is evident that the two pieces interlock using the same simple curves. The integration of the two pieces creates a flow that catches the eye. Fillet encourages one to take a closer look, and wonder about this unique assembly.

The unique two-piece construction allows for convenient stacked units to address the important costs constraints pertaining to retail shelf space, logistics and user storage.
The design also proves to be cost effective with existing manufacturing technologies. The chair consists of six pieces in total: two bent plywood parts and four circular wooden pieces. These circular pieces are glued to the bottom of the longer plywood piece to ensure correct configuration. One bent plywood part will require a two-part mould with top and bottom. The glued veneer sheets are pressed in-between to form the profile. A CNC machine is used to cut out the edges and the overall shape.