Cloche Chair

Cloche Chair

Cloche Chair is an innovative furniture design that transforms urban safety elements into functional art pieces, specifically reimagining plastic safety barrels as comfortable seating solutions. Created by designer Carlo Sampietro as part of The Street Is In The House art project celebrating New York City's urban landscape, this distinctive chair represents a creative intersection between street furniture and domestic design. The chair features a sophisticated construction combining plastic, wood, and vinyl materials, with a cylindrical form measuring 590 millimeters in diameter and standing 1120 millimeters tall. Its unique design incorporates a vinyl cushion and an illuminated plug-in base, making it both a functional seating solution and an ambient lighting element. The chair's versatility is enhanced by additional features including an extra electrical outlet for personal use, mobility through integrated wheels, and compatibility with both 120V and 220V power systems, making it suitable for various international settings. This design, which won the Iron A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category, exemplifies the successful transformation of utilitarian street objects into sophisticated furniture pieces that maintain their cultural context while adding comfort and functionality. The chair's ability to bridge the gap between urban infrastructure and interior design demonstrates an innovative approach to furniture design that challenges conventional perspectives on everyday street objects.

furniture design, urban transformation, illuminated seating, safety barrel repurpose, street art furniture, functional art installation

— Adam Dawson

CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'Cloche Chair.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/cloche-chair?E=450793 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"