Floating Stool

Floating Stool

Floating Stool is an innovative seating design that creates the illusion of floating through an ingenious air compression mechanism. This groundbreaking furniture piece, designed by Venkatesh Kalidoss, represents a significant departure from traditional seating solutions by incorporating a glass cylinder, wooden components, and strategic rubber elements to create a unique floating sensation. The design consists of a glass cylinder base fitted with a rubber ring and a wooden seat topped with a rubber disc, creating an airtight chamber that compresses when weight is applied. When a user sits, the trapped air acts as a natural cushioning system, providing both comfort and a novel seating experience. Measuring 450 mm x 450 mm x 500 mm, this stool's engineering challenge lay in calculating the precise volume of air needed for optimal compression, ensuring both comfort and proper ergonomics while maintaining the user's feet in contact with the ground. The design's durability is enhanced by its use of robust materials like wood and glass, eliminating the wear and tear typically associated with conventional cushioning materials. Inspired by the mechanical principles of a syringe, this innovative furniture piece earned recognition with a Silver A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category, acknowledging its contribution to advancing furniture design through its unique approach to seating technology. The stool's versatility makes it particularly suitable for contemporary spaces such as hotel lobbies, where its transparent elements and floating effect create a compelling visual statement while offering a practical seating solution.

floating furniture, innovative seating, air compression design, transparent stool, ergonomic furniture, sustainable seating

— Adam Dawson