A Place To Rest
Cover. Amanu lounge chair. Product Design: Yabu Pushelberg. Brand: Tribu.
'... study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.'
- Frank Lloyd Wright
Greatly simplified, outdoor activities in residential outdoor space can be divided into three categories, each of which places very different demands on the physical environment: necessary activities, optional activities, and social activities.
Necessary activities include those that are more or less compulsory – going to school or to work, shopping, running errands, distributing mail – in other words, all activities in which those involved are to a greater or lesser degree required to participate. These activities will take place throughout the year, under nearly all conditions, and are more or less independent of the exterior environment. The participants have no choice. Optional activities – that is, those pursuits that are participated in if there is a wish to do so and if time and place make it possible – are quite another matter. This category includes such activities as taking a breath of fresh air, reading and writing, sun bathing and sun watching, al fresco drinking and dining, tai chi, pilates and yoga, contemplation and meditation. These activities take place only when exterior conditions are favourable, when weather and place invite them. Social activities are all activities that depend on the presence of others in public spaces - private outdoor spaces, gardens, balconies, and residential streets. Social activities include children at play, greetings and conversations, communal activities of various kinds, and finally – as the most widespread social activity – passive contacts, that is, simply seeing and hearing other people.[1]
Now this may not strike you as an intellectual bombshell, but all meaningful optional and social activities take place when people are sitting. A striking illustration of this principle was found by urbanist, and people-watcher William 'Holly' Whyte in The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces. In it, he describes how small urban spaces work and don't work. That is, what gives them life or kills them. What draws people. What keeps them out: 'The sun, foliage for shade, breezes, and water are all important but it does not explain differences in popularity. Nor does aesthetics, nor does shape, nor does the amount of space. What about the amount of sittable space? Here we begin to get close for ... people tend to sit most where there are places to sit. Ideally, sitting should be physically comfortable. It's more important, however, that it be socially comfortable. This means choice: sitting up front, in back, to the side, in the sun, in the shade, in groups, off alone. Now, [we come to] a wonderful invention - the movable chair. Having a back, it is comfortable; more so, if it has an armrest as well. But the big asset is movability. This is why, perhaps, people so often move a chair a few inches this way and that before sitting in it, with the chair ending up about where it was in the first place. They are a declaration of autonomy, to oneself, and rather satisfying.'[2]
In addition to fulfilling specific functions, chairs contributes to the visual character of outdoor settings. Pieces can be linear, planar, or volumetric in form; their lines may be rectilinear or curvilinear, angular or free flowing. Their proportions can be primarily horizontal or vertical; they can be light and airy, or sturdy and solid. Their texture can be slick and shiny, smooth and satiny, warm and plush, or rough and heavy. Their colour can be natural or transparent in quality, warm or cool in temperature, and light or dark in value.[3] With this understanding, considering all the alternatives can be a psychologically daunting task. Forward motion or decision-making to become 'paralysed'; or the opposite, in which a decision is made based on either the default, or status quo options - and with it, the inevitable loss in physical well-being, enjoyment, and probability of being used.[4]
In response to this, seven chairs from Tribu, a contemporary brand that sees no reason not to make outdoor furniture, beautiful as well as functional, have been curated in a collection that can be a stimulus for a life outdoors that is most satisfying physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.
Bibliography and footnotes
1. Jan Gehl; Jo Koch, Trans. [2011]. Life Between Buildings: Using Public Spaces. Island Press, pp. 9-13.
2. William H. Whyte [1980]. The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces. Project for Public Spaces, pp. 24-36.
1. Jan Gehl; Jo Koch, Trans. [2011]. Life Between Buildings: Using Public Spaces. Island Press, pp. 9-13.
2. William H. Whyte [1980]. The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces. Project for Public Spaces, pp. 24-36.
3. Francis D.K. Ching; Corky Binggeli [2012]. Interior Design Illustrated [Third Edition], pp.319.
4. 'The aesthetic-usability effect describes a phenomenon in which aesthetically-pleasing design looks easier to use and has a higher probability of being used, whether or not they actually are easier to use. More usable but less-aesthetic designs may suffer a lack of acceptance that renders issues of usability moot. These perceptions bias subsequent interactions and are resistant to change'; William Lidwell; Kritina-Holden; and Jill Butler [2003]. Universal Principles of Design: 100 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions, and Teach Through Design. pp. 36.
Fig,1. Nomad lounge chair. Product Designer: Monica Armani.
Nomad lounge chair
710x740x700x440 [mm]
The deep cushion of the Nomad lounge chair is stitched to cocoon the body, folding over the armrests and moulding into the broad curve of the backrest. Designer Monica Armani used what she calls ‘noble teak wood' for its warmth, smoothness and strength. Slender legs and contoured armrests give the chair its elegant profile and the smartly stitched cushion is as luxurious as it is comfortable. Nomad, like its name, works well wherever it is placed, in combination with a lounge set-up or as a stand-alone piece.
Fig,2. Pure sofa. Product Designer: Andrei Munteanu.
Pure sofa
Available in multiple sizes
Pure delicately channels design to its very essence: pure simplicity and elegance. Like a chameleon, the modular outdoor sofa adapts effortlessly to every setting and configuration. From now on the basic five elements can be seamlessly combined with the latest addition joining the Pure collection: the two seater module, generating generous extension options. Its stylish cushions provide the Pure outdoor set with a contemporary look.
Fig,3. Elio lounge chair high back. Product Design: Yabu Pushelberg.
Elio lounge chair high back
710x880x1010x380 [mm]
Elio, referring to the Greek sun god Helios and designed by Canadian design firm Yabu Pushelberg, is inspired by the motion of light as it reflects and refracts on landscapes and objects. Multiple soft shades of yarn are woven into one strand, which mimics the hues of natural light and makes each chair unique. The handwoven seat in weather-resistant Tricord rope, draws inward to create a warm, intimate cocoon effect. The high back, deep seat and generous cushion make it perfect for daydreaming.The chair is framed by natural teak, which supports the seating shell primarily through the back legs that cross the shell.
Fig,4. Natal Alu meridienne. Product Design: Studio Segers.
Natal Alu meridienne
1880x990x800x420 [mm]
A subtle frame with curved armrests contrasts beautifully with the volume of the cushions, supported by a weave of wide textile straps. Timeless and elegant, the Natal Alu meridienne looks great on any patio. The aluminium frame is powder coated with ultra-durable, UV- and scratch resistant textured lacquer which provides a beautiful matte look. Special attention has been paid to the outdoor cushions, which have a ventilating, water-repellent filling, so they can easily handle a sudden downpour. The seams have an extra inside cover and the thread used to stitch the seams, swells when wet to further prevent water from penetrating. With two different frame colours and over 100 luxurious outdoor fabrics to choose from, the possibilities are endless.
Fig.5. Amanu lounge chair. Product Design: Yabu Pushelberg.
Amanu lounge chair
760x830x830x390 [mm]
The chair features woven, hemp-based Canax® sling seats that seem to float from a slimline-teak frame, sourced from sustainably managed Indonesian plantations. The slightly tapered legs provide lightness and grace, while the smooth, half-rounded armrests and the elegantly finished cushions make the chairs extremely comfortable.
Fig.6. Kos bench. Product Design: Studio Segers.
Kos bench
1960x420x450 [mm]
Basic chic with an excellent, well-studied seating comfort is the best way to describe the Kos collection. The combination of the broad slats and the pure but powerful design, reinvents teak in a modern, robust way. This bench is a casual alternative for chairs at your dining table but serves also perfectly as a stand-alone bench in the garden. Tribù uses only the very best Javanese plantation wood for its teak outdoor furniture. Its quality is locally controlled by subsidiary Tribù Asia.
Fig.7. Nomad pouf. Product Designer: Monica Armani.
Nomad pouf
Available in multiple sizes
Inspired by nomadic life, the multi-purpose Nomad poufs will wander throughout your garden or patio, serving different functions such as a footstool, side table or additional seating. The poufs are especially designed for outdoor use using a draining structure in EPS, upholstered with dry foam and an outdoor fabric. The base structure is made of marine-proof multiplex to create a solid base and, thanks to the three invisible legs, the poufs seem to float. Designer Monica Armani gave the Nomad poufs an harmonious shape and, with a sophisticated range of over 100 outdoor fabrics, they are an elegant addition to any outdoor siting space.
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