IMOLA CHAIR

BoConcept's iconic living chair, by Henrik Pedersen, is unique and ever-contemporary. But what's behind that quality?

Imola was inspired by one of the swirling halves of a tennis ball. Henrik explains that unlike most chairs, where their curves are parts of a circle - perhaps a quarter or an eighth - Imola's curves are fluid and truly organic. As he puts it, "It was more about the flow of the pen than rules of geometry."

The chair also features an optical illusion. Its sharp edges and curved silhouette trick the eye into thinking the seat section is bowl-shaped. It isn't. The section is actually conventionally flat for comfort. For alternative seating positions, try hanging a leg in the side curve, or recline and rest your feet on the footrest. You could sit crossed legged and cocoon in the form. The options are numerous. The wire base frame and swivel base were designed to disappear, like an invisible pedestal, conjuring the illusion of levitation.

There are only a handful of craftsmen in the world qualified to make the chair. That qualification takes approximately a year and is only given to highly skilled upholsterers. It's physically demanding work that requires years of experience and a meticulous eye.

Find out more at BoConcept