887 CDs and DVDs make up the 'compact disc chair' by boris dennler

Swiss designer Boris Dennler created a recycled chair made out of deformed 887 CDs and DVDs titled ‘Compact Disc Chair.’ Through experimentation, the iridescent discs are deformed with heat and fixed by screws and assembly glue onto a rounded wooden skeleton cut by a digital mill — giving new value and purpose to these soon-to-be-obsolete products.

Since 2004, Dennler’s work has essentially focused on recycling, and for this project, he re-imagined the use of compact discs as their product cycle has been dying for the past 17 years.‘Physical hardware is gradually being replaced by the cloud, streaming, and USB keys. With the advent of MP3, the 2000s sealed the gradual disappearance of the audio cassette, then of the compact disc. Nevertheless, the vinyl record has managed to survive somehow, to currently experience a renaissance, pampered by a few aficionados,’ he writes.

The chair will be exhibited as part of the Galila’s P.O.C collection in Brussels this fall.

‘compact disc chair’ made of 887 CDs and DVDs

all images courtesy of Noé Cotter

experimenting with different temperatures

The initial research behind the ‘Compact Disc Chair’ considers different methods to exploit CDs and DVDs as plastic-based objects. Indeed, product designer Boris Dennler focused on how easily deformable plastic can be; he began experimenting with different hot temperatures and tools to produce and test out multiple deformations. Following the discs’ original circular shape, the final fish-scale appearance naturally emerged and the resulting overlaying iridescence evokes a multicolored chain mail linked together in a pattern to form a mesh. When sunlight hits, the furniture piece radiates dozens of sparkling colors across the room — a sight to see at the upcoming Galila’s P.O.C show. 

‘compact disc chair’ radiating dozens of colors onto the space

closeup of the deformed compact discs

direct sun reflects abstract colors all around

overlaying discs evoke a multicolored chain mail

evoking the appearance of fish scales

project info:

name: Compact Disc Chair

chair design: Boris Dennler

set design: Karen Pisoni

to be showcased at: Galila’s P.O.C, Brussels, Belgiu

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions’ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: zaha mango | designboom