cross cultural chairs explores socio-cultural evolution through chair designs

a daily and universal object — the chair — has become the focus of a thought-provoking project that fuses anthropology and design. titled ‘cross cultural chairs’, the project explores socio-cultural differences from the research of materials, environments and manufacturing processes of seats, aiming to understand how globalization is affecting design around the world. the research of matteo guarnaccia, alumnus of IED barcelona’s product design course, reflects the evolution of our sitting habits as well as cultural changes.

brazil in collaboration with brunno jahara
image © matteo guarnaccia (main image also)

‘the idea of cross cultural chairs came from following a set of situations. when I worked on my thesis project at the IED barcelona, I realized the importance of cultural aspects in the creative process,‘ explained the designer. ‘as I traveled to milan and visited salone del mobile, I realized that many proposals from international young designers all shared that common link. I then decided to experience it in person: to explore and experience different cultures.’

brazil in collaboration with brunno jahara
image © matteo guarnaccia

‘I do not think it is necessary to explain the importance of the chair at a social level, but I was intrigued by the role of this emblematic object in different cultures. the chair is one of the few objects that can trace the evolution of man, physically demonstrating the types of materials used locally and the known techniques,’ concludes matteo.

mexico in collaboration with studio jose de la o
image © matteo guarnaccia

to explore and research the anthropology of chairs in as wide a context as possible, he is set to travel to eight of the most populated countries in the world, where his collaborations with local design studios and artisans will produce one chair per country. the ‘cross cultural chairs‘ project has already crossed its equator. matteo has visited and collaborated with brunno jahara in brazil, studio jose de la o in mexico, mikiya kobayashi in japan, studio hiji in indonesia, and also benwu studio to china. his next stops on the global cultural tour will lead to partnerships with SP+A in india, crosby studios in russia, and then studio nm bello in nigeria.

mexico in collaboration with studio jose de la o
image © matteo guarnaccia

in each country, the project adapts depending on different cultural schedules and the drastic changes in working environments, which ranges from differing production time to the use of crafts and machinery. whilst there, his first week involves thorough research through visits to museums, cultural landmarks and interviews; the second week focuses on the design and development of the chair concept; the third is dedicated to the production of the prototype; and the fourth and final week is dedicated to the communication and photography of the country’s chair and creative process.

mexico in collaboration with studio jose de la o
image © matteo guarnaccia

the findings of matteo guarnaccia’s ‘cross cultural chairs’ will then be concluded with a book, documentary and final exhibition in the design museum of barcelona.

japan in collaboration with mikiya kobayashi
image © matteo guarnaccia