We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Simon Reynaud about their original and creative Lounge chair design work. Simon Reynaud is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original lounge chair works.
Simon Reynaud ("SR") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Bessa Lounge chair. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
SR : Thelos gave me an open brief to design a confortable and elegant armchair. Working on the project, I wanted to enhance the relationship we build with the object, and I wanted to devote a particular attenion the physical sensation. More than the ergonomy of the chair, I wanted to design a piece that invites to the touch, in order to experience the object, and to feel the quality of the materials. The organic armrests are growing, and their profile guide the eyes and the hands when sitting in the chair. Once we sit, they are an invitation to the touch and they give a sensual dimension to the object.
SR : The structure of the Bessa armchair is a complex form, but it needed to be have this organic language to strengthen the design. My main focus designing this work has been to find the best way to adapt this organic shape according to the production contraints. We then thought the use of computer numerical control would be the perfect way to mix the absolute precision of the technology with a sensitive feeling. Thanks to the computer aided design, we achieve to design the really technical but sensual frame of the Bessa armchair.
SR : The future plans for this award winning design is to propose some variations of the Bessa, and to develop a range in harmony with the armchair (a chair and a coffee table would be perfect to create a nice atmosphere).
SR : The design of the chair took about three months, but the development has passed through many different tests and phases (finding the right wood species, the good upholstery,...). The Bessa project started two years ago.
SR : The brief was really open when I started the project, but when I began my investigations, I quickly wished to express this sensitivity in the design. It seemed important to me to find a kind of human dimension, and I wanted to stay away from the often cold and impersonal codes contemporary furniture.
SR : The design is currently produced by the company Thelos based in Barcelona.
SR : When I look to the actual furniture, I seem to see many objects where personality is deliberately very blurred, without much identity, which could correspond to everyone. I think it is somtimes important to keep the uniqueness of a design, as an identity and an asset. When designing the Bessa armchair, I did'nt try to follow any trend, but I prefered to focus on what kind of signs I wanted the chair to send, what story it had to tell.
SR : Of course, I had a particular attention for the work of Antoni Gaudi, like the Casa Batllo, and as well to Scandinavian design from the last century. I am particularly sensitive to the chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner in the 40's and the 50's, but Louis Majorelle and Michael Thonet also influenced me a lot.
SR : Designed for lounge areas of hotels, resorts and private residences, the Bessa lounge chair harmonizes with the modern interior design projects. It's design conveys a serenity that invites to an experiences to be remembered.
SR : When I look to the actual furniture, I seem to see many objects where personality is deliberately very blurred, without much identity, which could correspond to everyone. I think it is somtimes important to keep the uniqueness of a design, as an identity and an asset. When designing the Bessa armchair, I did'nt try to follow any trend, but I prefered to focus on what kind of signs I wanted the chair to send, what story it had to tell. Designers should try to develop and express their sensitivity moreover than looking for the perfect product everybody will want.
SR : We were looking for a name which would bring more sense when looking at the armchair. A Bessa is each of the main branches that are on the stump of a tree.
SR : The Bessa project started as always, with a lot of sketches and rough drawings. Once I found the concept, I started to work with a three dimension software, making different tests. The three dimension tools play an important role in my design workflow. I used them as if they were three dimension sketches, and I gradually refines the details concidering the differents contraints to reach the right design.
SR : Designed for lounge areas of hotels, resorts and private residences, the Bessa lounge chair harmonizes with the modern interior design projects. It's design conveys a serenity that invites to an experiences to be remembered. Having solved its completely sustainable production, we can enjoy its balance between form, contemporary design, function and its organic values.
