THE TREE

MAG

Local Optimum by Nando Dolleman

DESIGNER:

Nando Dolleman

PHOTO:

Ronald Smits

YEAR:

2018

PRODUCTION:

Netherlands

Chairs inspired by the principle of ‘Minimal Surface Tension’ – letting the laws of nature govern the design. By experimenting with small-scale models of metal frames in different shapes and dipping them in soapy water, Nando Dolleman discovered that physics fills in the rest, instantly creating surfaces spanning the gaps.

Translating this principle to furniture design, he stretched textiles over large frames to create chairs. The same method can be applied to create endless variations. You can get a computer to calculate all the angles and structures, or spend hours sketching the ideal lines, but why not leave some design decisions to natural forces? I design the frame, but nature designs the shape.

THE TREE MAG – The Fruits of Ideas