Children Papers Drawing chair

Charlotte Friis

Interview about Children Papers Drawing chair , winner of the A' Baby, Kids and Children's Products Design Award 2018

About the Project

The Children Papers Chair rethinks the experience of drawing. It tells a story about the extensive use of paper. The child takes a seat on the paper roll and begins to draw. As the drawing extends in can be rolled on the back cylinder that will store all the drawings. The back support is executed in solid wood with a white lacquer. The paper rolls are held in place by a metal resort system that makes the paper rolling movement possible. It can be used by kids between the ages of three to eight. It can store drawings on 400 meters of paper.

Design Details
  • Designer:
    Charlotte Friis
  • Design Name:
    Children Papers Drawing chair
  • Designed For:
    Charlotte Friis Design Studio
  • Award Category:
    A' Baby, Kids and Children's Products Design Award
  • Award Year:
    2018
  • Last Updated:
    January 7, 2025
Learn More About This Design

View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.

View Design Details
Your innovative approach to transforming the Children Papers Chair Drawing chair from a simple seating solution into an interactive memory collection device is fascinating - could you share the journey that led to this dual-purpose design concept?

Most of my concepts are mirror fragments/stories of life. The Children's Paper Chair draws inspiration of the toilet roll and it tells a story about the extensive use of paper. Despite recycling efforts, large amounts of paper still end up in landfills, where they decompose and release greenhouse gases. My design processes often start with changing the perception of normal objects into multi-functional ones. Childrens Paper Chair is designed through extensive research and the creation of full-scale models. The major design challenge was to designate the movement of the paper roll. The functional design and the meaning of art get blurred in the process.

The Children Papers Chair Drawing chair's ability to store 400 meters of children's artwork speaks to a deep understanding of preserving childhood memories - what inspired you to address this often-overlooked aspect of children's creative development?

The design gains depth from interacting with children and the parents desire to collect all the memories. On a daily basis the child draws a lot and that leaves an impressive amount of drawings that probably will be thrown out. The chair is a response to that sad end.

The paper roll mechanism in the Children Papers Chair Drawing chair appears to be inspired by everyday objects - could you elaborate on how the toilet roll inspiration evolved into this sophisticated drawing storage system?

The Children Papers Chair was originally part of my concept Storytelling Furniture, which documents subjects of daily life. Therefore the chair was not meant to be only about technique, style and function. The design signals values and statements regarding our use of paper. As in art it is a surprising impetus for debate and discussion. This is archived by breaking the boundaries that define normal objects and reinterpret them with other ideas so they become multi functional. The drawing storage system evolved as a result of this process.

Your Silver A' Design Award-winning Children Papers Chair Drawing chair demonstrates remarkable material choices - how did you determine the optimal combination of solid wood, white lacquer finish, and the metal resort system to ensure both functionality and durability?

The back panel is inspired by glossy tiles in the bathroom in order to enhance the inherent communication.The kids can use the chair facing the back support using it as a drawing board or the other way around, just drawing on the paper roll. The paper is thick enough to prevent tearing when pulled in.

The Children Papers Chair Drawing chair's design allows children to use it both as a traditional seat and as a drawing board - what considerations guided your development of this versatile functionality for children aged three to eight?

The Children Papers Chair rethinks the experience of drawing. It becomes much more than a functional and decorative chair in the playroom, it becomes a memory collection device. The chair becomes a fun and interactive space in itself.

In developing the Children Papers Chair Drawing chair, how did your research with children and parents influence the final design decisions, particularly regarding the paper rolling mechanism and storage capacity?

The storage design was inspired by the numerous drawings created by my own children. The rolling mechanism was tested with them and during the final photoshoot to ensure the paper could be easily switched between drawings.

The Children Papers Chair Drawing chair represents a unique intersection between furniture design and memory preservation - how do you envision this concept evolving to address other aspects of childhood development and creative expression?

The research challenge focused on finding a solution to preserve children's drawings from their early years without losing them. The chair is designed to store up to 400 meters of paper, capturing approximately two years' worth of artwork. When unrolled, the paper strip reveals the gradual development of the child's drawing skills over time.

Your exhibition of the Children Papers Chair Drawing chair at prestigious venues like the Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood suggests significant cultural impact - how does this design reflect broader changes in our approach to children's furniture and creative spaces?

The Children Papers Chair reflects broader changes in our approach to children's furniture and creative spaces by emphasizing the integration of functionality, creativity, and emotional value. It addresses the growing recognition of the importance of enhancing children's creativity and development. By incorporating the ability to store and showcase a child's artistic journey, the chair contributes to a cultural shift towards valuing creativity and the sentimental aspects of childhood experiences.

The Children Papers Chair Drawing chair's innovative paper storage system presents interesting technical challenges - could you detail the development process behind the metal resort system that enables smooth paper movement while ensuring durability?

The first roll measures 370 mm, while the size of the second roll varies based on how much paper has been used. Initially, I created a prototype with a visible spring system to test the paper's flow. In the final chair design, the spring is enclosed to prevent fingers from getting pinched.

Given the success of the Children Papers Chair Drawing chair in reimagining traditional furniture, how has this project influenced your approach to designing other pieces within your "Storytelling Furniture" concept?

I have recently committed to focusing on designing across form and function. My originality lies in blending the ordinary with the aesthetics of everyday objects, infusing them with an additional layer of meaning that reveals innovative new uses. This conceptual reimagining of items sets me apart from other designers, with the ultimate goal of bringing joy to the user.

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