Infinity Armchair

Natalia Komarova

Interview about Infinity Armchair, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2020

About the Project

The main emphasis of the Infinity armchair design is made precisely on the backrest. It is the reference of the infinity symbol - an inverted figure of eight. It is as if it changes its shape when turning, setting the dynamics of the lines and recreating the infinity sign in several planes. The backrest is pulled together by several elastic bands that form an external loop, which also returns to the symbolism of the infinite cyclic of life and balance. An additional emphasis is placed on unique legs-skids that securely fix and support the side parts of the armchair just like clamps do.

Design Details
  • Designer:
    Natalia Komarova
  • Design Name:
    Infinity Armchair
  • Designed For:
    Alter Ego Studio
  • Award Category:
    A' Furniture Design Award
  • Award Year:
    2020
  • Last Updated:
    February 3, 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 the Infinity Armchair's backrest, inspired by the infinity symbol, creates a striking visual dynamic. Could you elaborate on how this symbolic element evolved from initial concept to final design?

When forming the back and its shape, it was necessary to take into account several points: it had to be curved in several planes for a smooth transition from the sides to the back, the lines of the infinity sign at the back should not intersect, but should run parallel to create a comfortable support for the pillow. Since the fabric was stretched over the infinity sign according to the principle of tights and sewn in the middle part, elements were created in this place to cover the seam.

The Infinity Armchair beautifully integrates Chinese philosophical concepts of Yin and Yang through its form. How did your research into Eastern culture influence your design decisions, particularly in balancing masculine and feminine elements?

I think I wanted to primarily show how my search for inner harmony reflects what I create. Fluidity, smoothness of lines, creating an imitation of movements, softness of forms and materials, all this is a reflection of my perception of not only the study of Eastern philosophy and practices, but also my inner perception.

The elastic bands that pull together the Infinity Armchair's backrest create an external loop that reinforces the theme of cyclical balance. What technical challenges did you face in achieving this structural element while maintaining both aesthetic appeal and functionality?

This element has more of a conceptual and aesthetic function. Conceptually, this is indeed an element of cyclicity, which is inherent in the laws of the Universe. And from an aesthetic point of view, they cover the junction of the fabric. This particular element did not require the use of complex or innovative technologies.

Your use of velveteen for the Infinity Armchair's soft surfaces demonstrates careful consideration of tactile experience. How did you approach the selection of materials to enhance both comfort and durability while staying true to your design vision?

This is not just velvet, it is a stretch fabric that allowed us to stretch the upholstery over the Infinity sign like tights and eliminate additional seams on the surface, maintaining the accuracy of the geometry.

The Infinity Armchair's unique legs-skids system appears to be both functional and aesthetically integrated. What inspired this particular support solution, and how does it contribute to the overall stability and visual lightness of the design?

Polished metal legs not only complete the composition of the armchair, being a small accent that can be neutral, but also cover the place where the backrest is attached to the seat.

The minimalist approach to the Infinity Armchair's supporting elements creates an intriguing contrast with the dynamic backrest. How did you strike the balance between bold expression and restraint in your design language?

The shape of the armchair back itself is an active design element. The use of active additional elements would overload the composition. On the other hand, their use could not be avoided, since they are elements that hide the attachment points.

The Infinity Armchair's assembly system allows for easy maintenance without compromising structural integrity. Could you share the development process behind this user-friendly design feature?

The system has 3 large, strong fasteners, which, on the one hand, ensure the strength of the structure, and on the other hand, allow to disassemble the armchair into individual components (back, seat, legs and pillow), if necessary, providing the possibility of re-upholstery or cleaning.

As the founder of Alter Ego Studio, your philosophy emphasizes creating furniture filled with life energy. How does the Infinity Armchair embody this principle through its curves, rotations, and rhythmic elements?

The Infinity armchair is one of the central products in my approach and vision of furniture design. Movement, bends in several planes, smooth lines; when turning, the armchair smoothly changes its shape, creating the effect of something living, sensual. This is what I would like to bring to my projects.

The Infinity Armchair, recognized with a Gold A' Design Award, represents a significant achievement in furniture design. How has this international recognition influenced your approach to future design projects?

This award took me to a new level. Despite the fact that now my projects are simpler in form, I consider the creation of this product to be a very important experience in my life, and to some extent it has become my calling card.

Looking at the evolution of contemporary furniture design, how do you envision the Infinity Armchair's innovative form and functionality influencing the future direction of residential and commercial seating solutions?

I think that the dynamics and curves of the chair create a unique aesthetic, which at the same time fits seamlessly into the modern furniture trends of “Furniture as Piece of Art”. And I hope it will not lose its relevance over time.

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