A project involving the use of New Balance’s design ethos and materials to

create a seating for the New Balance Experience Centre.

for new balance with Aaron Dunkerton and Minjae Kim.

flipping sofaNot

ANOTHER !

During the project, we had a very hands on approach to each individual process. It was essential to us to have

“a sensitive attention to detail that the workers

at Flimby Factory had for making the New Balance

trainers.”

We researched into many of the details that entailed with creating a sofa. From the existing sofa that we were converting, we braced the structure in order to change the seating position and location of the springs. Also choosing the correct type of foam was essential for comfort.

From the extensive samples of New Balance that we received, we also had to select different performing materials to suit the purpose.

Why a flipping sofa?

We originally came up with the idea of a flipping sofa because we felt that the sofa was a very static object and almost contradicts New Balance’s image of a sporting brand. Also, after flipping the sofa, we realised aside from a different seat height, the arm rest also became a wing that offered some privacy.

After these early realisations it became very apparent to us that this would be the direction we would take. We all felt it was crucial to get the language of each component of the sofa correct so that it would be intuitive that the sofa would be flipping over. This was mainly because we felt, this has never been done before and people aren’t used to the sofa being able to be moved in such a fashion. By making it as apparent as possible, it helps the user feel more confident to do so and explore the sofa.

Aside from the functioning hardware, by flipping the sofa we realised we could really push our understanding of ergonomics and explore different avenues to create a more traditional / formal sofa against a more casual and laidback side. We lowered the casual side to create a more slouched seating position.

Also our fabric choices reflected the versatility of the colour schemes that New Balance develop, as we used two contrasting fabrics yet they blend harmoniously together.