Orchestra CHAIR — josephinebourghardt

Orchestra CHAIR

Ergonomic Studies

An orchestra chair for classical musicians created for DR Radiohouse’s Concert Hall. Inspired by the horsesaddle, which can be seen as a tool between the horse and the rider, the chair is a tool ensuring that the musician obtains an optimal sitting position.

A fine balance between technology, ergonomics and aesthetics, where the importance lies in the seats ergonomic values and comfort while aesthetically being incorporated with the Concert Hall.

'Like flowers in a meadow' the simple foot creates the illusion of growing directly from the floor of the concerthall, completely incorporating them in the room. When not in use they can be removed from the hole in the floor, which is covered with a lid and the stage once again becomes a large open space.

Ergonomic studies and interviews with classical musicians resulted in an adjustable height, adjustable angle of the seat and removeable backrest being an integral part of the chairs construction for the correct sitting position to be achieved for different people. The weight is distributed out into the legs, with the knees lower than the hip at an angle greater than 90 degrees. With a downward inclination it generates an upright-sitting position.

The musical performance is largely linked to posture. Stringmusicians sit during repetition and concerts. Sitting is a static position that stresses the body where muscle groups are locked and kept tense for an extended period of time. It’s therefore important to assume the correct position to minimise load on the body.

This project was specifically created for the RadioHouse Concert Hall, but the foundings of how the seat affects posture, health and wellbeing can be translated into everyday life. According to studies the majority of the population assume an incorrect sitting position. We are sitting more than ever, both at home and at work, a seat that suits the body should be available to all, without being regulated to office chairs. Can local production of seats and customisation of existing frames bring value by creating local jobs, minimize production costs for ergonomic seats for the majority? Can this contribute to wellbeing of people and their surroundings?

Poor sitting postures and unsuitable seating can develop and/or exacerbate both physical and medical conditions with consequences on the quality of life and overall well being.