changes in function of chairs

The early chair designed by Morris in the 19th century was designed with a specific mind of purpose and function for the chair. It would have a seat, arm rests, and back support, enough cushion to allow as much comfort for the user. The aethetic appearance wasn’t as important as long the product served its main purpose. However from the beginning of the Bauhaus movement in 20th century, design largely influenced by modern architecture took a different take on the function and requirements of a chair. By simply stripping down the material usage and satisfying only the basic features to a chair, it reflected upon the econimic hardships and priorities of that time. A few years after, the same designer Dessau tooks a step further into even more simplifying the idea of the traditional chair, creating a symbol of new living style through its new appearnce, steel. This continued the concept of the iconic symbol of modernism, with its minimalist design and elevation of form over the traditional function of a chair. Today, the pick chair exemplifies the transformed context of functionism in a chair. No longer is the function of a chair satisfied when it sits in a livingroom home; the designer must also picture it’s function when it’s not in use, when it’s not sitting in a livingroom home, but maybe in other possible conditions.