THE LUMA SIDE CHAIR
CASUAL SEATING INSPIRED BY NATURAL, FEMININE FORMS
RESEARCH AND EXPLORATION
INSPIRATION
This chair explores the contrast between soft, feminine forms and the rigidity of flat sheet material, specifically plywood. Inspired by natural, organic shapes, I carved gentle curves from planar stock to create a piece that feels fluid and inviting.
Using The Measure of Man and Woman by Henry Dreyfuss, I scaled the chair down about 10% to better suit smaller frames. The angles, width, and seat depth were adjusted to be comfortable for a wide range of users in a casual and slightly reclined position.
The ideation phase began with formal exploration through extensive sketches and drafts. The modeling process was done in Solidworks, and Fusion 360’s CAM software was used to prepare the final chair for CNC milling.
The outcome of this project and its comprehensive process was an exploration of how a rigid material can be transformed into something that feels soft, natural, and human-centered. The aim was to create a structurally sound, strong and flexible form without relying on traditional joinery methods.
PROCESS
DESIGN
Multiple iterations were needed to add strength while still maintaining a clean look. I explored different joinery methods to achieve a harmonious design with continuous lines.
The following iterations helped to refine the form, meeting the structural and load-bearing requirements of the seat. Laser-cut sections were used to effectively test the strength and identify weak points in the design. 1/6-scale models were used to study form and structure. Additional supports were incorporated later to provide the necessary stability to the base structure without compromising the ergonomic pitch and proportions.
FABRICATION
Fabrication was done with CNC milling. The model was created in SOLIDWORKS, and then transferred to Autodesk Fusion for CAM setup, milling operations, and G-code generation. Once the components were milled, the assembly was reinforced with wood glue, sanded to a smooth 220 grit, and then finished with Golden Oak Danish oil to protect the surface, enhance the natural wood grain, and add warmth.
LUMA
SPECS
Constructed from ¾” Baltic Birch plywood, CNC-milled for precision and material efficiency
Reinforced cantilevered design to maintain structural balance and load distribution without additional supports
Assembled by hand and finished with Golden Oak Danish oil to highlight grain & protect surface
Edges softened with 1/8” fillets and sanded to a smooth 220-grit finish
Dimensions scaled down ~ 10% to suit a more compact frame without sacrificing performance
Exposed mortise and tenon joinery provide structural strength and eliminate the need for additional hardware