Dorso Lounge Chair

Overview

Dorso is the lounge chair that GamFratesi designed for HAY. HAY says it is inspired by the shifting curves of a human torso in motion and combines a rounded exterior with a rotating base. HAY names conferences, lounges and waiting areas in public environments, as well as homes and other private settings, as places where its compact dimensions, swivel mechanism and comfort suit.

Image source: HAY — Dorso Lounge Chair · © HAY and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Construction

In HAY's studio-visit article the designers say the swivel mechanism had to be hidden so that the four thin legs could emerge from the upholstery, which is why the seat is very rounded but not circular. The variant pages list a black powder-coated steel or an oiled solid oak four-leg base with standard gliders and full upholstery.

Specifications

• Olavi by HAY 14 on black steel (item AA717-A001-AA11-01CV): H 72 x W 78 x L 69 cm
• Rotation: 360 degrees
• 6 variants

The torso in motion

GamFratesi told HAY that the project plays with two elements, the seat and an embracing backrest. They were fascinated by the lateral detail of the back, where the vertical, straight front meets the lateral inclination and creates a geometric fold. They say the human body and the natural shape of the twisting back inspired the chair, and that the name Dorso is the Italian word for the anatomy of the posterior region of the chest.

Designed to turn

The chair was also designed with rotation in mind. HAY says it offers 360 degrees of rotation in a clean, compact package, and GamFratesi say that once seated you are cradled and constantly moving in space.