The 2009 edition of “LG Surfaces Beyond Design Challenge” has witnessed an amazing number of submissions that just beg to be picked and produced. A trip to Milan and a chance to present design at the Zona Tortona Sign of Design Show have excited one and all. Among the entries, one has caught my attention. From the NC State University, Kathryn Asad has submitted her design for a desk and chair combination, which seems very neat and pragmatic. In this desk-chair-combo, a single base is the mount for a chair with an ergonomic backrest and at the front end a simple, slightly inclined surface forms the writing area. Beneath the chair is some handy storage space for books and/or personal belongings. The desk surface, too, is compartmentalized with smallish grooves meant to hold pens, cellphones and other necessities of a student’s life. A foot rest is added beneath the work surface for added comfort. The design is intended to make use of “the LG Hi Mac Spectrum Surfaces strength and the thermoforming process.” Kathryn’s design seems very practical, especially coming from someone who spends life on such an arrangement all the time. The entire form looks flowing and attractive, not to mention ergonomic. The only problem that I could spot is the inability of the form to render itself to adjustment for people with varying space requirements. I believe a little lock mechanism on the base, allowing one to push or pull the desk would come in handy. In spite of this, it is a great design.
