WS–01 / Split Spine: A Full-Scale Chair Study

WS–01 / Split Spine is a full-scale chair study from the Sumparwood development bench. It gives a design question a physical form: how can the back of a chair carry a clear identity while leaving the frame visually open?

The accompanying illustrative sheets were created after the photographed prototype. They are contemporary visual interpretations of its design questions, rather than original development drawings or manufacturing documentation.

The central rear element provides the study’s defining gesture. Its divided outline creates a strong vertical rhythm, while narrow openings allow the pale cushion and the space beyond to remain visible. From the rear, the chair reads through this concentrated geometry. From the front, the cushions and the low, curved arms become more prominent.

These two views place different demands on the same object. The dark timber-toned frame gives the outline definition; the pale upholstered elements introduce a softer volume. The arms draw a broad horizontal line around the seat, balanced by the more direct vertical line of the spine. Moving around the prototype changes which element leads the composition.

Working at full scale makes these relationships easier to discuss. The width of an arm can be considered beside the cushion. The rear opening can be assessed as part of the complete silhouette. A junction that is quiet in a drawing can become important when it meets another surface at object scale.

For a furniture brand or design team, this makes the prototype a concrete starting point for a brief. The discussion can focus on a particular decision: the openness of the rear view, the balance between frame and upholstery, the proportion of an arm, or the detail that needs another development round. The next design remains open to the team’s own form, use case and material direction.

WS–01 is presented as an internal inspiration prototype, with further design development left open. The study describes visible form and proportion; it does not establish material composition, load capacity, weathering performance or production availability.

Start a component conversation

Explore the complete study on Sumparwood’s website and bring the part you are developing into a drawing or component brief. For a physical finish review, request the complete four-finish Sample Box. Project enquiries: inquiry@boscherfurniture.com.

Working study: Sumparwood. Images: Sumparwood official WS–01 feature.