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Surbiton Chair

Surbiton Chair

Ryan Christy
September 9, 2017
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“Surbiton High School - Surrey, Teaching methods are evolving into the future leaving behind pen and paper. A digital platform for students and teachers to learn, responding to education today and the changes actioned by new methods and technologies. ” The Surbiton Chair offers users the ability to work with computer technologies in mind, with a higher work surface the eye level is raised when using iPads and other digital media conforming to an ever changing environment”
Simple fixing methods with welded steel tabs combine the framework with the main surface body.
Floor fixings to protect not only the steel frame but the flooring where the furniture is located.



Based on primary research I visited the school in Surrey, this enabled me to visualise and account for any issues the school had, I found that with the movement of current technology the tradition methods of teaching were no longer in action, school desks and chairs where not needed in their original form, concluding with this project which responds to the use of iPads in classrooms create a work surface only for whats needed.


To begin with I used CAD technology to generate ideas, then from these ideas i began to experiment with materials, predominately steel as this was the perfect material for school seating due to its lightweight properties, the seat and surface area is to be injection moulded from a strong and lightweight material which is lasting in a school environment.

The project had a great response during our graduate show with many enquiries regarding the production of the school chair, I learnt a lot about posture and the position of furniture when regarding the educational sector, I also had help and advice from the renowned Herman Miller Company in London, who advised me on potential design ideas and support when designing the furniture.

Ryan Christy

Graduate in Product & Furniture Design, Currently studying the art of Upholstery to further his career in design working with international furniture brokers and high end retailers.

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