Origami Chair Overview
The Origami Chair by Frank Lloyd Wright embodies his organic architecture principles through functional, foldable design, introduced in 1937 for the Herbert Johnson House as part of his Usonian housing concept.
Design Features
- Form and Structure: Features interlocking wooden frames with geometric folds, mimicking paper origami for minimalism and space efficiency.
- Materials: Constructed primarily from oak or plywood, paired with canvas or leather upholstery for lightweight portability.
- Mechanics: Hinged joints enable rapid folding and unfolding, reducing storage footprint while maintaining ergonomic comfort.
Historical Context
Wright drew inspiration from Japanese aesthetics, integrating natural forms into modern furniture to support affordable, sustainable living in his mid-career residential projects.
Legacy
This chair influenced later modular and sustainable furniture design, reflecting Wright's broader impact on functionalist architecture and interior innovation.
