On Running Chairs

Developed in 2022 for the ON Running flagship stores in Zurich and Miami, this collection of seating represents a significant evolution of the studio’s "Compressed Foam" research. Part of the "collections" scale, these pieces were born from a shared vision between the design team and the Swiss brand, focusing on technological research, material philosophy, and an experimental approach to functional objects.

The collection includes three single-seated chairs, a double-seated armchair for the Zurich location, and a modular sofa designed for the Miami flagship. Each piece is an exercise in structural honesty: a rigid stainless steel frame exerts mechanical force upon a silicon-coated foam volume. Through this compression, the foam naturally expresses itself in gentle, organic curves that provide an ergonomic and comfortable resting surface, contrasting with the industrial precision of the metal structure.

A key innovation in this series is the material finish. The studio utilized a specialized foam coating that is entirely free of Volatile Organic Compounds (Zero-VOC), aligning the project with contemporary environmental standards without compromising durability. The color palette was meticulously selected to harmonize with ON Running’s brand identity and the alpine-inspired aesthetics of their retail spaces.

By integrating these pieces into a high-tech commercial environment, the team highlights the human story and the "human touch" behind industrial innovation. The ON Running Chairs stand as a testament to the studio's ability to refine industrial processes—such as those explored in the Foam Follows Function series—into sophisticated, sustainable, and context-aware furniture collections.