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The Curvesse Rocker

By Dash Schaeffer

"What comes to mind when you think of a rocking chair?

A parent rocking a baby to sleep, perhaps, or someone sipping a drink on their porch.

The Curvesse rocker reimagines that aesthetic. Its sleek, modern shape would fit well in a living room or a conference room, for relaxing or for serious conversation. It was constructed from only six sheets of 1/8-inch-thick plywood, which were bent and laminated into a continuous form, giving the impression it has no beginning or end.

This design aspires to break expectations in terms of function and use of an object. By using plywood I tried to show that complex curved forms can be achieved even with unexpected materials. When you sink into the seat, the flexibility mixed with the rocking motion is inspiring in itself. Challenging the current standards and uses of a product is what design innovation is all about. I believe this chair fits perfectly into the ongoing conversation among designers about how to use common materials in new ways."

A young man seated in a modern plywood rocking chair outdoors at Washington Square Park in New York City. The iconic marble archway is visible behind him, surrounded by pedestrians and blooming trees. A vendor table with books on spiritual knowledge is positioned nearby.
A woodshop workspace with multiple clamps securing curved laminated wood pieces to a large tabletop jig. The room includes various tools, stools, and benches, with a red safety mat near a closed metal door. The setting appears to be part of a university or professional fabrication lab.
A finished bent plywood rocking chair with a continuous loop frame and smooth, flowing curves. The chair is positioned in front of a black background, highlighting its sculptural form and craftsmanship in minimalist, modern design.
Two large, curved plywood frame components resting upside down on a workbench in a fabrication studio. The bent wood structures are in progress, suggesting a furniture-building process involving lamination and steam bending. Tools and clamps hang on the wall in the background.