SHELBY: armchair / Anis Syazwani Abu Solihim

Nature is defined as the natural thing that is not a man-made thing. Flora and fauna are examples of nature. In the design process, nature plays an important role as an influence or inspiration through its features and characteristics. It also commonly used by the designer as an infinite resource for ideas in their inventions and product innovations. Nature gave them plenty of opportunities with its admirable designs, mechanisms to enrich various aspects of life. SHELBY is an armchair furniture that uses the concept from nature as inspiration. To achieve this concept, the designer selected five nature influences as inspiration. The designer then narrowed it down into four mains of nature inspired which are Monstera leaves, honeycomb, Pseudanthium and Seashell. The designer then looked for the details in the selected influence, and selected Seashell as the main inspiration for this furniture project. The design of the SHELBY focuses on the form and structure of the seashell, especially on the character of the shell. Through the research, the designer started to brainstorm and research for ideas including the furniture location and the user activity that is suitable with the location, which is purposely for relaxing at the balcony. As the result, the designer decided to design an armchair inspired by seashells (SHELBY) for the balcony. This armchair provides backrest and back support in the form of a seashell. The unique design of this furniture is its modern and simple design style, but looks different from existing in the market. This armchair seat is made out of leather and upholstered to maintain the cleanliness and the user's comfort. The legs use metal to ensure it can stand firmly. Last but not least, for sure to bring the seashell character as a symbolic of nature inspiration.