I like the idea it changes shape to sit different ways, but I don't think all the positions are going to be comfortable. I also don't think the positions that they people where sitting are a common position. I have a basic futon design with two arm rests that fold, along with the back, and sometimes its not comfy from the hinges that hold the folds together (which is my only issue). This probably gets rid of that problem, and the issue where someone where to be sitting on the edge and the thing would tip if someone gets off the other side.
Some issues I see
Some of the ways people where laying do not seem comfy. It looked like some positions would be more of a hassle than laying straight and flat. Not really common sitting positions.
The feet would also be an issue, I notice it's on a hard surface floor, will it work as well on a Thick carpeted setting, or will it end up snaging bits and pieces that would have to be cleaned up every now and again.
cay sofa alexander rehn from Alexander Rehn on Vimeo.
As versatile as futons are, they don’t exactly whisper luxurious comfort. With that in mind, Alexander Rehn tinkered and eventually developed a new kind of sofa that redefines the notion of shape-shifting furniture.
Like futons, the Cay Sofa has the built-in flexibility to accommodate various positions such as siting, sleeping and lounging. The difference is that the Swiss designer divided the couch into several segments and pieced it together using strategically-placed hinges, an ingenious approach that takes it to whole other level ergonomically. What he ended up with was a sofa that literally adjusts its contours to comfortably suit whichever way you decide to kick up your feet.
For instance, sitting up and putting the bulk of your weight on one section of the sofa causes the surrounding segments to reposition themselves in a manner that best supports sitting. Lean back and the couch recalibrates, with certain sections reclining and others springing up to properly cradle your sleep-deprived body. It even gives the popular beanbag chair a run for its money since it’s firm enough to offset that sinking feeling you would otherwise get.
Rehn also took photographs to document the design process, which was a series of tinkering with the shape and size of each section. He also had to play around with the length of the wooden legs beneath the malleable frame.
As far as whether this innovative prototype is slated to go into mass production, we’ll have to file this in the “let’s hope so” category. The project was spotlighted as part of DesignBoom’s DIY submissions feature and just might inspire a few IKEA bound ideas.
(via Design Boom)
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