Dezeen Magazine

Konstantin Grcic's Sam Son chair for Magis has a backrest like a pool noodle

Milan 2015: a tube-shaped backrest wraps around this seat by German designer Konstantin Grcic that has "a hint of a cartoon character".

Reminiscent of an over-sized pool noodle, the main element of Grcic's plastic Sam Son chair curves around the sitter to support their back and provide armrests on either side.

Sam Son chair by Konstantin Grcic for Magis

"Sam Son is an easy armchair with a hint of a cartoon character," said the designer. "The exaggerated size of the armrest and backrest provides comfort and support, and creates a protective space for sitting."

Four cylindrical legs support the horseshoe-shaped section, from which a thin seat is hung.

Sam Son chair by Konstantin Grcic for Magis

The design is produced using rotational moulding, during which plastic powder inside a sealed mould is spun around two perpendicular axes while heated, until the soften material sticks to the outer edge. This creates hollow, lightweight pieces with a uniform thickness.

Sam Son is made in two stages, combining a rigid plastic for the lower portions with a more elastic polymer used to create the upper sections.

Sam Son chair by Konstantin Grcic for Magis

The chair is available in four colours and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

It was presented at last month's Salone del Mobile fair in Milan by Italian furniture brand Magis, as part of a collection that also featured Jaime Hayón's first plastic chair.

Sam Son chair by Konstantin Grcic for Magis

Grcic debuted a variety of other seating designs during the event, including a chair with a T-shaped back for Plank and a range of wooden benches for Mattiazzi.