This chair concept is more than just a place to sit—it’s a bold invitation to transparency, both literal and metaphorical. Designed by Brianna Bowman, a student at the M.AD School of Ideas, “Chair-Transparency” earned the prestigious Gold Award in the New Talent 2024 Competition, celebrating its unique fusion of artistic expression and functionality. The shimmering, glass-like frame echoes the courage to stand exposed and authentic, while the vivid red center pulses like a heartbeat, radiating confidence and individuality. It’s not just a chair—it’s a dialogue, a daring piece of seating design that challenges the sitter to be fully seen.
By: Brianna Bowman, Student, M.AD School of Ideas
The primary function of a chair is simple: You sit in it. The secondary function is where things get exciting—design meets art.
The brief tasked me with designing a chair inspired by one of two randomly drawn graphic styles. The goal was to interpret these historical influences while applying the principles of both form and function. The challenge was to create a piece that not only embodied the aesthetics of a specific style but also reflected our personal values and experiences.
The graphic style that initially inspired this chair was postmodernism, a movement known for rejecting simplicity and embracing contradiction and playfulness. I was drawn to a phrase famously coined by the postmodern architect Robert Venturi: “Less is a bore.” This statement became one of the guiding principles for my chair design. Postmodernism encouraged designers to break away from strict conventions, and I wanted my chair to celebrate eccentricity and creativity.
In designing this chair, I focused on celebrating individuality and embracing transparency, literally and figuratively. The transparent glass frame symbolizes the courage to be completely open, navigating life with transparency and vulnerability. It’s a nod to the postmodern challenge of defying conventions and presenting our authentic selves. The vivid red center is the heart of the piece, representing inner confidence and unapologetic boldness. The arms of the chair, curving inward, add a touch of intimacy and warmth. This wasn’t an accident; they were designed to mirror the feeling of self-embrace, offering comfort and a sense of acceptance to anyone who sits in it.
The chair’s form and function work together to create a space where people can feel both seen and supported. In blending these elements, I wanted to make a chair that felt bold, emotive, and welcoming. This project allowed me to explore how design can be a vehicle for personal expression, where every curve and material choice tells a story.
Brianna Bowman is a design student studying at M.AD School of Ideas’ Atlanta campus. She is known for bold, imaginative work that brings a playful touch to every project. Formerly a marine biology major at the University of Florida, she realized she was most energized by the creative classes she had taken and decided to pursue a more artistic path. With a focus on experiential design, branding, and illustration Brianna now aims to make life a little more colorful, infusing spaces with vibrancy and joy.
