Recent Eindhoven grad Aaron Preyer “is a designer with a fascination for movement and transformation,” his bio reads. As evidence, check out his exploratory Blooming Furniture project:
Blooming Furniture is a collection of transformative objects and furniture that respond to touch and interaction. This transformation is made possible by an internal mechanism sensitive to pressure and changes in weight. Each piece is uniquely defined by its function and material composition. Imagine a piece with an upholstered top and metal base that shifts effortlessly between two forms, like a pouf or side table that blossoms into a lounge chair.
The concept was born from an exploration of mechanics, inspired by a deep fascination with movement and the natural ability of plants and trees to grow, bloom, and evolve. In these designs, the technical elements that enable transformation are not hidden, they are celebrated. The mechanism becomes part of the visual language and is leading for the aesthetic and form.
This innovative chair effortlessly transforms from an upholstered table or ottoman into a comfortable armchair. The base, crafted from aluminum, contains a mechanism that enables the transformation. The upper section is luxuriously upholstered, and both the fabric and the color of the anodized aluminum base can be fully customized.
In the video, you can see how the large surface responds to pressure and weight, activating the mechanism and transforming the chair’s shape. A playful combination of functionality and design.
Research and collection
Blooming Furniture emerged from my research into moving mechanisms within furniture and objects. Through extensive experimentation, I applied this mechanism to a variety of designs. My goal is to move beyond a single chair and create a complete, recognizable collection.
Render and design of an interactive wall shelf, currently in development:
At present, the series already includes several test models, such as coffee tables, a candlestick, a wall shelf, and a fruit bowl. Each piece demonstrates in its own way how movement and functionality come together in a playful and innovative design.
