Zieharsofika should show new methods of upholstery construction, aiming to create a stiff cushion from a flat foam mat.
By re-thinking cushioning techniques, the project uses conventional rubber foam mats which, with the help of elastic bands, come out as an ornamental form. The rectangular foam mat remains at a stretch and is only changed by layering and gathering it.
Compared to common upholstery technics Zieharsofika achives the same result by compressing the foam. The gathering causes a strong and stiff core while the surface is still flexible and soft.
At the same time the connection to the wooden stool should be integrated into the construction. This combines two steps of making and avoids a permanent connection between foam and wood. The cushions are fixed to the wooden foodstool construction just by their elastic rubber bands.
Zieharsofika was selected for Lidewij Edelkoorts exhibition Gathering in Designmuseum Holon, Tel Aviv
material: foam, ash, rubber bands
photos: Meike Harde