A varying sitting

In this project, I propose a new way of sitting for children starting school. With inspiration from the natural movements of children and mimicking the way a swing works, I’ve designed a stool that inspires a varied and dynamic sitting. It features an active elastic element in the seat, which reacts to bodily movements and creates counteractions, reminding and encouraging the children to continue to vary their posture, as the next sitting position is always the best one.

The idea stems from the sudden change children experience when they start school. From running around in kindergarten, they are now supposed to learn how to sit and behave: static and quiet. On average, schoolchildren spend about 64% of their school day seated. This sedentary behavior has several negative consequences for their bodies, overall well-being, and is hindering their learning. With this design, I aim to address these issues by promoting continuous movement, making sitting an active experience that benefits children’s bodies and minds.

Designed to fit into a school setting with tight budgets, I wanted the stool to be stackable, sturdy, easy to clean, and affordable. The playful swirl of the legs emphasizes the motion of the seat, thus creating an overall expression of dynamics. The seat rests on four ballpoints and is attached to the base by an elastic cord. Both the ball casters and the cord can be unscrewed for maintenance and repairs, extending the longevity of the chair. This way, the stool can withstand the activity it demands for many years to come.