Movie: Dutch designer Richard Hutten explains why he designed a chair with a distinctive X-shape on the back in the next movie in our exclusive video series for Italian furniture brand Moroso.
Hutten's X-Chair, which was launched this year at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, gets its name from the X-shaped connector that joins the backrest to the seat.
"The starting point was the backside," Hutten explains in the movie.
Hutton says he wanted to create a playful piece of furniture, which will liven up the room it's in.
"It's a very round chair, a very friendly chair," he explains. "It fits in all kinds of situations to cheer up the space."
The wooden X is produced by a computer-controlled cutting system and has slightly curved arms, which align with the form of the seat and backrest.
"The X is actually quite complex as a shape," Hutten explains. "It's CNC-milled to really follow all the curves on the back of the chair."
The X-Chair features a solid tub-shaped base, which is upholstered on the sides in a rough textured fabric. The seat itself and the inside of the backrest are finished in smooth leather to contrast.
"I wanted to have an inside and an outside, like when you open a melon," Hutten explains.
Hutton also designed a larger version of the chair, which features two separate backrests.
"For more public spaces we made a two-seat version where we extended the seat and doubled the back," he says. "Your territory is clearly identified when you're sitting in a waiting area or a lounge area."
The product only took around six months to develop. Hutton says that he enjoys working with Moroso creative director Patrizia Moroso because she is quick to make up her mind.
Subscribe to Dezeen's YouTube channel for the latest architecture and design movies
"Moroso is very Italian, it's really family owned," he explains. "Patrizia is the boss. If she likes it, we do it. I presented my drawings at the end of last year and now it's already here, so things move quickly, which I really enjoy."
This movie was produced by Dezeen for Moroso. The music used is a track called Qix by UK producer 800xL.
We will be publishing more movies about the Italian brand's latest products over the coming weeks, which you can watch on our YouTube playlist:
