A rocking new design from Habitat
Read on for an exclusive insider blog from James Harrison, designer of Habitat's Rocker chair...
Habitat's Autumn/Winter '07 collection focuses on the individual designers and the story behind the products they create. Last week we brought you an exclusive insider blog from
Philippa Prinsloo, designer of the Fell View candle. This week James Harrison, designer of Habitat's Rocker chair, tells his story:
“Rocker is my update on a product lost in time. Rocking chairs are perceived as big, bulky and old fashioned, but I wanted to change this. Although at the same time I wanted to create a product that someone could take home, enjoy and keep for years to come – and maybe even pass from generation to generation.
In my mind function had to come before aesthetics and it was paramount to retain the comfort of the rocking chair. I was influenced by Danish and Swedish design – this has helped to create the clean, simple and contemporary product.
I'm really happy with the progress of Rocker. I actually created it as my graduation piece when I studied 3D Design at Northumbria University. Bethan Gray and Alex Dreyer from Habitat saw me exhibit Rocker at the New Designers exhibition in 2005 and the rest is history. It's come a long way from my original design, but it's still true to what I wanted to create. And the best part is seeing a product you've designed selling in a nationwide store. It's not everyday that a boy who grew up on a farm in Doncaster can say this.”
To watch a vodcast of James, Philippa and the rest of the Habitat design team talking about their latest work visit www.habitat.net from 10 September 2007.
Philippa Prinsloo, designer of the Fell View candle. This week James Harrison, designer of Habitat's Rocker chair, tells his story:
“Rocker is my update on a product lost in time. Rocking chairs are perceived as big, bulky and old fashioned, but I wanted to change this. Although at the same time I wanted to create a product that someone could take home, enjoy and keep for years to come – and maybe even pass from generation to generation.
In my mind function had to come before aesthetics and it was paramount to retain the comfort of the rocking chair. I was influenced by Danish and Swedish design – this has helped to create the clean, simple and contemporary product.
I'm really happy with the progress of Rocker. I actually created it as my graduation piece when I studied 3D Design at Northumbria University. Bethan Gray and Alex Dreyer from Habitat saw me exhibit Rocker at the New Designers exhibition in 2005 and the rest is history. It's come a long way from my original design, but it's still true to what I wanted to create. And the best part is seeing a product you've designed selling in a nationwide store. It's not everyday that a boy who grew up on a farm in Doncaster can say this.”
To watch a vodcast of James, Philippa and the rest of the Habitat design team talking about their latest work visit www.habitat.net from 10 September 2007.