PA.02 — Chair is a prototype developed within the PANELS series to explore the potential of hinge-like joints cut directly into plywood panels. Unlike fixed mortise-and-tenon systems, these connectors allow panels to meet at variable angles, opening the way for more free and expressive geometries.

Fabricated from 18 mm plywood with a laminated finish, the chair demonstrates how digital fabrication can produce robust, functional seating while also serving as a platform for research. The precision of the CNC toolpath defines the strength of the joint, transforming flat components into a three-dimensional form without additional fittings.

Beyond its technical experimentation, PA.02 also entered the public arena. The prototype was presented at major design fairs such as Salone Satellite in Milan and ICFF in New York, positioning the project within an international context of design innovation. This line of research continues later in PA.03 — Café Caché, where the hinge system was scaled up to construct larger suspended shells.

Process