Deconstructing a Modern Classic: The T02 Soft Chair by TAKT

T02 Soft Chair by TAKT is renowned for its simple, honest design and unexpected comfort. ordinary looking – simple lines, soft edges, light frame. But hidden behind that is a finished work of precision, clever joining, and material truth that is made to last long.

My Scaled Model:

To truly understand the chair, I re-built it — to scale. From scouting for wood and veneer in Ahmedabad's timber mart to designing and prototyping two-part moulds to create the curved seat and back, it was a painstaking business that demanded as much on patience as it did precision and detailing. Every joint, every curve, every finish revealed something of why this chair is so successful.

Small Chair, Big Lessons:

• Through the study and the making process, I learnt a lot. Some of my insights were:

• How joinery provides structural strength even if made to flat pack.

• How finish decisions impact not only appearance but sensuality.

• The chair plays really well with contrast- a rigid frame, with soft curves on the backrest and seat.

• Finishing has tons of different options, and it's hard to pick one!

Sourcing Wood

3D Printing 2 Part Moulds

Test Rig for Seat Mould

Seat Test in Cardboard

Boiling Veneer for Final Seat Glue Lamination

Clamping Final Seat

Clamping Final Backrest

Using Jig for Assembling Structure

Using Jig for Assembling Structure

Assembled Structure

Using Black Colour Pencil Lead for Hardware

Inset Black Lead as Hardware

Structural Components Sanded, Finished and Glued

Final Chair