Chair: paradigm for architecture

Abstract

This dissertation is a historical and critical analysis, examining the changing concepts of the chair as a paradigm for the design of architecture and ultimately discussing the changing role of the architect in contemporary society. The account includes investigations of significant movements and projects since the birth of the Modern Movement to the present day. The aim of this dissertation is to examine the relationship between the development of chair design and architecture during the twentieth Century in relation to changes in society; and thus to ascertain what effect this has had on modern architecture and the role of the contemporary architect. The hypothesis for this research is that the relationship between developments in chair design and architecture relate to changes in society, and that the practice of architecture and the role of the contemporary architect are influenced by the changing developments in chair design.