Volume 57, Number 17    December 14, 2009         

Daring design
In a Dec. 7 San Francisco Examiner article, Associate Professor of Design and Industry Martin Linder discussed winning the Nightingale Award for his innovative Florabella lounge chair. Linder's design features a floating seat, which helps curb hospital-borne illnesses, and was the product of months of research. "In these environments, there are a lot of cracks where dirt and grime get in there. And the furniture not only breaks down over time, but it’s a health risk as well," he said. "Also, the chairs were very stiff and people would be slouching and sleeping, but they wouldn’t be comfortable. We also wanted the chair to help the patients alleviate the stress of going to the hospital, so we designed a chair that sort of hugs the patient."

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Last modified Dec. 14, 2009 by University Communications.