Balance, moderation, simplicity. With the q.b. chair, the SFM Studio team offers a concrete and poetic interpretation of the Colos philosophy: creating functional, lightweight and sustainable objects that meet contemporary needs.
We met with Jeremiah Ferrarese, designer and co-founder of SFM Studio, to learn more about the origins of this project.
Why is the chair called q.b.?
Quanto Basta (Just Enough) is an impulse towards creativity, towards the freedom of being right. The idea stems from a metaphorical reference to culinary vocabulary and the recipe for a good chair, with the aim of obtaining a product that is balanced in all its components. Not too little, not too much: there are no extremes, it is just right. Right is what is necessary. And then the etymology of the word bastare means to serve as support.
A philosophy that also translates into design practice:
- Just enough material to avoid waste;
- Just enough weight to be light and stable at the same time;
- Just enough to stack, to ensure functionality;
- Just enough to be sustainable, to respect the environment;
- Just enough to be distinctive, to stand out without excess.
A balance that becomes the true identity of q.b.: a chair that finds strength in moderation.
Where did the idea come from and what were the objectives of the project?
The design process began with a specific brief: to create a simple, functional plastic chair that was highly stackable, lightweight and sustainable. We wanted an object that was consistent with the Colos vision, but also capable of expressing its own character.
Every choice, from the geometry of the frame to the curvature of the backrest, was guided by a principle of efficiency. The result is a chair designed to optimise space, logistics and practicality, without compromising on comfort and structural solidity.
What material was chosen to make this chair? How did you address the issue of sustainability?
The issue of sustainability, central to Colos’ design, guided every stage of q.b.’s development.
The chair is made of regenerated polypropylene, a material that allows for efficient production, is easy to mould and is completely recyclable.
The design was conceived to reduce its impact throughout its entire life cycle:
- Weight optimisation, minimised without compromising stability and strength.
- Monocoque structure, which integrates the details necessary for stacking, eliminating the use of caps or additional accessories.
- No assembly required, therefore no need for disassembly processes at the end of its life.
- Simplified logistics, as it can be shipped without additional packaging.
The q.b. seat guarantees durability and resistance, even in outdoor environments, and thanks to these solutions, it represents a model of intelligent eco-design.
What is the ideal context in which you imagined it being used?
It is a versatile chair, capable of enhancing any environment in which it is placed. It is ideal for outdoor socialising, in locations such as bars and terraces, or for shows and events of various kinds. Its versatile nature also makes it suitable for indoor contexts.
What adjectives best describe q.b.?
Simple, fresh, clear, clean, immediate… and there are many others that could be used to sum up all the qualities combined in a single chair. Rather than describing it in words, you only need to look at it to understand its essence: it’s all there, q.b.
With q.b., Colos adds a new chapter to its research into sustainable and minimalist design. A chair that, in its apparent simplicity, encompasses everything needed – just enough, in fact – to offer balance, functionality and identity to any space.
The chair can be paired with Colos’ Re-al qu table: to find out more, read the article Colos presents the q.b. seat and the Re-al Qu table.
