Kacper Motyka designs cylindrical sex-centred furniture to elevate intimacy

Oct 15, 2024

Designer Kacper Motyka has developed Chairie, an adaptable piece of furniture that was informed by the work of designer Verner Panton and features a three-cylinder design that aims to enhance sexual experiences.

For his final year project on the BA Product & Industrial Design course at London school Central Saint Martins, Motyka came up with the ambitious plan to design a single piece of furniture that supports sex positions of all kinds.

"The idea to create sex-centred furniture stemmed from my personal frustration with discomfort, a sense of sub-optimality and the belief that we lack a contemporary design approach to this fundamental aspect of life," Motyka told Dezeen.

According to Motyka, the work of mid-century Danish designer Panton has been his "greatest inspiration", particularly his studies on the influence of the environment on human behaviour.

"Environments not suited for intimate life dictate how we have sex and constrain our erotic expression," he said. "Furniture should adapt to our needs and desires, offering comfort and relaxation conducive to spontaneous and dynamic interactions."

"While sex-tech offers easy excitement it lacks depth, physicality and connection," he continued. "Fulfilling sexual experiences with another person fosters and defines relationships, and we fundamentally need good relationships."

Chairie is symmetrical from all sides to achieve "visual balance and harmony" and is composed of three cylindrical pillows forming a square surface that fits perfectly into the base.

"The breakthrough came when I realised the variety of supporting shapes possible with a simple 3x3 matrix," Motyka stated.

"This insight led to the concept of three elements, each capable of changing its vertical position relative to the ground."

The pillows are mounted on electric actuators that allow each cylinder to move up and down, enabling the furniture to transform into various forms, from a chair or ottoman to more creative configurations.

"When all cylinders are raised, the piece functions as a table offering stable support for positions such as one partner lying on their back while the other stands," Motyka said.

The design also allows for seamless angle adjustments between the cylinders and means users can easily control their height.

Informed by Apple products, Motyka aimed to create a "simple and aesthetically pleasing" design that morphs into different shapes and blends with the living environment, given the limited space in homes.

"Our homes lack furniture specifically designed for sex," he said. "Current solutions such as BDSM equipment often lack discretion."

"I wanted Chairie to look like a comfortable chair without evoking associations with sex at first glance," he added.

The white colour contrasts with the traditional dark BDSM aesthetic, while red subtly hints at the furniture's dual use by "evoking passion and emotion".

"In early prototypes, the cylinders are covered with a latex leather substitute that is warm, pleasant to the touch and easy to maintain," Motyka said.

Prior to exhibiting his project at the University of the Arts London, Motyka submitted a patent application for Chairie. He is dedicated to refining the design and bringing it closer to production.

"The current prototype serves as a proof of concept, setting a vision for the future and moving us closer to the goal of elevating intimate experiences through innovative design," he said.

"I do not rule out the possibility that the final product will be available in other colours and finishes."

Chairie is among a number of design projects from Central Saint Martins to be featured on Dezeen.

Other recent graduates include Maca Barrera, who has created melanin-spiked bodysuits that provide a natural, alternative form of sun protection, and Luke Talbot – creator of the portable charger MyPowerbank that allows people experiencing homelessness to charge their phones for free.

The photography is courtesy of Kacper Motyka.

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