Simplicity is beauty; surely, Italian product designer Mario Alessiani kept repeating this phrase in his head when designing his RJR chair. In the designer’s universe, simplicity, however, goes beyond aesthetic value; it usually also pairs with maximum functionality, practicality, and ease of manufacturing. A simple form also means that since the design is stripped down to the basics, more attention can be paid to the execution process and materials, leading to higher overall quality. 



The RJR is a simple chair operating with straight lines. While surprisingly pleasing for the eye, it allows for easy storage, and can be stacked into a sculptural form. The sole tricky part is the solely reclining backrest, that can be rotated as well.



Designing a chair that is simple enough to be executed by any carpenter was no accident. Alessiani worked for Slow/d, an online platform and unique initiative intending to bringing the players of the design field together. Slow/d is an Italian initiative that provides a virtual space where designers, artisans, manufacturers, companies, distributors, and end users can meet. It allows them to create new products together by providing a sustainable, continuous chain between its actors.



Like Alessiani did, designers can upload an open source, that the various craftsmen/studios can bring in their repertoire. When buyers decide to order a product, the can chose the manufacturer, which, quite logically, will be normally based on location. This way manufacturing and distribution prices can be kept low and uniform, and shipping fees minimal. Hopefully Slow/d’s scheme will soon be launched globally, as it is provides an extremely useful tool for the whole design community.







Source: Moco Loco