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E L
I A
W H A L E C H A I R
Mediums
Plywood Furniture
Involvements
Research/ Design/ Model Making
Team
Elia Lai/ Grae Clement/
Sol Clement
A Mindful Meditation Stool for Perfect Alignment
Many practitioners struggle with poor posture or knee discomfort during meditation. Prolonged sitting often exacerbates these physical challenges.
The design of the Whale Chair was inspired by the serene west coast of New Zealand, where whales breach the surface for air during the golden hour. Much like whales gliding through waves—unaffected by the chaotic currents of the world—this chair guides you toward a state of mindful tranquility.
The seat evokes the silhouette of a whale's tail as it rises for a deep dive. This ergonomic, anti-slip shape corrects pelvic tilt, encouraging better circulation and a natural breathing pattern. The Whale Chair offers a novel solution to a common challenge in modern meditation practice.
Meditation styles vary, but most sitting postures fall into 2 primary categories. Both present unique physical challenges that the Whale Chair is designed to solve.
On a Stool
Full Lotus
Half Lotus
Seiza
Burmese
Floor-Based Practices
The Impact: Prolonged sitting on the floor often leads to joint strain, numbness in the legs, and restricted circulation.
On a Chair
Chair-Based Practices
The Impact: Without proper engagement, the spine naturally collapses, leading to a "hunched" posture that compresses the diaphragm and shallow breathing.
The Whale Chair is engineered to support proper spinal alignment, providing a comfortable alternative for practitioners who find traditional floor-seated postures or deep knee bending challenging.
Focus & Circulation
Promotes an upright position to improve circulation and oxygen flow to the brain, enhancing focus while naturally engaging the core muscles.
Breathing
Breathing is fundamental to meditation. This design allows you to breathe as easily as if you were walking upright, with an open pelvis that reduces compression on internal organs.
Traditional Seating
Prone to spinal collapse and forward slouching.
The Whale Chair
Facilitates active alignment and an upright, neutral spine.
Pelvic Tilt
Opens the hip angle to approximately 110 degrees, lengthening the hip flexors to relieve lower back pressure and ensure spinal alignment.
Anti-Slip Design
The ergonomic, contoured surface supports the base and inner thighs, providing stability and preventing sliding during long sessions.
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