Synesthesia is most commonly understood in relation to music: for a small minority of people, certain notes and melodies are experienced as an explosion of color. But this neurological phenomena, in which one sense triggers the receptors of another, can be experienced in relation to any two senses. In rare cases, it can even be triggered by touch. Tactile-emotional synesthesia was first documented in 2008 by scientists at the University of California, who reported on the cases of two women who felt consistent, intense emotional reactions to several different textures: one experienced silk as perfect happiness, while the other felt a sense of safety when touching sand. For all of us, synesthetes or not, the way things feel can dramatically alter the way we experience them. In the latest in our series of collaborations with Fritz Hansen, we’ve been exploring the subtle effects of texture with the iconic Series 7 chair. First created by Arne Jacobsen, the chair has recently been released in a new series of upholstered designs utilizing the colorways that curator Carla Sozzani designed for Fritz Hansen last year. Every element of the chair—its texture, color and base—can be individually configured, creating a sensory medley that will certainly trigger the sense receptors of those who sit on it. This post was produced in partnership with Fritz Hansen. TwitterFacebookPinterest The Series 7 chair with a Paradise Orange shell, upholstered in Steelcut Trio 3 0636. The chair, pictured here with the Light Beige shell and Light Grey Essential Leather upholstery. A sunny desk setup, with the Series 7 chair upholstered in Remix 2, 422 fabric on the True Yellow shell. The Evergreen shell upholstered in Sunniva 3, 132. Each aspect of the Series 7 chair can be customized. The Series 7 chair has been in constant production since Arne Jacobsen designed it in 1955. Related Stories Design Partnerships Issue 48 Delayed Gratification In partnership with Fritz Hansen, Kinfolk unearths the long history of a new classic. Partnerships Growth Mindset A preview of RHIZOME, the new ISSEY MIYAKE collection. Design Partnerships Together Again The return of the small gathering, in partnership with Fritz Hansen. Partnerships A Tale of Two Halves A celebration of unity, in partnership with Fritz Hansen. Arts & Culture Fashion Partnerships Issue 35 Peripheral Visions An abstracted exploration of cloth and color, produced in partnership with HaaT. Design Issue 34 Josephine Akvama Hoffmeyer Copenhagen’s queen of color makes the case for “weird” shades and dark rooms.
Design Partnerships Issue 48 Delayed Gratification In partnership with Fritz Hansen, Kinfolk unearths the long history of a new classic.
Design Partnerships Together Again The return of the small gathering, in partnership with Fritz Hansen.
Arts & Culture Fashion Partnerships Issue 35 Peripheral Visions An abstracted exploration of cloth and color, produced in partnership with HaaT.
Design Issue 34 Josephine Akvama Hoffmeyer Copenhagen’s queen of color makes the case for “weird” shades and dark rooms.
