Max Lamb, known for his innovative approach to design, has unveiled the 50 Armchair in collaboration with Salon 94. As an evolution of his Economy Chair series, this latest creation reimagines polystyrene—an often-overlooked industrial material—into a sculptural and functional work of art.
The 50 Armchair builds upon Lamb’s earlier 60 Chair project, where he crafted sixty chairs from raw materials in just three days. This time, he refines the process, hand-cutting and assembling each chair from polystyrene blocks, emphasizing both craftsmanship and efficiency.
50 Armchair: A Fusion of Brutalist Forms and Sustainable Design
Unlike conventional rectangular seating, the 50 Armchair features polygonal cuts reminiscent of Brutalist architecture. This aesthetic choice aligns with Lamb’s design philosophy, which values raw materials, resourcefulness, and direct craftsmanship. Each chair is unique, showcasing the slight variations that result from Lamb’s hands-on approach.
For this edition, the designer has introduced additional armrests and a striking “Coca-Cola” red finish, giving the piece a bold visual identity. This limited-edition color is exclusive to the first release.
Reimagining Waste Through Design
With industrial waste posing environmental challenges, designers like Lamb are finding new ways to repurpose overlooked materials. By transforming polystyrene into functional furniture, Lamb highlights the potential of circular design, where imperfection and irregularity become integral to an object’s aesthetic and narrative.
Availability and Exhibition
The 50 Armchair is now available at $6,000 USD per chair for a limited time. It will be exhibited at Design.Space LA, presented by Salon 94.
This release continues Lamb’s commitment to pushing boundaries in design while championing sustainability through material exploration.