Pootjes! armstoel 1999 - 2000

This is Ruud-Jan Kokke’s Pootjes! Armchair, and it's made from laminated bent wood. Looking at it, you immediately notice the exposed joinery. The way the legs curve and connect is not concealed; the joints are celebrated, giving the chair its distinct character. This isn't just about function; it's about revealing the chair's construction, showing how each piece relates to the others. The labor and the process become part of the aesthetic. Traditionally, furniture making involves a high level of handcraft, but Kokke also seems to be nodding towards industrial production. The laminated wood suggests efficiency and the possibility of mass production, yet the visible craftsmanship keeps it firmly rooted in the handmade. It invites us to think about how design can bridge the gap between industry and craft. This armchair challenges our assumptions about what makes a piece of furniture valuable. It's not just about comfort or utility; it's about the story of its making, the materials used, and the way it connects to broader issues of labor and design.