Chairwave, 2023

VOUW’s Chairwave (2023) is an interactive seating installation that reimagines street furniture to spark spontaneous conversations in public spaces. Modeled after the minimalist form of the Zig-Zag chair by Dutch designer Gerrit Rietveld, the artwork brings the artists’ philosophy of ‘slowtech’ to life, integrating technology to foster social interaction instead of isolation. Beyond its interactive nature, Chairwave can also be enjoyed by onlookers as a performance.

The installation comprises a row of interconnected ‘social seats,’ each kinetic structure equipped with sensors and motors. As people pass by, the chairs perform a dynamic wave, lighting up in warm hues in invitation. Once a seat is occupied, the sensors trigger nearby structures to unfold, encouraging more visitors to slow down, sit and engage in conversation with each other.

The simple act of sitting together breaks the assumption that technology drives people apart and simultaneously invites the viewer to reflect on the importance of face-to-face interaction in everyday life.