Musical Chairs

Espresso Roma Outdoor Dining Patio

Reading Summary 

There is a degree of privilege in being an able-bodied individual that is often overlooked. Having a body that easily conforms to the standard selection of chairs was not a topic of discussion until the beginning of the nineteenth century when the number of office-based desk jobs increased and with that the addition of women in the workplace increased. In the earlier stages of all genders accepted in corporate work environments, there was a clear divide in the quality and effectiveness of essential working materials. Especially within the corporate environment, the comfort and physical health of executive men was the primary concern. This can be observed not only by the chairs employees were given but also by how the desks and personal spaces were hierarchies: front desk versus cubical versus private office. If there is unspoken discrimination regarding the design of chairs, what other areas of our lives are reduced based on anatomy? Once this issue was brought to the attention of modern designers, there was a new interest in creating a multipurpose and universal desk chair for the modern secretary or executive, regardless of their gender. A chair like this would be supportive, adjustable, and easily maneuvered for any body and any task throughout an office. And with all considered, each individual should have an opportunity to choose what works best for them and their body to ensure comfort and support.

Building Interpretation

Espresso Roma
825 E 13th Ave Eugene, OR

The Espresso Roma chair is similar to any chair you might find in a coffee shop; a wooden seat, armless, and a slightly angled backing that’s made of what looks like black steel. Chairs like these are standard, simple, and basic, they get the job done. This type of seating is accommodating to most individuals although if I were to make a prediction I don think many individuals would choose this type of chair to remain seated in for an extended period of time. However, this assumption was quicking proven incorrect. My observations at Espresso Roma indicated that despite the simple design of these chairs, students often come to independently study in these seats for hours, and if not studying, meet with friends to have conversations well past their food or beverages are finished. This lead me to the conclusion that not all chairs have to be nap-worthy or multifaceted. A chair is made to serve the purpose of seating for those who want to satisfy tasks in a static state. As long as the seat accommodates all people in an equal way, it has served its purpose.