In the article “If the Chair Fits: Sexism in American Office Furniture Design” by Jennifer Kaufmann-Buhler, it talks about the issue of gender bias within the designing and creation of office furniture. The author specifically examines the influence of gender biases on office chair designs, bringing light to the embedded assumptions and stereotypes.

According to Kaufmann-Buhler, the office furniture design mirrors and inflicts societal gender norms and various inequalities. The author highlights that office chairs have often been traditionally tailored to fit the  male body, disregarding the various needs and  personalization of women in the workplace. This bias is prominent in various design aspects, such as seat size, lumbar support, and armrest positioning, these all tend to favor larger and taller individuals.

In addition, Kaufmann-Buhler speaks about how office furniture design reinforces gendered power dynamics within the workplace. By prioritizing a traditional masculine aesthetic, there are office chairs that can contribute to the exclusion of women and reinforce male dominance. The author states that these designs reinforce the perception that the workplace is a male-dominated space, resulting in the marginalization of women and impeding their professional progress. It also then creates a box for women to be sent into because they don’t fit the chair to a tea.

The article also goes and explores the potential consequences of sexist office furniture design. It asserts that discomfort and physical strain caused by poorly fitting chairs can impact women’s productivity and overall well-being. Kaufmann-Buhler emphasizes the importance of inclusive and ergonomic design principles that consider the diverse needs of individuals irrespective of gender.

Overall, Kaufmann-Buhler’s article brings forth the issue of sexism in American office furniture design, advocating for a more inclusive approach. By challenging the ingrained gender biases in chair design, the author calls for heightened awareness and consideration of the diverse needs of all individuals in the workplace.

Side hall view of JSMA courtyard

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art also known as the JSMA has a strong sense of belonging within the campus environment, distinguished by its unique materials and intricate detailing. However, this distinctiveness also highlights the plight of the unhoused, who lack individuality and the comfort of a home. While the museum’s limited openings provide privacy, they reflect the unwelcoming nature faced by those without permanent residences.

In contrast, the unhoused are deprived of the opportunity to personalize their living spaces, unlike the museum’s carefully arranged interiors. Through its exhibits, the JSMA offers a glimpse into the lives of different cultures and time periods, while the unhoused struggle to hold onto memories as their transient existence adapts to harsh conditions.

While the museum serves as a refuge for those seeking disconnection, it also represents a disconnection for the unhoused from the sense of belonging that a permanent dwelling provides. The preservation of memories and the luxury of connecting with stories within the museum stand in stark contrast to the unnoticed and overlooked nature of the unhoused in society.

In this context, the JSMA’s expression of belonging through design highlights the importance of addressing the challenges faced by marginalized populations, including the unhoused. It urges us to deepen our understanding and empathy, promoting inclusive and supportive approaches that ensure everyone can find warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging in our society.