“While being “nerdy”, in the sense of being a bit strange, modern and different, the Nerd design possesses the inherent qualities of timelessly relevant design through its calm, well-proportioned silhouette and pleasing curves,” Geckeler explains.
Based in Berlin, Geckeler is exploring the wider area of industrial design, focusing on furniture, interior, tableware and lighting. With its unique classic Scandinavian feel condensed into the design, the Nerd Chair won the Muuto Talent Award in 2011 with the Nerd Bar Stool joining it in 2013.
When asked on his inspiration for the Nerd design, Geckeler notes: “The inspiration came from a desire to communicate a new vision to the existing traditional wooden chair designs while adding a contemporary way of rethinking the possibilities of veneer.”
The Nerd family consists of the Nerd Chair and the Nerd Bar Stool, available in a number of colors. On the uniqueness of the design, Geckeler explains: “Flipping the bent veneer seat shell upside down creates an almost pillow-like appearance. The main detail of the slot in the backrest results in a unique intersection of the two chair shells—it gives the design an iconic detailing and character”.
On the materiality of the design, Geckeler adds: “The design is made from simple 2D bent veneer shells, forming a strong sculpture through its innovative composition”. With seamless integration of the back and seat rendered in wood, the design is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing: “The shells are sitting on a solid wooden frame holding the legs and handling the interplay of the construction, allowing the user to rotate, sit at different angles and find even more comfort while talking to their neighbor,” he ends.