Mara Bragagnolo’s Bad Posture Chairs Redefine Seating for Non-Conforming Bodies

Designer Mara Bragagnolo has created Bad Posture Chairs, a collection of birch plywood seating that accommodates postures traditionally deemed 'incorrect.' The project critiques design history for normalizing a single sitting position, marginalizing neurodivergent individuals and others who adopt spontaneous postures. Each chair adapts to real gestures—sitting cross-legged, curling up, leaning, or shifting—rather than imposing an ideal form. Inspired by Bruno Munari's photographs exploring comfort in an uncomfortable armchair, the series blends critical reflection with playful design. The chairs were built in collaboration with Valter Cagna and Tommaso Braceschi, and photographed by Federica Borgato. Made from stained birch plywood, the collection repositions comfort as movement and flexibility rather than static conformity.