Observatory Lounge 
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With the launch of the Observatory Lounge, visions of the past and future come into focus.

The observatory lounge is an upholstered lounge chair, whose looks reflect designs from the past while inspiring designs for the future. Crafted by James Piatt, the lounge chair is for those who love nostalgic design, but don’t want to compromise aesthetics for comfortability and functionality. Chairs often symbolize the life and times of the designers and the owners. The history of design can be observed through the evolution of chairs over the decades and centuries, and this lounge chair is no exception.

It’s easy to play down the importance of a well-designed chair until the user finds that they have to slouch down to feel supported or start to complain about soreness in key areas. There may be many chairs that offer a mid-century modern or contemporary aesthetic, but ones that combine beauty with proper neck and back support are harder to come across. It may seem that compromising is inevitable, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. With some added ingenuity and inspiration, James Piatt has created a lounge chair whose pleasant shape is more than just for show.

The Science of Comfort

The Observatory Lounge’s unique segmented hexagon design supports any lounging scenario while placing needed support in the right areas. Thanks to extensive testing with 3D models, the lounge chair has been engineered to distribute the weight of a broad range of individuals, so any user can lounge comfortably.

Each cushion comprises two foam layers, a medium-density, and a light-density foam, creating a soft cushion to sink into. Strategically placed air holes allow weight distribution changes to happen seamlessly. Under the foam, rigid plywood adds a supportive structure to each cushion. To top it all off, full-grain leather wraps everything together to complete the look. Each cushion is mounted to a steel frame and is allowed to swivel atop a pedestal base.

A fresh 21st century alternative to the mid-20th century lounge chair.

“With a love for mid-century furniture and design, I have accumulated a large collection of chairs from this period. After spending considerable time surveying some of my favorite lounge chairs I found that many were lacking upper back, neck, and head support and were often small and confining. Even while seated in the most popular mid-century lounge chair I found myself needing to slouch down in it to feel my head was getting enough support. There are also only a few good options for consumers in a furniture landscape that is currently dominated by a small number of key players.”

– James Piatt

The idea for the observatory lounge takes inspiration from the new methods in large telescope construction that can be seen in the Keck Telescopes and most recently in the primary mirror of the James Webb Space Telescope. Soon we will be able to peer deeper into the beginning of the universe and further our knowledge of our own existence.

Create your own universe.

At home, the user can become the observer at the center of this lounge chair which is designed to enhance your experiences. Enjoy watching movies, listening to music, and reading in comfort. Customize the chair with the interchangeable hexagonal cushion pads. Available in a combination of three colors, tan, taupe, and red, and also in all tan. There is some assembly required made simple by the installation manual and video. All the tools needed are included. For local Los Angeles County customers, we offer an assembly service.

CEO, Designer

Born in San Diego in 1977, James Piatt is an artist, architect and industrial designer. After studying environmental and industrial design at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, he went on to distinguish himself as a design leader in home décor, electronics, fashion accessories and art. His professional experience includes working as an industrial designer and managing design teams within major US and international brands. Having a diverse range of experiences, he has taught himself that Conceptual Art, design, architecture and fashion aren’t the separate fields that they appear to be. This approach fused with popular culture from the past and present constitutes James’s interdisciplinary practice today. He has been included in numerous museum exhibitions and has received awards and patents in recognition for his work. James’s studio resides in a flourishing creative community along the Los Angeles River in Los Angeles, California.

Observatory Lounge 
Press Resources

Product Photography Downloads

Chair Assembly Video

Instagram

James Piatt LLC

1839 Blake Ave., Studio 9

Los Angeles, CA