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Kanishka Naresh Singh

Orange Tree

Theme: Accessibility · Comfort · Dignity · Modern Craftsmanship

Orange Tree is a contemporary Indian furniture brand known for blending modern design with traditional craftsmanship while prioritising sustainability. For this project, the brief was to design furniture and lifestyle accessories that make living more inclusive, focusing especially on the needs of elderly individuals.

Our design direction approached the problem through a medical-focused lens, aiming to create economical, accessible, and ergonomically supportive furniture that aligns with Orange Tree’s philosophy of enhancing both functionality and well-being.

Group Members: Kanishka Naresh Singh, Sweksha Kesarwani, Gargi Goel & Samarth Mishra

(05)
Jaipur, India
Furniture Design
2024

The research phase began with an in-depth study of the human body and its interaction with furniture, particularly focusing on physical and cognitive medical conditions. We examined chronic, acute, and degenerative conditions, as well as age-related movement challenges and mental health issues, mapping how they influence daily interaction with furniture. Conditions such as arthritis, spinal cord injuries, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and recovery from hip or knee replacements emerged as critical factors, with lower back pain being especially prevalent among individuals over 50, according to a 2021 study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Global data on spinal cord injuries further informed our understanding of causes, demographics, and limitations in daily activities.

Simultaneously, we revisited the fundamentals of furniture, recognizing that a functional piece must provide structure, durability, mobility, and tangible support for human activity such as sitting, resting, reading, eating, or storing items. This perspective helped shape the functional priorities of our designs. Traditional practices, such as low-height seating in Indian homes, natural materials, and age-old ergonomic principles, were studied to reinterpret cultural practices into elderly-friendly, modern solutions. Primary research included interviews with individuals experiencing chronic back pain or mobility challenges, revealing needs for transitional assistance, joint and lumbar support, adjustable heights, and help with climbing, lifting, and standing. These insights guided our analysis of existing assistive products, including lifting chairs, adjustable or rotatable beds, and mechanical stairlifts, laying the groundwork for informed, empathetic design interventions.

The research phase began with an in-depth study of the human body and its interaction with furniture, particularly focusing on physical and cognitive medical conditions. We examined chronic, acute, and degenerative conditions, as well as age-related movement challenges and mental health issues, mapping how they influence daily interaction with furniture. Conditions such as arthritis, spinal cord injuries, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and recovery from hip or knee replacements emerged as critical factors, with lower back pain being especially prevalent among individuals over 50, according to a 2021 study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Global data on spinal cord injuries further informed our understanding of causes, demographics, and limitations in daily activities. Simultaneously, we revisited the fundamentals of furniture, recognizing that a functional piece must provide structure, durability, mobility, and tangible support for human activity such as sitting, resting, reading, eating, or storing items. This perspective helped shape the functional priorities of our designs. Traditional practices, such as low-height seating in Indian homes, natural materials, and age-old ergonomic principles, were studied to reinterpret cultural practices into elderly-friendly, modern solutions. Primary research included interviews with individuals experiencing chronic back pain or mobility challenges, revealing needs for transitional assistance, joint and lumbar support, adjustable heights, and help with climbing, lifting, and standing. These insights guided our analysis of existing assistive products, including lifting chairs, adjustable or rotatable beds, and mechanical stairlifts, laying the groundwork for informed, empathetic design interventions.

“As you grow older, you will discover you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
— Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter

“As you grow older, you will discover you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter

Based on our research, the design strategy focused on adjustability as a means to support independence. Furniture was developed to adapt to individual physical needs, providing comfort, ease of use, and autonomy. This included adjustable seating heights, customizable backrest positions, variable armrest lengths, and integrated ergonomic support systems. By prioritizing adjustability, the designs address a wide spectrum of mobility and comfort requirements, resulting in furniture that is versatile, inclusive, and closely aligned with real physiological needs.

Based on our research, the design strategy focused on adjustability as a means to support independence. Furniture was developed to adapt to individual physical needs, providing comfort, ease of use, and autonomy. This included adjustable seating heights, customizable backrest positions, variable armrest lengths, and integrated ergonomic support systems. By prioritizing adjustability, the designs address a wide spectrum of mobility and comfort requirements, resulting in furniture that is versatile, inclusive, and closely aligned with real physiological needs.

The final design presents an adaptive chair that blends functional engineering with Orange Tree’s warm aesthetic of wood and cane. It features a tilting backrest adjustable to 90°, 70°, and 45° to support a variety of postures, from reading to resting or recovery, and a seat depth that can be customized for optimal lumbar support. A forward-sliding seat unfolds a 45° leg rest, helping maintain a relaxed posture, while movable armrests assist transitions, providing balance and reducing joint strain. The material palette combines high-quality teakwood for strength, durability, and warmth with natural cane for breathability, flexibility, and a contemporary Indian touch. Together, these elements create a chair that is ergonomic, versatile, and visually timeless, embodying both craftsmanship and thoughtful human-centered design.

Project Essence
"This project stands at the intersection of design, healthcare, and empathy.
It transforms furniture into a supportive companion one that adapts, responds, and uplifts the user’s everyday life. By merging medical insight with refined craftsmanship, the design aims to restore comfort, dignity, and independence for elderly individuals."

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