Observing city life, I noticed how often people need to wait without a place to sit. NOMA was created from this observation: a hybrid product that combines a foldable seat with the portability of a bag. It transforms from a compact 2D object into a stable 3D structure, offering a practical seating solution while keeping belongings close. It was very important for us to stay true to our defined brand values as we used recycled denim.
Recycled denim · MDF · portability · folding
The design process began with brainstorming and scale models. The team rejected aluminum due to high cost and density, and cardboard for its lack of outdoor durability, choosing 5mm laser-cut MDF instead.
Early prototypes showed stability flaws, such as an unstable split seat and an overly complex denim wrapping method. To optimize resources, material removed from the base was reused for the seat, using bicycle saddle ergonomics to maintain comfort and portability.
The final NOMA design simplified production and improved safety by turning the seat into a single rigid piece. Recycled denim is now applied only to the edges, acting as a flexible hinge for folding.
Based on a stable triangular geometry, the structure uses underside grooves to lock the MDF base plates during use. Transport is handled by an adjustable 40mm shoulder strap and a smaller velcro closure strap. A removable zippered pouch attaches via vertical slots, using the original jeans pockets for extra storage.