via
via - a Chair on the Way
«via» is a wall-mounted folding chair for stairwells that divides the climb into manageable stages for elderly people, providing the security needed to continue using stairs as an active form of daily exercise. The design, crafted from powder-coated aluminum and oak, intentionally breaks with the aesthetics of conventional assistive devices, while an integrated gas spring ensures that escape routes are automatically kept clear. By positioning the chairs on landings, the anonymous stairwell is reactivated into a social meeting zone that promotes mobility and independence in old age.
Awards
Designpreis Schweiz 2025 – Nominated (Top 4) in the Inclusive Design category.
Universal Design Award 2025 – Awarded the Expert and Consumer labels.
via - a Chair on the Way
«via» is a wall-mounted folding chair for stairwells that divides the climb into manageable stages for elderly people, providing the security needed to continue using stairs as an active form of daily exercise. The design, crafted from powder-coated aluminum and oak, intentionally breaks with the aesthetics of conventional assistive devices, while an integrated gas spring ensures that escape routes are automatically kept clear. By positioning the chairs on landings, the anonymous stairwell is reactivated into a social meeting zone that promotes mobility and independence in old age.
Awards
Designpreis Schweiz 2025 – Nominated (Top 4) in the Inclusive Design category.
Universal Design Award 2025 – Awarded the Expert and Consumer labels.
