Maarten Baas’ “Where There’s Smoke Chair” (2006)** is a bold example of his transformative design process. Created by carefully torching the chair, Baas scorched its surface while preserving its structural integrity and functionality. The charred wood, sealed with transparent epoxy resin, creates a compelling tension between destruction and preservation, redefining the concept of beauty. Part of the *Where There’s Smoke* series, this chair earned Baas international acclaim, including Designer of the Year at Design Miami in 2009. Its asymmetrical form challenges conventional aesthetics, offering a provocative commentary on impermanence and rebirth. Held in major collections like the Victoria and Albert Museum and SFMOMA, the chair exemplifies Baas’ innovative narrative approach to contemporary design.
