The Great Chair Hack — rethink what a chair can be
What it is – The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) invites teams to take one IKEA chair and turn it into something totally unexpected. Think planter, lamp, skateboard ramp, musical instrument — anything but a chair. – It’s hands-on, fast, and messy—in the best way. You’ll sketch, strip, reassemble and test in real time.
Who can join – Teams of 2–4 people. Must be 16 or older. – Everyone signs a simple safety waiver when they arrive. – Register by April 5 to save your spot. Space is limited.
When and where – Saturday, April 11, – Build: 1:00–3:00 PM | Judging & awards: 3:00–4:00 PM – On site at Piedmont Park (check in at MODA’s desk on arrival)
The rules in plain English – Each team gets one standard IKEA chair as the main raw material. – You may bring small hand tools and battery-powered tools (drills, cordless drivers). No corded power tools (no circular saws, table saws, etc.). – Paint is not allowed—focus on structure, clever joins, and material swaps instead of surface finishes. – You can spend up to $50 on extra supplies. All building and final assembly must happen on site during the event. – Safety glasses are required. Bring any extra PPE you think you’ll need. Organizers will do spot checks. – Keep your workspace tidy. Remove personal tools at the end; anything left may be donated or recycled. – Your prototype remains yours unless you sign it away.
How the day runs – Check in, sign waivers, get your chair and workspace. – Quick briefing with rules, tools, and safety notes. – Build session: 1:00–3:00 PM. Time flies—assign roles and move fast. – Prep a 2-minute demo and explanation. – Judging: 3:00–4:00 PM. Teams present to judges and a public audience; winners announced at the end.
What judges look for – Creativity and surprise: Did you make us rethink the chair? – Function: Does it do what you claim in a safe, convincing way? – Durability and craft: Is it structurally sound? – Material smarts: Did you reuse, reduce waste, or make clever choices with parts?
Practical tips (so you don’t waste time) – Start with a one-line goal: “Make a portable planter” or “Turn this into a stool with storage.” – Sketch, then test with quick mock-ups before committing cuts. – Favor reversible joints and lightweight connectors—you’ll move faster and get more points for clever engineering. – Divide tasks: one person measures/cuts, another assembles, another documents and preps the presentation. – Bring spare screws, zip ties, clamps, and basic fasteners. A small camera or phone for quick photos helps your presentation.
Materials, waste, and safety – Use reclaimed or recyclable extras when possible. Keep sharp tools and battery packs away from water. – Declare any flammable materials to staff; there are limits. – Separate waste for recycling or reuse as directed on site.
Entry details and contact – Register by April 5. Arrive early on April 11 to check in and set up. – Questions? Email [email protected]
Why MODA runs this MODA wants design to be playful, public, and practical. The Great Chair Hack is a short, intense way to practice prototyping, teamwork, and making something useful out of what’s already around you. It’s less about big budgets and more about clever ideas, material thinking, and having fun turning the ordinary into the unexpected.
Who can join – Teams of 2–4 people. Must be 16 or older. – Everyone signs a simple safety waiver when they arrive. – Register by April 5 to save your spot. Space is limited.0
Who can join – Teams of 2–4 people. Must be 16 or older. – Everyone signs a simple safety waiver when they arrive. – Register by April 5 to save your spot. Space is limited.1
Who can join – Teams of 2–4 people. Must be 16 or older. – Everyone signs a simple safety waiver when they arrive. – Register by April 5 to save your spot. Space is limited.2