What happens when you take a simple object and refuse to accept it at face value?
At The Great Chair Hack, teams of designers, students, artists, engineers, and creative thinkers are given one IKEA chair and three hours to transform it into… anything but a chair.
Presented by the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), this high-energy design challenge celebrates ingenuity, resourcefulness, and the power of reimagining everyday objects. Inspired by the global “IKEA hacking” movement, participants will deconstruct, reconstruct, and reinvent a familiar form—pushing its materials, components, and purpose into entirely new territory.
The results are often surprising, playful, thought-provoking, and occasionally brilliant. Prizes will be awarded for the most inventive hacks.
How to Participate
Just assemble your own team of 2-4 participants and register here! Space is extremely limited, so be sure to register your dream team for a spot by April 5th!
From 1-3 PM you'll hack your chairs on site at Piedmont Park, and from 3-4 PM a panel of judges will review your work, evaluate your designs, and award prizes.
Rules for The Great Chair Hack Competition
- Teams are allowed the use of and must supply their own hand tools. Battery operated tools, such as drills and screwdrivers are allowed, but corded tools (think: circular saws) are not.
- You may bring additional materials or go out and purchase supplies during the competition. However, your chair must be built on site at MODA.
- Each team may spend no more than $50 on additional supplies.
- NO Paint!
- Proper safety gear is required (think: safety glasses).
- Teams must register in advance.
- All participants will be required to sign a safety waiver upon arrival at the event.
- Application of imagination and creativity is strongly encouraged!
- All participants must be over the age of 16.
Questions? Reach out to kimani@museumofdesign.org
The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) is the only museum in the Southeastern United States exclusively dedicated to the study of design. Our exhibitions feature various design industries and showcase the power of design to inspire change, transform lives, and make the world a better place! Located in the heart of the Midtown Arts District, MODA is a community hub for all things design including design conversations, hands-on workshops, youth programs, and more!
Visit our website for updates on exhibitions, programs, and other opportunities!
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