# Cybersyn Chair Recreation Project A modern recreation of the iconic Cybersyn Operations Room chairs from Chile's Project Cybersyn (1971-1973), with integrated Raspberry Pi electronics for smart home/office control. ![Cybersyn Opsroom](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/Cybersyn_control_room.jpg) ## Project Goals 1. **Faithful Recreation**: Reproduce the aesthetic of Gui Bonsiepe's original fiberglass swivel chairs 2. **Modern Electronics**: Integrate Raspberry Pi with customizable armrest controls 3. **Modular Design**: Create swappable armrest modules for different use cases 4. **Open Source**: Publish all CAD files, electronics schematics, and software --- ## Historical Background ### The Original Cybersyn Project (1971-1973) Project Cybersyn was Chile's pioneering experiment in real-time economic management under President Salvador Allende. The Operations Room (Opsroom) was the nerve center - a hexagonal 72m² space containing 7 fiberglass swivel chairs arranged in a circle. **Design Team:** - **Gui Bonsiepe** (Lead Designer, German industrial designer) - Fernando Shultz - Rodrigo Walker - Pepa Foncea - Industrial Design Area of INTEC (Chilean State Technology Institute) ### Original Chair Specifications | Feature | Description | |---------|-------------| | **Material** | Fiberglass shell with orange upholstery | | **Style** | Tulip/pedestal base (similar to Saarinen, but custom) | | **Seating** | 7 chairs in inward-facing circle | | **Swivel** | Full 360° rotation (considered optimal for creativity) | | **Armrests** | Integrated control panels, ashtrays, drink holders | ### Armrest Control Layout The original buttons were deliberately large ("big hand" design) for users without keyboard experience: ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ ORIGINAL BUTTON LAYOUT │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ TOP ROW (3 square buttons): │ │ [■] [■] [■] │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └───┴───┴── Select data screens │ │ │ │ MIDDLE ROW (5 buttons): │ │ [○] [○] [○] [○] [○] │ │ │ │ │ └── Navigate subdirectories │ │ (hypertext-like navigation) │ │ │ │ BOTTOM ROW (1 large rectangular): │ │ [████████████████████] │ │ │ │ │ └── Index/Home screen │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` The buttons connected via wires through the floor to slide carousels that displayed pre-made data visualization slides. ### Design Philosophy - **No tables**: Intentionally omitted to prevent paper shuffling and encourage democratic discussion - **Odd number (7)**: Ensures tie-breaking votes - **Swivel chairs**: Maximizes creative interaction - **No keyboards**: Large buttons for accessibility - **No Star Trek influence**: Despite visual similarities, designers claimed no sci-fi inspiration --- ## Existing Resources & References ### Reconstructions | Location | Year | Notes | |----------|------|-------| | FabLab Santiago, Chile | 2016 | Recreation supervised by original designers | | Disseny Hub Barcelona, Spain | 2023 | First *functional* reconstruction, 72m² hexagonal room | ### Primary Sources - **Eden Medina, *Cybernetic Revolutionaries* (MIT Press, 2011)** - Definitive historical account with design details - **Stafford Beer Collection** - Liverpool John Moores University archives - **INTEC Publication**: "Diseño de una sala de operaciones," INTEC, no. 4 (1973), pp. 19–28 - **Gui Bonsiepe Archive** - Original sketches ### Available 3D Models (Starting Points) | Model | Source | Format | Notes | |-------|--------|--------|-------| | Tulip Chair | [GrabCAD](https://grabcad.com/library/tulip-chair-1) | Various | Saarinen-style, needs armrest mods | | Saarinen Tulip | [Sketchfab](https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/saarinen-tulip-chair-bc48eb1d27794a7baa8b2009aff5590e) | Free | Good base geometry | | Knoll Tulip | [FaceQuad](https://facequad.com/products/knoll-tulip-chair-and-armchair-3d-model) | OBJ, FBX | Armchair variant | | Eames Shell | [Herman Miller](https://www.hermanmiller.com/resources/3d-models-and-planning-tools/product-models/individual/eames-molded-fiberglass-side-chair-dowel-base-nonupholstered/) | Revit, SketchUp, AutoCAD | Fiberglass shell reference | ### Reference Images - [Google Arts & Culture - FabLab Recreation](https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-counterculture-room-cybersyn-chair-gui-bonsiepe-recreated-by-fablab-santiago-in-2016/vQHnhWYDvfxj6Q) - [Artsy - Original Opsroom Photos](https://www.artsy.net/artwork/gui-bonsiepe-cybersyn-operations-room-datafeed-with-chairs) - [99% Invisible Episode](https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/project-cybersyn/) - Includes photos and context --- ## Manufacturing Approaches ### Option 1: Fiberglass Hand Lay-Up (Recommended for Authenticity) **Estimated Cost**: $800-2,000/chair + mold **Tooling Cost**: $1,000-5,000 for plug and mold **Process:** 1. Create positive plug from CNC-milled foam or MDF 2. Apply release agent and gel coat 3. Lay fiberglass mat + polyester/epoxy resin 4. Cure under controlled conditions 5. Demold and finish **Resources:** - [Instructables: Fiberglass Shell Chair](https://www.instructables.com/DEVELOPING-FORM-Fabricating-Organic-Fiberglass-For/) - [Hand Lay-Up Process Guide](https://www.deloachindustries.com/blog/fiberglass-process-hand-lay-up-contact-molding-) ### Option 2: Rotational Molding (Best for Small Batches) **Estimated Cost**: $50-150/chair at 50+ units **Tooling Cost**: $3,000-10,000 for aluminum mold **Advantages:** - Tooling costs 1/5th of injection molding - Creates seamless hollow shells (perfect for hiding electronics) - Ideal for 50-500 unit production runs **Resources:** - [Rotomolding vs Injection Molding Comparison](https://rotodynamics.com/injection-molding-advantages-disadvantages-and-the-appeal-of-rotational-molding/) ### Option 3: Hybrid Approach | Component | Method | Material | |-----------|--------|----------| | Shell/seat | Fiberglass hand lay-up OR rotomolding | Fiberglass or LLDPE | | Armrests | 3D printed master → silicone mold → cast | Polyurethane resin | | Base/pedestal | CNC machined or cast | Aluminum or steel | | Electronics bay | 3D printed inserts | PETG/ABS | --- ## Electronics Integration ### Architecture Overview ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ ARMREST MODULE │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ BUTTON PANEL (Top Surface) │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ [DATA 1] [DATA 2] [DATA 3] ← Screen selection │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ [NAV 1] [NAV 2] [NAV 3] [NAV 4] [NAV 5] │ │ │ │ ↑ │ │ │ │ Navigation/subdirectory buttons │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ [═══════════ INDEX/HOME ═══════════] │ │ │ │ ↑ │ │ │ │ Large "big hand" button │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ ┌────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ ELECTRONICS CAVITY │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ┌─────────────┐ ┌────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ Raspberry │ │ GPIO Breakout Board │ │ │ │ │ │ Pi Zero 2 W │────│ + Button Matrix Driver │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ + Status LEDs │ │ │ │ │ └──────┬──────┘ └─────────────┬──────────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ┌──────┴─────────────────────────┴──────────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ USB-C Power + Data (through pedestal) │ │ │ │ │ └───────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ MODULAR EXPANSION BAYS (snap-in): │ │ │ │ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ NFC │ │ OLED │ │ Haptic │ │ USB │ │ │ │ │ │ Reader │ │ Display │ │ Motors │ │ Ports │ │ │ │ │ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` ### Recommended Hardware | Component | Model | Dimensions | Cost | Notes | |-----------|-------|------------|------|-------| | **Main Board** | Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W | 65 × 30 mm | ~$15 | WiFi/BT, sufficient GPIO | | **Alternative** | Raspberry Pi Pico W | 51 × 21 mm | ~$6 | Even smaller, pure button I/O | | **Buttons** | Cherry MX mechanical | 15.6 × 15.6 mm | ~$1 ea | Satisfying tactile feel | | **Alt Buttons** | Silicone dome pads | Custom | ~$20/set | Authentic "big hand" style | | **Display** | 1.3" SH1106 OLED | 35 × 33 mm | ~$8 | Optional status display | | **NFC** | RC522 RFID module | 40 × 60 mm | ~$5 | User identification | | **Haptic** | DRV2605L + LRA motor | 10 × 10 mm | ~$8 | Button feedback | ### Software Stack ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ SOFTWARE LAYERS │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ APPLICATION LAYER │ │ ├── Home Assistant integration (MQTT) │ │ ├── Custom Cybersyn dashboard (web UI) │ │ └── Multi-chair coordination (WebSocket) │ │ │ │ MIDDLEWARE │ │ ├── Python asyncio event loop │ │ ├── Button debouncing & state machine │ │ └── Module hot-plug detection │ │ │ │ HARDWARE ABSTRACTION │ │ ├── gpiozero (button/LED control) │ │ ├── smbus2 (I2C modules) │ │ └── spidev (SPI displays) │ │ │ │ OS: Raspberry Pi OS Lite (headless) │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` ### Communication Protocol **MQTT Topics:** ``` cybersyn/chair/{chair_id}/button/{button_name} → pressed/released cybersyn/chair/{chair_id}/module/{module_type} → module data cybersyn/chair/{chair_id}/status → online/offline cybersyn/display/{screen_id}/show → screen control ``` --- ## Project Phases ### Phase 1: Research & Design (Current) - [x] Historical research on original design - [x] Identify existing CAD resources - [x] Document manufacturing options - [ ] Obtain high-resolution reference photos - [ ] Contact FabLab Santiago / Disseny Hub Barcelona for specs - [ ] Create initial CAD model ### Phase 2: Prototype Electronics - [ ] Build button matrix on breadboard - [ ] Write Pi Zero control software - [ ] Test MQTT integration with Home Assistant - [ ] Design modular bay connector system - [ ] 3D print armrest electronics enclosure ### Phase 3: Physical Prototype - [ ] Modify existing tulip chair CAD for armrest cavity - [ ] 3D print 1:4 scale model for review - [ ] Create foam/MDF plug for fiberglass testing - [ ] Make test fiberglass section - [ ] Integrate electronics into armrest ### Phase 4: Production - [ ] Finalize CAD for manufacturing - [ ] Create production mold (fiberglass or rotomold) - [ ] Produce first complete chair - [ ] Document build process - [ ] Publish open-source files ### Phase 5: Multi-Chair System - [ ] Build 7-chair Opsroom configuration - [ ] Create central display system - [ ] Implement cross-chair coordination - [ ] Add data visualization dashboard --- ## Directory Structure ``` cybersyn-chair/ ├── README.md # This file ├── docs/ │ ├── history.md # Detailed historical background │ ├── references.md # Links to sources and archives │ └── manufacturing.md # Detailed manufacturing guides ├── cad/ │ ├── chair-shell/ # Main chair body CAD files │ ├── armrest/ # Armrest with electronics cavity │ ├── pedestal-base/ # Swivel base design │ └── modules/ # Snap-in module designs ├── electronics/ │ ├── schematics/ # KiCad circuit designs │ ├── pcb/ # Custom PCB layouts │ └── bom/ # Bill of materials ├── software/ │ ├── firmware/ # Pi Zero control code │ ├── server/ # Central coordination server │ └── dashboard/ # Web-based control panel ├── manufacturing/ │ ├── mold-designs/ # Fiberglass mold CAD │ └── assembly-guides/ # Step-by-step build docs └── media/ ├── reference-photos/ # Historical images └── renders/ # 3D renders of design ``` --- ## Cost Estimates ### Single Chair (DIY/Maker) | Item | Estimated Cost | |------|----------------| | Fiberglass materials + mold (amortized over 7) | $200-400 | | Metal pedestal base (fabricated) | $200-400 | | Upholstery (orange fabric + foam) | $100-200 | | Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W | $15 | | Electronics (buttons, wiring, modules) | $50-100 | | 3D printed components | $20-50 | | **Total per chair** | **$585-1,165** | ### 7-Chair Opsroom Setup | Item | Estimated Cost | |------|----------------| | 7 chairs (at $800 avg) | $5,600 | | Central server (Pi 4 + display) | $150 | | Network infrastructure | $100 | | Display screens (7× monitors) | $1,400 | | Room setup (hexagonal layout, wiring) | $500 | | **Total Opsroom** | **$7,750** | --- ## Contributing This is an open-source project. Contributions welcome: 1. **CAD Design**: Help model the chair shell, armrest, and base 2. **Electronics**: Design PCBs, write firmware 3. **Manufacturing**: Share fabrication experience 4. **Historical Research**: Locate original specifications and drawings 5. **Documentation**: Improve guides and tutorials --- ## License - **Hardware designs**: CERN Open Hardware License v2 - **Software**: MIT License - **Documentation**: CC BY-SA 4.0 --- ## Acknowledgments - **Gui Bonsiepe** and the original INTEC design team - **Stafford Beer** for the Cybersyn vision - **Eden Medina** for preserving this history in *Cybernetic Revolutionaries* - **FabLab Santiago** for the 2016 recreation - **Disseny Hub Barcelona** for the functional reconstruction --- ## Contact For questions, collaboration, or access to original specifications: - Open an issue on this repository - Email: [your-email] - Disseny Hub Barcelona: [Documentation Center](https://www.dissenyhub.barcelona/en/centredoc/services/information-and-requests)