GRADO sharpens the eco sight deep by launching the Hammerhead Shark Chair at the start of 2025, which is urged by the estimate that the hammerhead shark is quite on the verge of extinction. The bentwood seatback refers to the shape of the shark’s head, which plays a key role in marine navigation and hunting. However, a sword effect kicks in while the fish net hooks on it more easily. It leads to a great number of hammerhead species being captured by accident. Yet, with the meat consumption and fins of the same categories driven, they become more targeted to replace the rarer delicacies. We also developed a cantilever style for office meetings to keep more aware of its being in danger for longer.
HAMMERHEAD CHAIR_PUBLIC LEISURE
HAMMERHEAD SHARK CHAIR / CANTILEVER OFFICE CHAIR
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HAMMERHEAD CHAIR_CANTEEN
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HAMMERHEAD SHARK CHAIR_OFFICE MEETING ROOM
FEATURES
distinct shape inspired by the head of a hammerhead shark, ensuring recognizability in the space.
the upward-extending legs and bentwood panel into a solid combination, reinforcing the connection between the legs and seat shell
the regular and armrest versions (with round tube legs) include a steel frame on the backrest, serving as a handle for easy movement
stackable up to 3 to 4 chairs
equipped with swivel foot pads for smoother usage
all visible gaps in the regular and armrest versions meet safety standards, being either less than 5mm or greater than 12mm, ensuring safety and eliminating the risk of pinching.
the wooden legs in regular and armrest versions can be enhanced with a soft-pack half-cover option, catering to more relaxed and cozy spatial needs.
the cantilever option features a fully upholstered design with a polished stainless steel cantilever framework; includes a down cushion for the backrest and a foam seat cushion
PARAMETERS
Frame: Natural oak/ walnut/ black wood grain open paint
Legs: ø16 Steel tube, black spray paint
Shell: Bend wood panel + high-density foam + cloth cover
Cantilever-Style: Fully upholstered, foam seat + down bag backrest
URGENCY STATEMENT
Australian Marine Conservation Society reports that the scalloped hammerheads have lost up to 80% of their original population, primarily due to commercial fishing practices. Their unique hammer-shaped head makes them especially vulnerable to being caught in gillnets, which creates a dangerous situation when they are targeted by fishermen. Despite their endangered status, both scalloped and great hammerheads continue to be fished for their fins and flesh, particularly in the NT and Western Australia. In 2023, the Queensland Government proposed measures to protect all hammerhead species beginning in 2024. However, until those protections are enforced, these sharks remain at risk of being caught in fishing nets in areas such as the Great Barrier Reef.
Earth.Org elaborates that the great hammerhead shark, being the largest species of hammerhead, faces significant threats primarily due to commercial fishing. Its large fins are highly prized in Southeast Asian medicinal and culinary industries, making the species a target for fishermen. Additionally, great hammerheads are particularly vulnerable to being caught as bycatch. They exhibit high mortality rates both at-vessel and post-release, largely due to the behavioral and physiological stress they endure during capture.
A KEY PLAYER IN THE MARINE ECOSYSTEM
However, they find that the great hammerheads play a critical role in maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems. Following the processes of natural selection, they tend to consume diseased or injured marine animals, thereby preventing individuals with weaker genes from reproducing and ensuring the overall fitness of the population. Therefore, if effective conservation measures are not enacted, the extinction of the great hammerhead could lead to dire consequences for marine ecosystems globally.
POTENTIAL ECONOMIC VALUE DRIVEN
While the meat of great hammerheads is generally not consumed, there have been documented instances of endangered hammerhead species being caught as bycatch in South Africa and subsequently packaged for sale in countries like Australia. These sharks are often mislabeled as 'flake, 'pearl fillet', 'boneless fillet' or 'monkfish' which obscures their true identity and threatens their chances of being protected. Beyond their flesh, hammerhead sharks are also exploited for their liver, which is utilized in the production of vitamins, and their carcasses, which are sold as fishmeal. Their hides are transformed into leather products, further illustrating the diverse ways in which these sharks are economically valued.
GLOBAL FIN TRADE
The primary driver of the targeted catch remains their fins, which constitute a substantial portion of the global fin trade. Estimates suggest that around 4% to 6% of the fins imported into Hong Kong originate from great, scalloped, and smooth hammerhead sharks. This translates to a staggering annual harvest of approximately 1.9 million to 4 million hammerhead sharks for their fins. In response to this alarming trend, organizations like WWF have been working on reducing the demand for shark fins in Hong Kong, ending up with a reported 70% reduction in shark fin imports over the past decade. There has also been a noticeable decrease in the amount of shark fin retained within the city, as much of it is now re-exported to other countries, including Vietnam and mainland China.
Designers Introduction