Abstract: A furniture piece including a plurality of rib units, each-rib unit having a pair of substantially parallel faces, at least one functional surface, and a leg or supporting member. When arranged in a predetermined, face-to-face relationship and secured by one or more connecting rods, the functional surface of each rib unit defines a surface of a furniture piece, such as a chair or bench seat, while each leg or supporting member is offset from the neighboring leg or support member according to a pattern which, when combined with the legs or supporting members of the other rib units, provides support for the entire furniture piece and its occupant.