5 minute read
CHAIRS BY ARCHITECTS
Which one are you?
Architecture has a long and intertwined history with chairs. This historic overlap was by no means established by, but arguably brought to the mainstream through the founding of Bauhaus – the German art school (operational from 1919 to 1933) that combined crafts and the fine arts. During this period, famous architects began designing chairs as a small-scale and practical outlet for their unique aesthetics. Some of the most fascinating furniture designs of the 20th century have sprouted from the minds of architects, who would undertake the challenge of scaling their usual, larger-than-life canvases to the humble chair.
Considered a rite of passage in the architecture world, designing a chair poses the challenge of turning the most rudimentary of furniture pieces into a thoughtful, ergonomic and aesthetic distillation of the architect’s ideals. Art historian Agata Toromanoff says architects turn to chairs because people can have a more intimate relationship with them than they can with one of their buildings. After all, what is a chair other than a dedicated building for your backside?
Take this quiz to find out which architectural chair best suits you, and would look fabulous in your home.
1. WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF A CHAIR?
a. It must be comfortable to sit on
b. It should fit around/under a dining table
c. It should be aesthetically pleasing
d. It should be made with sustainable material
2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN STYLE?
a. Minimalist and modern
b. Old-school and luxurious
c. Retro and unserious
d. Avant-garde and abstract
3. WHEN ENTERTAINING GUESTS, WHERE IN YOUR HOME WOULD YOU HOST THEM?
a. In the living room
b. Around the dining table
c. On the patio
d. Around the kitchen table
4. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS BEST DESCRIBE YOUR OUTLOOK ON ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN?
a. Architecture and design should complement human nature, as an extension of ourselves and how we wish to experience our environments.
b. I’m not too concerned about architecture and design but enjoy simple aesthetics that don’t draw too much attention.
c. Comfort and ergonomics are the most important elements of architecture and design.
d. Sustainability, functionality and creativity should be at the forefront of new architecture and design. So many things already exist, it’s time to strip back to basics.
Quiz scoring : 1. a-1, b-2, c-3, d-4. 2. a-3, b-1, c-2, d-4. 3. a-1, b-3, c-4, d-2. 4. a-4, b-2, c-1, d-3.
4 - 7 ARNE JACOBSEN’S EGG CHAIR, 1958
This iconic and timeless piece of furniture was designed in 1958 by Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen. The Egg Chair is celebrated for its unique and innovative design, characterised by its curved, cocoon-like shape that provides a sense of privacy and comfort. It was originally created for the lobby and reception areas of the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The chair’s sculptural form, combined with its swivel base, makes it not only visually striking but also functional and versatile. The Egg Chair has since become a design classic, sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, and it continues to be produced and admired to this day for its elegance and comfort.
8 - 11 TULIP ARMCHAIR, EERO SAARINEN, 1957
Designed by Finnish-American architect and designer Eero Saarinen in 1957, the Tulip Armchair is a modern and innovative piece of furniture design, with nostalgic retro vibes. Saarinen’s aim was to create a chair that had a fluid and organic form, moving away from the traditional four-legged chair design. Originally designed as part of Saarinen’s Tulip collection, which also included dining tables and the Tulip chair without armrests with similar single-stem bases, the chair quickly gained popularity and is still considered an iconic symbol of modern design.
12 - 15 WIGGLE CHAIR, FRANK GEHRY, 1972
This striking creation by renowned architect Frank Gehry challenges conventional notions of furniture design with its dynamic and unconventional form. Crafted from corrugated cardboard, Gehry’s chair reflects his innovative approach to materials and construction techniques, showcasing the possibilities of bending and shaping humble materials into functional and visually captivating pieces. The chair’s undulating curves and playful appearance evoke a sense of movement and whimsy, making it a standout piece in modern furniture design. Gehry’s Wiggle Chair serves as a testament to his experimental spirit and artistic vision, pushing the boundaries of traditional design and inspiring creativity in the world of furniture.
16 - 19 RISE CHAIR, ZAHA HADID, 2018
Known for her groundbreaking and futuristic architectural designs, Hadid extended her innovative vision to furniture design with the Rise Chair. Characterised by its fluid and sculptural form, the Rise Chair embodies Hadid’s signature style of organic and dynamic shapes. The chair’s sinuous curves and seamless lines create a sense of movement and elegance, blurring the lines between art and function. Crafted utilising advanced 3D printing, the Rise Chair is not only visually striking but also innovative. It represents Hadid’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and creating objects that challenge conventions while remaining functional and accessible.
