This past weekend, we were invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Panton chair and other Vitra creations at their showroom in the Meatpacking District in Manhattan. The showroom was buzzing with people socializing and viewing the different designs on the showroom’s staggered levels. We were especially excited to see Alejandro Aravena’s novel “Chairless“, a strap of fabric that is a way to eliminate the need for the traditional chair, and yet allows the person to become the integral part of the furniture. Inspired by the Ayoreo Indians who sit on the ground with a tight strap around their back, Aravena developed this concept to produce a seating device that relieves the spine and legs. “It is obvious that many things have evolved since the beginning of time and that progress has accumulated in our lives in the form of sophisticated needs and desires. But it is also true that there are many things and needs that haven’t changed much since our origins and they can still be satisfied in an extremely simple way: sitting comfortably on the ground is one of them,” explained Aravena.
More about Vitra after the break.
It was fun to see guests interacting with the various models of Vitra’s line. Dozens of Panton chairs were scattered across the upper level, and guests seemed to hover around the furniture, sipping wine and resting, perfectly comfortable, in their chairs. Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec’s Alcove Sofa provides a sense of enclosure and privacy that seemed to be welcomed by several guests, as people who sat down enjoyed quiet conversations and did not want to leave. Since the two sofas were positioned face to face, the furniture seemed to define a room within a room.
The furniture company showing illustrated their continued dedication to developing inspiring, creative and durable solutions for the office, the home and for public spaces.
