The latest personalities to be added to the Vitra collection are a diverse bunch, ranging from 'Chairless' - a textile strap tool for sitting by Alejandro Aravena - to a fully-fledged modular sofa unit called 'Suita', by Antonio Citterio.
Chairless is a mobile alternative to a chair, designed for situations where a chair isn't available. The Chilean architect's design is an industrial version of a sitting strap used by Ayoreo Indians - a nomadic South American tribe - and some of its proceeds will go towards supporting these people. We're not entirely convinced about its comfort factor, but we're withholding judgement, having not yet given it a test drive.
Suita is a light and elegant range of seating elements, with a sleek, steel frame. We like its legs - made from delicate-looking aluminium die-casting - which give the sofa a floating appearance. Also on show at the Vitra stand is the organically-shaped 'Flower' bench by SANAA and some new editions of 1950s Eames classics - a recyclable version of the 'Plastic Armchair' and an even more comfortable edition of the iconic 'Lounge Chair & Ottoman', whose proportions have been adjusted to account for the increase in the average human height.
'Eames Plastic Side Chair' - a recyclable edition of the 1950s classic by Charles and Ray Eames.
'Suita' by Antonio Citterio, 2010, for Vitra.
'Flower' by SANAA, 2001/2010, for Vitra.
'Lounge Chair and Ottoman' - a new edition of the 1956 classic by Charles and Ray Eames, with enlarged proportions.
'Chairless' by Alejandro Aravena, 2010, for Vitra.
'Chairless' by Alejandro Aravena, 2010, for Vitra.
ADDRESS
Stand C05, Hall 12
Salone del Mobile
Milan