From the Series
Hella Jongerius has designed an armchair that is flexible and facilitates easy-going conversations in public spaces and at home.
Dutch designer Jongerius’s East River Chair is somewhat an extension of her project in collaboration with Rem Koolhaas to design the new interior for the North Delegates’ Lounge at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
The chair, specially developed for furniture company Vitra, is solidly constructed while at the same time mobile and light.
In a lounge, which is primarily used as a neutral space for spontaneous meetings, the furnishings play an important role in creating a lively setting, says Jongerius.
The colours of the East River Chair are carefully coordinated, with lighter fabric framing a darker tone on the seat and a bright backrest surface. The chair is extremely versatile and adaptable as it is available in multiple colour and material combinations ranging from muted and calm to cheerful and bright.
Jongerius’s choice of materials was not based solely on aesthetic reasons but rather on practicality. The leather covers protect the armrests from dirt and wear, and the thicker padding of the seat cushion provides comfortable support for the user’s lower back.
The East River Chair will be on display at Vitra’s showroom during Milan’s Salone del Mobile 2014 until 13 April.
