24 Sep From the Archives: Introducing Three Revived MillerKnoll Designs
Nestled within the company’s rich design history, MillerKnoll’s archive is filled with timeless creations that have left an indelible mark on the work of interior design and furniture. This year, they’re tapping into the vault to bring back three archival pieces that not only reflect the ethos of their eras but also serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of MillerKnoll as a pioneer of modern design. As we delve into the stories behind these re-introductions, uncover the meticulous craftsmanship, innovative thinking, and original design principles that continue to define MillerKnoll’s commitment to redefining modern for the 21st century.
Knoll – Florence Knoll™ Model 31 Lounge Chair and Model 33 Sofa
Knoll is presenting the reissue of Florence Knoll™ Model 31 Lounge Chair and Model 33 Sofa, two archival designs that speak in a contemporary voice, nearly seventy years since their original debut. With her architect’s eye and keen sense of proportion, Florence Knoll knew that furniture could make daily life a well-designed pleasure. She was a pragmatic designer who humbly referred to her contributions to the Knoll furniture catalog as its “meat and potatoes”. Yet she applied smart style to ergonomic principles so deftly that many decades since their inception, the Model 31 and Model 33 seem to speak in a contemporary voice.
As head of the Knoll Planning Unit, Florence Knoll had a holistic understanding of interiors and paid special attention to scale in her furniture designs. The Model 31 and Model 33 exemplify approachable seating with just-right proportion. Lightweight and strong, they can convey a sense of welcome in residential, workplace, and hospitality settings—an effortless fit for small spaces and repeatable for larger contexts. With their tubular steel bases and thoughtfully scaled cushions, these pedigreed pieces have a light visual footprint and offer a supportive sit with a casual posture. Florence Knoll knew the importance of comfort and pursued it with the same exacting perfectionism that gave all her designs their trademark precision and crisp appeal. The Model 33 lends itself easily to different types of upholstery and presents an ideal opportunity to specify custom textiles, highlighting the high-quality craftsmanship, timeless aesthetics, and historical significance for which Knoll is known.
Herman Miller – Eames Turned Stool
This year Herman Miller is debuting a new shape for the Eames Turned Stool, straight from the archives. Charles and Ray Eames originally designed this group of sculptural wood stools in 1960 in a number of shapes for the lobbies of the Time & Life Building at Rockefeller Center in New York City. This new shape—two compact cylinders separated by a graceful concave neck—is part of that original group. Deep enough to form a comfortable seat and shallow enough to balance a cup of coffee—that’s how Ray Eames described the depressions on the ends of this sculptural stool that she and Charles designed.
That ingenious versatility paired with its geometric good looks and outstanding craftsmanship have made it a go-to in lobbies and living rooms around the world. First introduced in walnut in 1960 as Eames Walnut Stool, its new name reflects the addition of ebonized ash and the process still used to manufacture the stool and is now available in four shapes.
Herman Miller – Environmental Enrichment Posters
Textile master Alexander Girard’s collection of Environmental Enrichment Posters has been newly released from Herman Miller’s archives. While working as the director of design for Herman Miller’s textile division, Alexander Girard developed a series of screen-printed graphics—Environmental Enrichment Panels—to do just that—enrich the ’70s office environment. First released in 1972, they added personalized and spirited elements to corporate cubicle walls. Now these modern textile panels have been faithfully reprinted as quality, high-resolution posters on 100 percent cotton paper.
Color, pattern, and a touch of humor inject joy into these archival designs. With vividly bold colors and variations on whimsical themes, this specially curated collection of vintage Girard designs allows people to bring a piece of modern design history to their workspace.
Sources
“An Archival Reissue: Knoll Model 31 and Model 33.” Knoll. Webpage. 2023.
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