Knoll - Barcelona Lounger

 

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The seating furniture that has been designed in the end of the 20es by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the German pavilion of the world exposition in Barcelona, counts to the absolute classic today, deservedly. On one hand because the ensemble of the clear pavilion made the cold lifestyle famous later – becoming the “International Style”. On the other hand, because there are historic references. That is how Greek folding chairs (scissor- or driving-chairs as throne for gods and monarchs) served as inspiration. More or less this is a new-time throne (without folding function).

In reality, the furniture pieces for the Barcelona pavilion fulfilled highly representative purposes in their initial context: They should serve as royal chairs during the opening ceremony of the world exposition in Barcelona.

This conception stands in contrast to the social, even socialistic aims, which was kept by many protagonists of the “New Constructing” at that time. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe used band steel and leather upholstery on the world exposition in celebrity white. The chair Barcelona was a luxury furniture and moreover hardly suitable for the series. The frame had to be welded sophistically by hand, which meant that the chair could be firstly produced in a changed version from 1948 on. However, it is a really innovative design which enlarged the repertoire of modern times. The separate seat and back cushions “fall” by themselves into the desired position. Thereby the lounger wins its apparent attractiveness, not at last because of the contrast of the swung frame to the more static acting leather modules.

Details to Knoll - Barcelona Lounger

- Characteristics: A signed KnollStudio-Furniture, which is manufactured with Mies van der Rohe initial specifications. In 1953 the designer offered exclusive market and production rights to Knoll. Also a children’s edition of the Barcelona Stool is available. The logo KnollSTudio and the signature of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe are imprinted in every furniture piece.
- Construction: The chromed frame is high gloss polished by hand. Each cushion consists of 40 single leather pieces that are hand-cut, sewed and equipped with seams and buttons out of one skin. The viewable side of the straps have been coloured suiting the upholstery.
- Surface: Available in different spinneybeck-leathers. The frame is chromed and polished.
- Awards: Award of the Museum of Modern Art, 1977.

Design: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was born in Aachen on 27th March 1886 under the civil name Maria Ludwig Michael Mies. Not until around 1921 he appears under the name "Mies van der Rohe". Designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Honoured with: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

The first address in modern art... in 1929 the Museum of Modern Art opened its doors for the first time. Since that time the museum in New York belongs to the most important collections of modern art and design. Designaward Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)