The Eames Lounge Chair Wood (LCW), also known as the Eames Plywood Lounge Chair and Low Chair Wood, is perhaps the most successful and recognized design by the design team led by husband and wife team Charles and Ray Eames. The chair was voted the best design of the 20th century by Time Magazine. Time justified its verdict by saying, “Eames took technology that was being developed to meet a wartime need (for rails) and used it to create something elegant, light and comfortable.” Copied much, but never improved upon . “LCW was a pioneer in many ways, introducing molded plywood as a new material for furniture making. It opened up many new possibilities for designers and manufacturers and forever changed the world of furniture design.
Story
The history of the chair dates back to 1941, when Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen, a Finnish-American architect and industrial designer, entered the Museum of Modern Art’s “Organic Design in Home Furnishings” competition with a group of furniture made from molded plywood to reflect nature to explore We develop furniture in response to the rapidly changing world. After the competition, Charles and Ray continued to experiment with plywood designs and molding techniques in the guest room of their own apartment. Their discoveries led to a US Navy and US Air Force contract to develop rails, stretchers and glider shells. The splints used compound curves to mimic the shape of the human leg. The experience of shaping plywood into compound curves was crucial to the development of the Lounge Chair Wood. The LCW’s final design came into the limelight in 1946. Mass-produced, functional and elegant, yet affordable, the chair was an instant hit in the post-war states. It has been in continuous production since its inception and is still available today under the Herman Miller brand.
design
The high seating comfort of the chair is due to its unique shape, which is adapted to the curves of the human body. The shape of the LCW has received worldwide recognition and praise from design critics. The molding process gives the plywood a gently curved, inviting appearance. The plywood used to construct the backrest and seat shell consists of five lightweight plywood panels with hardwood inner plies. The backrest and legs are made of 8-ply plywood for extra stability. Dry sheets of plywood are put together alternately with those covered with glue. Layer boards are then pressed into the desired shape. Customers can choose from White Ash, Ebonized Ash, Natural Cherry, Birch, Walnut, and Santos Rosewood veneers. The base of the chair is available in either the plywood or steel version. The latter consists of welded, chrome-plated bent steel tubes. In both variants, the frame resembles a hyena, with the front legs longer than the hind legs. Another item on the couple’s list of inventions, the rubber damper mounts sit between the frame, backrest and seat base, allowing the chair to be adjusted to the user’s position. The chair leans back slightly, giving a comfortable, relaxing feeling. To achieve the ultimate in comfort and relaxation, customers can order their Eames Plywood Lounge Chairs upholstered in a foam that can be upholstered in a variety of different fabrics and supple leathers.
The Eames Lounge Chair Wood was designed to furnish homes for soldiers returning from the front lines of World War II. He has neither aged nor become banal. It still looks fresh and contemporary.
This piece of furniture is a perfect combination of amazing form and exceptional functionality.
