In 1948 Charles Eames participated in the International โLow-Cost Furnitureโ competition organized by the Museum of Modern Arts with the design of La Chaise chair which was inspired by the sculpture โFloating figureโ created by the French artist Gaston Lachaise.
The organic design is voluptuous with soft curves giving pleasure to the senses. It is large but in all the right places.
Taking the beautiful and natural form of a tulip, Eero Saarinenโs Tulip Chair had more complex issues to deal with on its path into mass production. It was not simply a fact of producing this beautiful shape and colour to imitate nature, but also considering bigger design issues in its construction.
Harry Bertoia had an unique and distinctive approach to design. For him there wasnโt a distinction between sculptures and furniture. As sculptors mould materials to โentrapโ the final work of art, so Bertoia moulded his seats to make space and air part of them: creating a floating effect. The Diamond Chair is probably the highest example of this kind of approach to design.
