The term “Design Classics” refers to furniture and accessories that are considered influential and pivotal in design history due to their timeless design, outstanding quality, and innovative aesthetics.
What Makes a Design Object a Design Classic?
A design object is typically considered a design classic when it possesses certain characteristics that make it timeless, influential, and enduringly relevant.
Here are some factors that can contribute to a design object becoming a design classic:
- Innovative Design: Design classics often stand out through innovative concepts, shapes, or functions. They break with traditional norms and set new standards.
- Functionality: A design classic is usually not only aesthetically appealing but also fulfills a functional need in an efficient and thoughtful manner.
- Timeless Aesthetics: Design classics exhibit a timeless aesthetic that transcends fashion trends. They maintain their relevance and visual appeal over an extended period.
- Influence on Design History: A design classic often has a demonstrable impact on design history. It may serve as a precursor to new design movements or styles.
- Quality and Craftsmanship: Design classics are often crafted with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Their quality contributes to durability and value retention.
- Cultural Significance: A design classic may hold cultural significance, fitting into the context of its time of creation and beyond.
- Enduring Popularity: A design classic remains popular and sought after over time. It is appreciated from generation to generation and stays relevant.
- Manufacturer Recognition: Design classics often originate from renowned designers or reputable manufacturers known for their quality products.
The status of a design classic can be subjective. Recognition as a design classic often emerges over time. Not every successful design object necessarily attains classic status. The acknowledgment of a design classic is frequently influenced by the recognition of experts, collectors, and the broader design community.
Design Classics and Outstanding Icons of Furniture Design
How does a design become an Icon?
A design can become an icon when it possesses qualities that set it apart from other designs, making it a timeless symbol. The status of an icon is the result of a successful combination of various factors that come together to make a design truly special:
- Innovation and Originality: Marcel Breuer’s “Wassily Chair” is an iconic furniture design distinguished by its innovative use of bent tubular steel. It breaks with traditional conventions and sets new standards in furniture design.
2. Aesthetics: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s “Barcelona Chair” embodies timeless beauty and aesthetic allure. Its clean lines and modern design transcend fashion trends.
3. Functionality: Charles and Ray Eames’ “Eames Lounge Chair” stands out as a prime example of the fusion of aesthetics and functionality. The chair not only serves its purpose but also provides high comfort and appealing aesthetics.
4. Cultural Relevance: Arne Jacobsen’s “Egg Chair” is closely tied to its time and culture. Reflecting the modernist movements of the 1950s, it became a symbol of contemporary furniture design.
5. Influence and Pervasiveness: Eero Saarinen’s “Tulip Chair” has a profound influence on furniture design and society. Its unique form has been frequently imitated, remaining an iconic example of modern design.
6. Longevity: Charles and Ray Eames’ “Eames Plastic Chair” is a design that stays relevant over decades. The versatility and various models make the series timeless classics.
7. Design Signature: Philippe Starck’s “Ghost Chair” for Kartell bears the unmistakable signature of the designer. The transparent material and clear shaping make it recognizable as Starck’s unique creation.
8. Emotional Connection: Eoos’ “Embrace Lounge Chair” for Carl Hansen & Søn can establish a deep emotional connection. Its elegant design and high comfort evoke positive emotions such as admiration.
Swiss Design Classics
Swiss design has produced several notable classics across various fields over the years:
- Wassily Chair (1925) – Marcel Breuer: While Marcel Breuer himself is not a Swiss designer, the Wassily Chair was brought to life by the Swiss company Embru. Embru’s tubular steel chairs exemplify Swiss craftsmanship and design from the early 20th century, renowned for their durability and simple, elegant form.
- Landi Chair (1938) – Hans Coray: Designed by Hans Coray for the 1939 Swiss National Exhibition in Zurich, the Landi Chair is an example of innovative Swiss design. The lightweight chair made of aluminum grids was ahead of its time, featuring a distinctive aluminum lattice and serving as a pioneering example of modern industrial design.
- USM Haller Furniture System (1963) – Fritz Haller: Designed by Fritz Haller, the USM Haller Furniture System is known for its modular construction using steel tubes and metal ball connections. It stands as a Swiss classic in office furniture design.
- Helvetica Typeface (1957) – Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann: The Helvetica is an iconic typeface created by Swiss designers Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann. It represents clear, modern typography and is widely used worldwide.
- Swatch Watch (1983) – Nicolas G. Hayek: Created by Swiss entrepreneur Nicolas G. Hayek, the Swatch watch revolutionized the watch industry with its colorful and affordable approach to timekeeping.
- Swiss Army Knife by Victorinox: An iconic example of design that combines aesthetics with high functionality, the Swiss Army Knife from Victorinox not only serves its purpose as a pocketknife but is also efficient, user-friendly, and surprisingly versatile.
Vitra & Vitra Design Museum
Vitra is a leading company in the field of design furniture and interior architecture, exerting a significant influence on the world of design. Through partnerships with renowned designers, Vitra plays a defining role in shaping residential and workspace environments globally, contributing to the discourse on design. Founded in 1950 by Willi Fehlbaum in Switzerland, the company was later acquired by the German Eames family in the 1980s. Vitra is headquartered in Weil am Rhein, Germany, with production facilities in the same location.
Vitra Design Museum
The Vitra Design Museum fosters critical discussions on design and architecture, contributes to education and inspiration, and provides a space for engagement with contemporary and historical design. It is among the leading design museums globally.
https://www.design-museum.de/en
Original or Evolution?
Do design classics undergo changes as well?
Design classics are characterized by their timeless aesthetics and functional sophistication, but this does not necessarily mean they always remain unchanged. Over time, even design classics can be subtly revised or adapted to meet evolving demands in materials, production processes, or technology. A notable example of this is the “Eames Lounge Chair” by Charles and Ray Eames. This iconic chair has been carefully updated over the years to incorporate modern materials and manufacturing techniques while preserving its distinctive form and elegance. Another prominent example is the “Arco Floor Lamp” by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, which has been adjusted over time in terms of its lighting technology and sustainability.
In some cases, design classics are updated to better align with today’s standards for comfort, ergonomics, or functionality. The “Wassily Chair” by Marcel Breuer can serve as an illustration in this regard, initially revolutionary in its use of bent tubular steel and later modified over the years to meet contemporary expectations for seating comfort.
Evolution of Timeless Design Classics
Adapting Successful Design Classics involves adjustments and updates to established objects. This may encompass integrating modern technologies, employing innovative materials, exploring new color and surface designs, and considering ergonomic principles. Collaborations with contemporary designers provide fresh perspectives, while sustainability efforts, such as environmentally friendly materials or a reduced ecological footprint, are integrated into the developments. Meticulous implementation, respecting the registered rights of the original, preserves the initial vision of the design and meets contemporary requirements. Striking a balance between tradition and innovation is crucial to maintaining the timeless character of successful designs.
Modern iteration of the Design Classic USM
The USM Haller furniture system is distinguished by its modular structure, the use of steel tubes and metal ball connectors, and is renowned for its versatility and timeless aesthetics. It has become a symbol of modern, flexible, and customizable office furniture and was inducted into the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in 2001. The USM Haller system, in line with the original design, remains exclusively available in the original version with silver-chromed frames. Modern variations, such as the Swiss Flexcube furniture system, offer this clear design language and high-quality craftsmanship in various configurations at reasonable prices.
Affordable Design for everybody
Design classics, from the perspective of many consumers, come with a significant drawback: a very high price. The term “democratic design” signifies that well-designed, functional, and affordable design should be available to everyone, regardless of social class or income. Coined by Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, the concept of “democratic design” is not limited to IKEA but generally describes a design approach that aims for accessibility, functionality, and aesthetics for a broad audience.
The high cost and limited evolution of authentic, original design classics create opportunities for young innovations to successfully establish themselves in the market. For instance, they can introduce high-quality alternatives to existing design classics for new target audiences, leveraging modern color or material variations and genuine price advantages.
Replica of Design Classic
Design Classic Replicas offer a unique opportunity for design enthusiasts to connect with the essence and history of renowned designers. These furniture pieces are reproductions of iconic creations that have revolutionized living and design throughout history. They bring the durability and sophistication of the originals into an affordable form, making them particularly appealing to those seeking the designer furniture experience without the budget for an authentic piece. Replicas allow the beauty and heritage of these pieces to endure in various colors and forms. They honor the originality of the classics by preserving their timeless aesthetics while providing modern adaptations to fit today’s living spaces. Through these replicas, ordinary interiors can also be enriched with the history and character of famous design icons and accessories.
However, it’s crucial to note that the quality and authenticity of such replicas can vary significantly. When purchasing replicas, look for reputable providers and ensure that no copyrights have been violated, as buying unauthorized replicas can have legal consequences.
Original Design Classics as Investment
For individuals possessing the financial capacity, original design classics can be viewed as an investment, as genuine originals have the potential to increase in value over time. Making informed decisions involves the opportunity to procure a rare original from its specific era, treated akin to a work of art. Alternatively, reproduced, or limited editions present a compelling investment avenue, contingent upon their origin from licensed manufacturers and authentication through stamp embossing or proof of identity.
More legendary furniture pieces
ANT Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
Panton chair by Arne Jacobsens
Cantilever Chair “S64” by Marcel Breuer
Craving for more?
There are so many fascinating sources that provide a glimpse into the world of legendary furniture pieces and their creative creators. The inspiring realm of furniture design unfolds through books that invite immersive exploration, and the boundless internet opens portals to databases and websites that celebrate design and furniture in their purest form. Platforms like “Architonic” bestow unparalleled stages upon designer furniture, where their uniqueness shines.
Museums of applied arts and design elevate furniture to the status of artworks. These places of creative worship not only offer physical spaces but also virtual pathways through stunning online catalogs.
