design forum - DesignAddict


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	title of this thread your message I feel like we've had this discussion before. In terms of the letter to Dwell I understand Mr. Demetrios' frustration. Modernica sells knock-offs - not just of the fibreglass chairs, but of many other classic designs. By claiming to legitimately produce the fibreglass chairs they are also legitimizing all of the other crap they sell. As to the fibreglass/plastic debate yes, the original chairs were fibreglass. Would the Eames have changed the way they were made? While we can never know for sure we can look to other examples of materials changing, starting at the very beginning: The Plywood chairs. The plywood chairs were originally intended to be formed into a single shell, but the plywood cracked at such sharp angles. The compromise was to split the seat & backrest in two. The chair was put into production but the search for a single shell shair continued. First, in stamped metal chairs that were not put into production, and then in fibreglass. Whatwe see is a continuation of a form with an evolution of materials. Jump again to the plywood chairs, which ceased production in 1957. In 1971 the Eames began production of the EC-127, which was basically a DCM, but instead of plywood seat & backs they used an injection moulded plastic covered in upholstery. This shows two things. First, again, an evolution of materials within the same form. And second, a clear example that the Eames embraced injection moulded plastics as a material. Now look to HermanMiller, a company who has a long history of moving towards ecologically friendly practices. It stands to reason that they would explore other opportunities in terms of materials. And to clarify - vitras main claims about environmental impact are in the recyclability of the polypropelyne chairs - something the fibreglas chairs are unequivocably not. associated web images (optional) associated web link (optional) your email your password create a forums account \| you forgot your password?