gerrit t. rietveld

the poltrona frau group introduces four of their 2016 salone del mobile offerings:

above> embroidery chair | johan lindsten | cappellini | 2016
the four seasons are the characters of embroidery chair series by johan lindsten. expressing the encounter between the embroidery tradition passed down through generations and next-generation industrial technology, these four chairs with ash wood body and backrests with cross-stitch embroidery on tapestry wool depict painterly landscape scenes drawn from the essence of the four seasons. colors change together with seasons from the ash stained walnut shell of autumn to the white ash of spring, from the black stained ash of winter to the red stained ash of summer.

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orla plus | jasper morrison | cappellini | 2016

orla plus collection by jasper morrison is the tale of the development and evolution of orla project. the asymmetry theme combined with smooth lines is the leitmotif of this collection that consists of sofas in either two- or three-seater models, an armchair and a swivel chair. fixed cover for the base and removable covers for the cushions are available in all fabrics and leathers of the collection. the pillows are removable and have polyurethane foam padding.

below> utrecht chair | gerrit t. rietveld | 1935 // boxblocks | bertjan pot | cassina | 2016
the artist bertjan pot has designed an exclusive bespoke textile in three jacquard versions for the utrecht armchair giving a contemporary twist to this icon by gerrit t. rietveld. the architecture of the armchair is reflected in the innovative workmanship of the boxblocks fabric which is made up of 8 colored threads mixed 2 at a time to create 19 different colors on a template which outlines the shape of the armchair. carried out with an advanced computer controlled jacquard weaving machine. the result is a unique and perfectly balanced geometric pattern in which the combination of triangles is never repeated. a homage to dutch creativity, each unique boxblocks version fits 90 limited edition pieces like a tailor-made dress, for a total of 270 models, which are progressively numbered to guarantee the cassina mark of authenticity. the utrecht armchair was designed in 1935 and has been exclusively produced by cassina since 1988.

“my concepts are never single lined or step by step but they are always a meeting point of different ideas and feelings.
for the boxblocks textile of the utrecht it was important for me to do something today that was not technically possible at the time of the armchair’s creation.
the pattern is inspired by the modernist ‘block-sculptural’ shape of the chair itself. when talking patterns there are generally two types, one is the pattern that respects the product and enhances its shape (think traditional tartan checks and stripes), the other is the pattern that crosses seams and dazzles its actual shape (think zebra stripes and large organic flower prints)… this one does both.”
bertjan pot.

below> lloyd | jean-marie massaud | poltrona frau | 2016
jean-marie massaud designs lloyd, a system of storage units and bookcases with variable geometries. thin vertical wooden rods create light grilles that run from top to bottom on invisible horizontal rails. each grille can be moved as desired to create sequences that are different each time. a fluctuating score of solids and voids, of light and shade. a sensual game that offers a glimpse of the contents, books and objects, without fully revealing them.

the most advanced technology is combined with traditional materials, wood and saddle leather, to form a solid and minimalist structure. the effect is almost intangible, transparent. the horizontal elements on which the grilles slide are made from hpl, a material which even in very thin layers guarantees stability and strength, with a natural oak veneer. the vertical uprights, in mdf covered with cuoio saddle or cuoio saddle extra leather, are placed at regular intervals to give the piece of furniture rhythm and enhance the liberating effect of the grilles.

each individual grille is a painstaking piece of cabinetwork. the solid oak rods are cut in different thicknesses and then individually glued by hand. given the very reduced surfaces of the rods, the lead-colored dye is also applied by hand in several phases.

there is an infinite number of possible compositions. in the wall version the base is closed by mdf panels covered, like the uprights, with cuoio saddle or cuoio saddle extra leather. in the freestanding version, the mobile grilles run along both sides for an even more vibrant and chiaroscuro effect. in all variants the sides of the structure are closed by fixed grilles.

the lloyd can take the form of large bookcases or open storage units of various sizes. widths range from 225 to 280 cm, heights from 46 to 188 cm and its depth is 42.5 cm. the composition can rest on lead-colored solid oak stands or sit directly on the floor on steel feet with matt gunmetal grey finish.