MR Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe played a pivotal role in the evolution of the bent-steel cantilevered chair, particularly through his iconic MR Collection. Inspired by Mart Stam's concept of a chair without traditional back legs, Mies introduced subtle yet profound innovations to the design. His chairs, including the MR 10 and MR 20, made their debut at the Stuttgart Weissenhof Estate exhibition in 1927, a landmark event in the modernist design movement. Mies's genius lay in the graceful curves he added to the front legs of the chairs, enhancing their elasticity while preventing material fatigue. This design choice not only improved the comfort and aesthetics of the chair but also marked a breakthrough in the use of tubular steel in furniture, setting the stage for a new era of modern design.
Over the following years, Mies continued to refine his tubular steel designs, resulting in the comprehensive MR Collection, which remains an enduring symbol of mid-20th-century modernist design. The MR chairs not only represent an artistic fusion of form and function but also embody Mies van der Rohe's famous mantra, "Less is more." With their sleek, minimalist profiles and innovative use of materials, the MR chairs have become iconic staples in modern furniture design. Mies's vision and contributions to the cantilevered chair not only made it beautiful but also solidified its place in the annals of design history, influencing generations of designers and inspiring a lasting appreciation for this remarkable form of seating.
Dimensions: 19.25 x 27.25 x 31 h in
Image credit: Knoll
MR Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe played a pivotal role in the evolution of the bent-steel cantilevered chair, particularly through his iconic MR Collection. Inspired by Mart Stam's concept of a chair without traditional back legs, Mies introduced subtle yet profound innovations to the design. His chairs, including the MR 10 and MR 20, made their debut at the Stuttgart Weissenhof Estate exhibition in 1927, a landmark event in the modernist design movement. Mies's genius lay in the graceful curves he added to the front legs of the chairs, enhancing their elasticity while preventing material fatigue. This design choice not only improved the comfort and aesthetics of the chair but also marked a breakthrough in the use of tubular steel in furniture, setting the stage for a new era of modern design.
Over the following years, Mies continued to refine his tubular steel designs, resulting in the comprehensive MR Collection, which remains an enduring symbol of mid-20th-century modernist design. The MR chairs not only represent an artistic fusion of form and function but also embody Mies van der Rohe's famous mantra, "Less is more." With their sleek, minimalist profiles and innovative use of materials, the MR chairs have become iconic staples in modern furniture design. Mies's vision and contributions to the cantilevered chair not only made it beautiful but also solidified its place in the annals of design history, influencing generations of designers and inspiring a lasting appreciation for this remarkable form of seating.
Dimensions: 19.25 x 27.25 x 31 h in
Image credit: Knoll
