Until April 9th the Wasserschloss Klaffenbach Chemnitz is presenting the exhibition Eames by Vitra.

As we wrote in our initial post, Eames by Vitra presents a complete overview of the Charles and Ray Eames chair canon complemented by texts, photos and videos that explain the background to the Eames Studio.

It is not an exhibition that completely explains the creative phenomenon that was Charles and Ray Eames. But then it doesn’t set out to be.

It’s all about the chairs.

Eames by Vitra in Wasserschloss Klaffenbach is spread over three rooms, physically it is the only solution, however the positive side effect is to lead the visitor on a journey through the output of Charles and Ray Eames. Each room has its own atmosphere, its own character and this reflects on the exhibits, a fact which when combined with the open views from room to room, gives the impression of an exhibition that is much larger than it is.

And it isn’t large. It’s intense. But not voluminous.

But for all Eames by Vitra is inclusive, presenting as it does the Eames plywood, plastic and aluminium chair collections, in addition to the La Chaise lounger, wooden stools and of course the Eames Lounge Chair. There are also enough Eames Elephants on show to consider starting a Wasserschloss Klaffenbach Safari Park.

If we did have one complaint – we know, we know, what is the chances of us having a complaint! Imagine! Us! Complaints!!! – it would be that the first exhibit one sees is devoted to the Eames plastic chairs.

However not only does the Eames story begin chronologically with the plywood chairs; but understanding the Eames plywood chairs is central to understanding the complete Eames furniture oeuvre.

And so, for us, it would have made more sense to begin with the moulded plywood.

But that is probably just us.

And as ever we’re more than happy to let each visitor make up their own mind.

And then tell us that we are wrong.

Eames by Vitra runs at Wasserschloss Klaffenbach Chemnitz until April 9th 2013.

Full details can be found at www.wasserschloss-klaffenbach.de

And as before, in the interests of transparency Eames by Vitra is a co-production between the C³ Chemnitzer Veranstaltungszentren GmbH and (smow) Chemnitz.

Zeeland, Michigan, 1969

The EA 107 from the Charles and Ray Eames aluminium chair range through Vitra

Ten years ago Charles and Ray Eames revolutionised the world of chair design with their “aluminium Chair” range. And now they hope to do it again.

In one of the most eagerly anticipated announcements of the year, Charles and Ray Eames today unveiled their new product range: soft Pad

“soft Pad is our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device” declared a proud Charles Eames as he unveiled the new range to the specially invited journalists in the Yerba Buena Center in Zeeland, Michigan

With the soft Pad  Charles and Ray Eames have retained the familiar aluminium Chair frames, but added a range of new features: principally individually upholstered, 2 and 3/4 inch cushions. The cushions, so Eames, contrast with the sleek aluminium profile to create a softer, more opulent chair that still maintains the transparency and clarity of the original aluminium Chair.

The EA 207 from Charles and Ray Eames new soft Pad range through Vitra

In addition Eames hope to expand on the success of the some 140,000 “apps” available for the aluminium Chairs and which are available over the so called aluminium Chair appsStore; including the popular foot stool and facebookapps

Critics have however highlighted the lack of USB ports and the fact that the new soft Pad doesn’t support flash as drawbacks. Charles and Ray Eames however remained upbeat and predict that the new soft Pad will find great resonance amongst consumers, will eventually become a design classic produced in Europe by Vitra and be available for purchase on the Internet.

youtube contains a lot more than trampolining bears, illegal music videos and “ooh so clever” advertising virals.

It can also be useful and informative.     Honest.

Among the youtube channels we like – and one of the few we actively follow – is that from Vitra.

Recently a new film appeared on the Vitra youtube channel; a short review and history of the Aluminium Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames. Not only is the film a wonderful introduction to the Aluminium Chairs, but also allows a rare “behind the scenes” view of the intense and complex production process – yes, they are all constructed by hand – and also provides an interesting insight into the life and work of Ray and Charles Eames.

Enjoy.

Following the successful visit to USM Haller the (smow)team headed on to Basel and Vitra HQ. The contrast in the external appearances of the buildings could hardly be greater.

The Vitra HQ in Basel, designed by Frank Gehry

As a company Vitra don’t just engage designers to create furniture for them,  they also encourage them to design buildings. The finest example being the Vitra Design Museum complex at Weil am Rhein; but in interests of chronological correctness more on that later.

The original Vitra building in Basel building was constructed as a production facility in 1957,  before being extended in 1994 by American architect and designer Frank Gehry. While Gehry, admittedly, makes it all to easy for his critics to dismiss his work with a quick “Always the same Gehry, just a different city”, it is always worth investigating his work a little more closely.

The "yellow room" at Vitra HQ in Basel with EA 108 from Charles and Ray Eames.

Why for example is the car park blue?

Because every house in California has a pool and so the Vitra HQ needs a pool. Sadly at the (smow)team were in Basel the weather was unseasonably sunny , after rain the pool effect of the blue paint is much more evident.

We were also very impressed by the colour coding of the building; the yellow outside wall, for example, housing a room both decorated and furnished in yellow. So simple, yet so good.

Pin Coat by Oliver Bahr for Moormann at Vitra in Basel

In comparison to the structural elements, inside the Vitra HQ is a wonderful example of just how well Vitra products can be used to construct a pleasant, streamlined and efficient working environment. And not just Vitra products; lurking amongst the furniture were several Pin Coats from Moormann. At the end of the day if you know and appreciate good design you know and appreciate good design.

How Vitra products can help organise an office space

What principally attracted our attention, however, was the incorporation of the Net’n'Nest concept in the layout of the office and the associated separation of the office into separate group work, private work and relaxation spaces. The space available in the Vitra offices was not particular large, just excellently utilized and assigned.

In addition to the administrative office the complex in Basel also houses the research and development facilities as well as the product showcase space and here your (smow)team had the opportunity learn a little more about the production processes and also the forthcoming developments from Vitra.

And then after a highly enjoyable morning in Basel it was off to Weil am Rhein and the Vitra Design Museum…

The (smow)team really enjoyed their trip to Vitra

Aluminium Chair EA 105/106/107/108 from Vitra

The chairs in the so-called “Aluminium Group” from Vitra are highly versatile and are just as applicable for use  in an office environment as in waiting rooms and in private houses. The designs and original construction originate from Ray und Charles Eames (further details on the designer pair can be found in a previous (smow)blog post).

The principle optical charm of the Aluminium Group is the simple, transparent design of the chairs that doesn’t try to conceal the frame, rather incorporates it in the whole.

Aluminium Chair EA 117/119 from Vitra

The cover is fixed to the edges of the chair, and, help tense, flexibly fits the shape of the user. No unnecessary material is used and every component of the stool fulfills a function – ornamentation has been deliberately omitted.

Each model can be varied in terms of  cover material( Hopsack, Leather or Netweave) and colours.

smow stocks the following chairs in the Vitra Aluminium Group from Ray and Charles Eames:

EA 117 / 119

Aluminium Chair EA124 from Vitra

EA 105 / 106 / 107 / 108

EA 205 / 206 / 207 / 208

EA 124

EA 125

EA 222 / 223

EA 115 / 116

EA 215 / 216

ES 105 / ES 108

ES 106 Soft Pad Chaise