What was Good Design?

MoMA played an important role in promoting a “Good Design” concept that emerged in the 1930s and continued its development into mid century era. The “Good Design” concept represents the objects that are simple, functional, truth to materials, yet appealing to your eyes. MoMA promoted such concept through a series of five “What is Good Design?” exhibition between 1950-1955, as well as various competitions such as “Printed Textiles for the Home” (1946), “International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture” (1948) and “New Lamps” (1950). 

Examples of Good Design Furniture

The exhibit includes iconic mid century modern furniture pieces by Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen and Hans Wegner; lighting by George Nelson, textiles by Alexander Girard; dinnerware by Russell Wright; and numerous other familiar objects including kitchen tools, small appliances, a fishing rod, and even an ax! The exhibition is currently running through November 30, 2009. It is well worth a visit along with other great exhibitions.

The Eames Lounger is a fine example. Originally produced in 1956 the Eames Lounge Chair is now considered one of the 20th century’s most significant furniture designs. In 1991, Herman Miller stopped using rosewood in the construction of the Eames Lounger, as it is a non-sustainable, endangered wood. Now the Eames Lounger is made using cherry and walnut from sustainably managed forests. Twenty-nine percent recyclable, the Eames Lounge Chair is made up of 24 percent recycled materials.

 
As a company, Herman Miller is serious about its commitment to corporate sustainability. Herman Miller’s Design for Environment team (DfE) carefully applies environmentally safe design standards to both new and classic pieces throughout the Herman Miller’s product catalog.

 
Another major player in the modern furniture industry, Knoll, has also been re-tooling some of its most well known pieces. Originally designed in 1948 by Eero Saarinen, the latest incarnation of the Womb Chair is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified. Since the late 70s when Knoll hired a full-time environmental engineer, the company has been focused on producing high quality products with minimal impact on the environment.

 
In 2003, GREENGUARD certification was achieved for all KnollStudio seating as well as all KnollTextiles. Additionally, by 2005, more than 90 percent of the wood used to make all Knoll composite board products contained an average of 93-percent post-industrial material. With the eco-friendly trend gaining momentum like it has been over the past few years, it seems likely that more furniture manufacturers will follow suit. It just goes to show that a good design is a sustainable design.

Article submitted by Jamie Sward

Eames Hang-It-All

A husband and wife team, Charles (1907 – 1978) and Ray (1912 – 1988) Eames are among the most influential designers of American design history. Together, they contributed in furniture design, architecture, film, art, exhibits, and graphic design.

Charles Eames studied architecture at Washington University for two years. Many sources claim that he was dismissed from the University for supporting Frank Lloyd Wright and modern architecture. In 1930, he started his own architectural office in his hometown St. Louis, Missouri. In 1938, he and his family (wife Catherine and daughter Lucia, they divorced in 1941) moved to Michigan, to study at Cranbrook Academy of Art, where he later became head of the industrial design department. Ray studied abstract painting with Hanns Hofmann in New York before beginning her studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art. At Cranbrook, Ray assisted Charles and Eero Saarinen’s design project for “Organic Design in Home Furnishings” competition at the Museum of Modern Art.

Eames Fiberglass Chair

Charles and Ray married in 1941 and settled in California where they continued to develop many innovative products using molding plywood. During World War II, they developed designs for splints and stretchers for the U.S. Navy. The production of their molded plywood furniture collection, featuring dining tables, dining chairs, lounge chairs, occasional tables, and a screen began shortly after the war ended in 1946, first by Evans Products Company and then by Herman Miller, Inc.. Various designs of their molded plywood furniture have remained in production to this day. They also designed furniture with other materials such as chairs using molded fiberglass, cast aluminum, and bent/welded wire mesh. Regardless of the style and material, their furniture was always sophisticated, yet simple and functional. Their design focused on improving ordinary people’s quality of life by fulfilling their needs.

Eames Plywood Elephant

Though Charles and Ray Eames are well known for their furniture design, they also devoted their time in other areas such as architecture, films, and exhibits. In 1949, they participated in the Case Study House Program sponsored by a magazine called “Arts and Architecture” and designed and built their own house known as the “Eames House.” They have also produced more than 100 short films, such as “Powers of Ten.” They also designed showrooms and toys for children. Regardless the form of design, Charles and Ray Eames successfully proved that good design can make the world more interesting and improve people’s quality of life as well.

Sarrinen Tulip Table & Chairs - photo by m.bibelot

Eero Saarinen (1910 – 1961), a Finnish-born architect and furniture designer, studied sculpture in France and architecture at Yale University. He came to the United States in 1923 at age thirteen with his father, Eliel Saarinen. His father was a prominent Finnish architect who came to teach architecture at the University of Michigan. His father also taught at Cranbrook Academy of Art where he later became the director of the academy.

Kresge Auditrium at MIT

After studying at Yale, Saarinen joined his father’s practice. He opened his own practice after his father’s death in 1950. Saarinen’s architectural accomplishments include General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan; the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; the Kresge Auditorium and chapel at MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts; the TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy International Airport; and the main terminal of Dulles International Airport.

Like many other architects during this era, Saarinen also designed furniture. He collaborated on various furniture projects with his long time friend Charles Eames. The first recognition of his furniture design came in 1940. A molded plywood chair with complex curves he and Charles Eames designed won a competition called “Organic Design in Home Furnishings” held at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. Later Saarinen joined Knoll Associates and designed various pieces such as the “Grasshopper” lounge chair and ottoman; the “Womb” chair, ottoman and settee; “Tulip” tables and chairs and a series of office chairs. His designs, especially the “Womb” chairs and ottoman and the “Tulip” collection became iconic in mid century modern furniture design and have remained the same to this day.