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

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.

Photo by m.bibelot

Bertoia was also well known for his talent in sculpture. He created many monumental architectural pieces in public places such as the large copper and bronze fountain for the Philadelphia Civic Center in Pennsylvania, the bronze sculpture at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C, and decorative metal sculptured screens for major companies and educational institutions.