The LC7 Swivel Chair (1928) evolved from one of a number of experiments, including an attempt to fashion a chair by wrapping inner tubes from tires around a steel frame. As the Le Corbusier group refined such trials, a sensuous solution took form. A round, thickly padded seat rests on top of a curving claw-like base of tubular steel that resolves in a swivel mechanism, giving the seat pad a buoyant look. A curved, amply padded barrel, doubling as backrest and chair arms, links three tubular steels supports that fuse at the seat base. The LC Series was originally designed for indoor use, but after a visit to Villa Savoye, where some of the pieces were being used on the outdoor terrace, Cassina was inspired to create outdoor-safe models. The manufacturer spent 3 years working closely with the LC Foundation to develop a product that was within the foundation’s parameters: To be “the same or better quality than indoor.” Cassina opted for better, using hand-polished AISI 304 stainless-steel with silver welding, as opposed to chrome, to construct the frames – a material with extreme resistance to corrosion that is actually more authentic to the product; chrome was not used until the 1970s/-80s. The silver welding will patina over time and develop a halo. Sunbrella® fabric covers the UV-resistant (and waterproof) seat and backrest cushions, which are wrapped in “Ecofill” – a hypoallergenic fiber that dries quickly. Each piece is signed and numbered and, as a product of Cassina's Masters Collection, is manufactured by Cassina under exclusive worldwide license from the Le Corbusier Foundation. Made in Italy.
Few would protest that Le Corbusier, Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, is one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. He articulated provocative ideas, created revolutionary designs and demonstrated a strong, if utopian, sense of purpose to meet the needs of a democratic society dominated by the machine. Read more >
Also designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand
Through luck, fate or simply the power of her own genius, Charlotte Perriand designed a roof-top bar for the Salon d'Automne which drew the attention of Le Corbusier. Upon seeing the anodized aluminum and chromed steel furniture that Perriand had designed for the bar, the famed Corbusier invited Perriand to join the Le Corbusier studio. Read more >
Pierre Jeanneret Switzerland (1896-1967)
It is the fate of history that architect and furniture designer Pierre Jeanneret will forever be best known for his collaborations with his famous and esteemed cousin, Charles-Edouard Jeanneret (aka, Le Corbusier). The two began their partnership in 1922 with the Villa Besnus outside Paris. This famous familial duo went on to create some of the most esteemed icons of mid-century modernism, including the Villa Savoye in Poissy, France, and the Grand Modele seating collection. Read more >