Throughout the development of the furniture industry, there have been countless products that have become timeless icons. Recently, the New York Times published a list of 25 iconic chairs of the century, selected by a group of 6 experts in the fields of design, architecture, and art.
Appearing on this list, the item that received a lot of attention is the legendary plastic chair called Monobloc, a chair that is "familiar" to many Vietnamese people and is also an item that can be found in homes, offices, cafes and public spaces around the world .
According to Paola Antonelli, senior curator of architecture and design at the Museum of Modern Art (USA), the Monobloc chair is a symbol of an important period and an embodiment of the history of plastic materials. Unlike many of the other artistic designs on the list that cost thousands of dollars, the Monobloc chair is made from a single piece of pressed plastic, making it durable and affordable.
For those with a deep knowledge of the history of furniture and design chosen by the New York Times, the true origin of this chair remains a mystery because each version of this chair is "both original and fake".
According to Inexhibit, the Monobloc design was originally created as a quick, stackable and inexpensive seating solution. It was primarily intended for outdoor use, such as in gardens, terraces and cafes. Its versatility and practicality quickly proved popular and production of these chairs was immediately scaled up to meet growing demand.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a significant increase in the popularity of the Monobloc chair as its features made it an attractive option for both residential and commercial settings. The chair’s simple yet functional design also fit in with the minimalist aesthetic popular during that period. Furthermore, the Monobloc chair’s stackability became an incredibly useful feature in many situations.
According to experts, the classic Monobloc is white, but nowadays, other versions in red and blue are also widely used. Paolo Antonelli commented that although the design of this chair is not highly appreciated in terms of aesthetics, the convenience and timeless value that this chair brings are undeniable.
Source: NY Times
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