Standard

Design Story

Original Standard Chair from Jean Prouvé manufactured by Vitra

Design and construction

When realising the design and construction of the Vitra Standard Chair, Jean Prouvé concentrated purely on static considerations: Because the hind legs bear the greatest burden, they need to be most stable, and hence are crafted from triangular shaped sheet steel. Conversely the relatively light load on the front of the chair allows for thin tubular steel legs and thus a charming formal contrast. Thus because static considerations were the base thinking behind the chair's design, the chair exists significantly distant from other chair designs and represents a successful crossover object between architecture and design. Originally the chair, and after having been preceded by three designs, was presented in 1934 as "Chair No. 4", it was further developed in the following years and then produced in Prouvé's own factory. The Vitra design classic is made with oak and walnut seat and backrest and a sheet steel and steel tube frame.

Jean Prouvé and Vitra

Along with Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra considered Jean Prouvé one of the great constructors of the twentieth century; however, one who had, and despite some re-editions, not received the attention he deserved for his pioneering designs. Today, the Swiss furniture manufacturer produces the original designs in close collaboration with Prouvé's daughter Catherine Prouvé; the basis for the cooperation is the designer's extensive collection of drawings and plans, which can be seen in several major museums around the world, such as the Center Pompidou in Paris. The original Standard Chair and other works by the artist are also part of the collection of the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein.

Standard Chair by Jean Prouvé – the original comes from Vitra

With an extensive furniture design portfolio and the renowned Vitra Design Museum at the company's campus in Weil am Rhein, Vitra accepts its special responsibility towards modern furniture and interior design. A component of which includes a responsibility to the original designs of the designers, who at Vitra are correctly known as authors. Including Jean Prouvé, one of those great designers of the 20th century who, according to Vitra, rarely got the attention he deserved. A situation Vitra sought to rectify in the early 2000s through a re-issue of the Standard Chair, originally created in 1934, and other furniture designs by Jean Prouvé. As Jean Prouvé had died in 1984 it was not possible in this case to implement the re-edition of the Standard Chair in direct contact with the designer himself and so the project was undertaken in close cooperation with his daughter and with the aid of Prouvé's original drawings and plans. Thus the Vitra Standard Chair is not a reinterpretation, but an original made according to the exact specifications of Jean Prouvé, which reflects the proportions and construction method down to the last detail of the original design. Thereby underscoring that the Standard Chair is only original from Vitra. The Vitra Standard Chair by Jean Prouvé stands for high-quality materials from sustainable resources as well as for first-class production conditions in Europe and is part of the Vitra extended warranty programme.