MILAN, Italy, April 7, 2014 — Renowned design and furniture company, Knoll International presents a fresh display of classic and new residential designs at the 2014 Salone Internazionale del Mobile.
This year, Knoll’s presentation includes innovative new collaborations with renowned architect, David Adjaye and celebrated London-based designers, Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby, alongside a selection of recently updated classics by legendary designers, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Florence Knoll, Eero Saarinen, Tobia Scarpa and Marcel Breuer. Knoll’s design classics have always been a pivotal part of the brand’s success. And since the company remains committed to high quality and timeless, yet innovative design it makes sense to put a fresh spin on some of Knoll’s most revered pieces.
The result is a display that pays homage to Knoll’s illustrious heritage, while also illustrating its creative vision.
The company’s Salone exhibition space was once again conceived by OMA, the collaborative practice co-founded by Dutch architect, Rem Koolhaas and Inside Outside founded by Petra Blaisse. Knoll teamed up with OMA in 2013 to launch the “Tools for Life” collection.
Modern always®
For 75 years Knoll has remained true to the Bauhaus design philosophy that modern furniture should complement architectural space, not compete with it. To this end, the company's Salone exhibition presents ideas and themes that reflect its rich design heritage of furniture, textiles and accessories with work grounded in clarity of form and honesty in materials.
Landmark collaborations with architects and designers resulting in such iconic work as Dining Tables and the Tulip Collection by Eero Saarinen; the Barcelona® Collection by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; the Bertoia Collection by Harry Bertoia; and the Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer remind Salone visitors of the contemporaneity and accessibility of Knoll's rich heritage.
Introducing The Washington Collection for Knoll™
Knoll has teamed up with renowned London-based architect, David Adjaye to present his furniture collection at Salone for the first time. The Washington Collection for Knoll™ consists of seating that transforms David Adjaye’s architectural and sculptural vision into accessible objects for the home and office.
The two cantilevered chairs – Washington Skeleton™ and Washington Skin™ – establish a play between propping and balancing, so that they are simultaneously functional and sculptural. The chairs, with their unique leg design, are available in two materials: die-cast aluminum (Washington Skeleton) and reinforced nylon (Washington Skin). Like complementary inversions of each other, the aluminum chair is reduced to a fine geometric lattice, while the nylon chair offers a colorful envelope of the same form.
Washington Skin™, nylon chairInjection molded, glass reinforced nylon cantilevered chair. The chair’s shell and legs are cast in three parts and are connected using mortise and tenon joinery and stainless steel fasteners. The unique leg design is reinforced internally with a cast aluminum brace that is over-molded with nylon. The chair features four integral glides that elevate and protect the leg profile. The chair is available in several colors.
Washington Skeleton™, aluminum chairConstructed from die-cast aluminum, the chair's shell and legs are cast in three parts and are connected using mortise and tenon joinery and stainless steel fasteners. The chair features four nylon glides and is available in several ultra-durable paint finishes or a copper plated finish that allows the chair to patina with age.
Introducing Additions to the Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby Collection
A new sofa with chaise lounge and compact armchair have been added to Knoll’s spirited Lounge Collection by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby. The collection was first introduced by Knoll during the 2013 Salone Internazionale del Mobile.
The Lounge Collection by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby includes different sized sofas, offering a relaxed contemporary attitude towards interior design. Available in a range of upholstery fabrics and leathers, the lounge furniture is distinguished by stitched seams that reinforce its architectural profile, softened by the curvature of cushions on each face. Each piece sits on distinctive cast aluminum feet that slide neatly between its upholstered elements. The feet can be specified in chrome and various lacquered colors to serve as a contrasting highlight.
A compact version of the sofa is also available. Scaled for the workplace or smaller apartment, these pieces feature a lower back and reduced seat depth.
Adding New Colours and Finishes to the Saarinen Collection
Knoll’s renowned Saarinen Dining Tables and Saarinen Low Tables are available for outdoor use.
The iconic tables, which are already offered in countless types and colors of marble, as well as in wood and laminate tops, are now also available in a white Acrylic Stone top. This special Acrylic Stone makes the tables suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. Knoll’s new Outdoor Saarinen Dining Tables and Outdoor Saarinen Low Tables are being offered in several different sizes/dimensions.
Knoll is also introducing a lacquer top finish to its collection of Saarinen Tables. The lacquer top, which is available in a variety of bright and neutral colors, provides a fresh, modern twist to the traditional Saarinen Table. Unlike the Acrylic Stone, the lacquer top tables are only suitable for indoor use.
Knoll’s Saarinen Pedestal Table was first introduced in 1956. Designed by Eero Saarinen to alleviate clutter, this innovative table introduced the concept of one center stem, instead of the traditional four legged support. This minimalist design not only opened up space underneath the table, but provided a cleaner, elegant look that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
About Knoll
Knoll is recognized internationally for workplace and residential design that inspires, evolves and endures. Our portfolio of furniture, textile, leather and accessories brands, including Knoll, KnollStudio, KnollTextiles, KnollExtra, Spinneybeck, FilzFelt, Edelman Leather, and HOLLY HUNT, reflects our commitment to modern design that meets the diverse requirements of high performance offices and luxury interiors. A recipient of the National Design Award for Corporate and Institutional Achievement from the Smithsonian`s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Knoll is aligned with the U.S. Green Building Council and the Canadian Green Building Council and can help organizations achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED workplace certification. Knoll is the founding sponsor of the World Monuments Fund Modernism at Risk program.
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