Paimio Chair/Alvar Aalto/1932
At first glance, this chair captivates with its elegant curves, yet it was originally designed for a hospital. In the early 1930s, tuberculosis was widespread in Finland, necessitating the construction of a specialized sanatorium. Alvar Aalto and his wife, Aino Aalto, aimed not only to design a building but also to create furniture that would enhance patients’ quality of life. This vision led to the creation of the Paimio Chair, specifically designed for the Paimio Sanatorium.
Aalto designed the chair with a gently reclined angle to help patients lean back comfortably and allow more air into their lungs, making breathing easier. Another crucial design choice was the material. At the time, tubular steel was a popular choice in furniture design. However, Aalto opted for bent plywood instead, believing that the cold and rigid nature of metal would be unsuitable for a hospital environment. This decision resulted in a combination of both comfort and aesthetics. However, producing plywood bent into such a fluid shape was a challenge for the era. To bring his vision to life, Aalto developed a new wood-bending technique, which later influenced many modern furniture designs.
The Paimio Chair is not just a piece of furniture; it stands as one of the finest examples of how medicine and design can intersect. Today, the chair is still in production and is considered one of the most iconic pieces of modern design. With its graceful curves and functional design, it continues to capture the interest of design enthusiasts worldwide.
Comments