The Art of Design Issue 56 2022 | Page 68

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The perfect example of how to use design

and materials to create inviting and visually arresting retail spaces , Lundhs Real Stone collaborated with Oslo concept store FWSS to deliver an outstanding interior scheme .

Adorning a variety of surfaces in a range of finishes and colourways , including the floor , display areas , walls and the counter , the natural stone has been used to create a unique shop design whilst helping to display FWSS ’ merchandise in a stunning manner .

A standout focal point , the shop floor is made up of natural stone floor tiles in Lundhs Blue , displayed in an eye-catching chevron pattern . The combination of finishes creates a truly unique scheme , whilst coordinating effortlessly with the rest of the space . Large triangular slabs in a mixture of Lundhs Royal finishes provide an exquisite backdrop at the rear of the retail space whilst solid blocks of Lundhs Antique , Lundhs Royal and Baltic Green combine with wood to complete the central counter area .

TOGETHERNESS – THE 520 UPHOLSTERED CHAIR BY MARCO DESSÍ EPITOMISES ELEGANT COMFORT AND SOCIABLE GATHERINGS – AND LOOKS FORWARD TO THEIR FULL RETURN !

The new 520 range of upholstered chairs references Dessí ’ s personal favourite from the Thonet product portfolio : the bentwood chair 209 , a model that many an architect has fallen in love with over the years . “ While working on the 520 , I studied the Thonet classics . The arc that forms a unit with the back legs is so iconic and so characteristic of Thonet . Essentially , our approach is based on that one specific detail .” And it is precisely this beech bentwood component that Dessí has incorporated as a structural element . He has cleverly reduced the space between the lower arc and the seat so it doubles as a kind of carry handle , particularly convenient when there is a need to reposition the chairs .

Comfort in a variety of forms

Dessí has designed two options for the chair backs of the 520 : one with armrests ( 520 PF ) and one without ( 520 P ). The chair is available in a variety of wood finishes and fabric coverings , which makes the 520 extremely versatile and allows it to be customised to suit a variety of settings . The 520 ’ s shape in itself is a welcoming suggestion to take the weight off and take a seat . “ You immediately associate the 520 with comfort , even before you sit down ,” says Dessí . “ When you settle in , the backrest nestles gently against you and , even in the versions without armrests , the shell provides cushioning and support to the sides .” This means optimal seating comfort in a variety of positions , even over many hours .

“ Quality stands the test of time ”

The innovative process for bending solid wood developed by Michael Thonet in the mid-19th century gave rise to the typical Thonet design language and had a considerable influence on Dessí during his design process : “ The fact that the very first Thonet chairs are still in use today demonstrates just how robust , sustainable and utterly contemporary the process is ,” he says . For Dessí , the heritage of the tradition-steeped furniture manufacturer is proof that “ quality stands the test of time – and that striving for quality can guarantee that a company will be around for 200 years .” With the 520 chair , a model has been added to the Thonet portfolio that promotes the idea of community and therefore unmistakably embodies the DNA of the heritage-rich company . A resident of Vienna , Dessí prefers to experience this aspect of Thonet for himself in one of the city ’ s many coffee houses , where Thonet products have been a fixture since the 19th century .

www . thonet . de / en