Dieter Rams, a highly influential German industrial designer, applied his "less, but better" design philosophy to various product categories, including seating. His approach emphasized functionality, longevity, and unobtrusive aesthetics, with his most notable contribution to chair design being a comprehensive seating system.
The 620 Chair Programme (1962)
The preeminent example of Dieter Rams' chair design is the 620 Chair Programme, developed for Vitsœ (initially produced by Wilhelm Zapf). Conceived in 1962, this was not designed as a singular, static piece but as an adaptable and evolving seating system intended to last for generations.
The core innovation of the 620 Chair Programme was its modularity. It began with a single armchair unit which could be expanded by adding more seats and removing armrests to form sofas of varying lengths. Key components typically included a robust, compression-moulded GRP (glass-reinforced polyester) shell, often upholstered in high-quality leather or fabric, and a swivel base or fixed feet. The design facilitates easy disassembly for repair, reupholstery, or reconfiguration, directly reflecting Rams' commitment to sustainable and user-centric products.
The 620 Chair Programme embodies several of Rams' renowned "Ten Principles for Good Design":
- Good design is long-lasting: The chair was engineered for durability, using high-quality materials and construction techniques, designed to transcend fleeting trends.
- Good design is unobtrusive: Its rational form and considered proportions allow it to integrate seamlessly into diverse interior environments without dominating them.
- Good design is honest: The materials and construction are clearly expressed, with no attempt to deceive about the product's nature.
- Good design is thorough down to the last detail: Every aspect, from the comfort of the cushioning to the mechanism for joining units, was carefully considered for functionality and coherence.
- Good design makes a product useful: Beyond comfortable seating, its adaptability ensures continued usefulness as user needs or spaces change over time.
The 620 Chair Programme remains a significant piece in the history of industrial design, illustrating how systematic thinking and a principled approach can lead to enduring and user-focused furniture solutions. It continues to be produced by Vitsœ, a testament to its timeless quality.
