1000 Chairs (Taschen 25).15: How to Appreciate and Choose Seating Design for Your Own Style and Personality
1000 Chairs (Taschen 25).15: A Visual Guide to the History of Seating Design
Have you ever wondered how chairs came to be? How did humans go from sitting on the ground to sitting on sophisticated pieces of furniture that can swivel, recline, or even massage? How did chairs reflect the social, cultural, and artistic movements of different times and places? And how will chairs look like in the future?
1000 Chairs (Taschen 25).15
If you are curious about these questions, then you might want to check out 1000 Chairs (Taschen 25).15, a book that showcases a thousand examples of seating design from ancient times to the present day. This book is not only a visual feast for the eyes, but also a rich source of information and inspiration for anyone interested in design, history, or simply chairs.
In this article, we will give you a brief overview of what this book covers and why it is worth reading. We will also explore some of the main themes and highlights of the book, such as the origins, evolution, revolution, and future of chairs. By the end of this article, you will have a better appreciation of the humble chair and its role in human civilization.
The Origins of Chairs: How Humans Started to Sit on Furniture
The first chapter of the book traces the origins of chairs back to prehistoric times, when humans used natural materials such as rocks, logs, or animal skins to create simple seats. These seats were mainly used for practical purposes, such as resting, eating, or working. They were also symbols of status and power, as only the leaders or elders could sit on them.
The book shows some examples of these primitive seats, such as the Egyptian stools made of wood or ivory, the Greek klismos chairs with curved legs and backrests, or the Roman curule chairs with X-shaped frames. These chairs were often decorated with carvings, paintings, or fabrics to enhance their beauty and prestige.
A table showing some examples of ancient chairs
Name
Origin
Description
Egyptian stool
Egypt
A low seat with four legs and a flat top, often made of wood or ivory.
Greek klismos chair
Greece
A chair with four curved legs and a curved backrest, often made of wood or metal.
Roman curule chair
Rome
A chair with an X-shaped frame and a leather seat, often made of bronze or iron.
The Evolution of Chairs: How Different Cultures and Eras Shaped Seating Styles
The second chapter of the book follows the evolution of chairs through different cultures and eras, from medieval times to the 19th century. The book shows how chairs reflected the social, religious, and artistic influences of each period, as well as the technological advancements and materials available.
For example, the book features some examples of Gothic chairs with pointed arches and intricate carvings, inspired by the architecture and spirituality of the Middle Ages. It also showcases some examples of Renaissance chairs with classical motifs and elegant proportions, influenced by the revival of ancient learning and art. And it displays some examples of Victorian chairs with elaborate upholstery and ornamentation, reflecting the wealth and taste of the Industrial Revolution.
A table showing some examples of historical chairs
Name
Origin
Description
Gothic chair
Europe
A chair with a high back and pointed arches, often made of wood or stone.
Renaissance chair
Italy
A chair with a low back and classical motifs, often made of wood or metal.
Victorian chair
Britain
A chair with a padded seat and elaborate upholstery, often made of wood or fabric.
The Revolution of Chairs: How Modern Technology and Innovation Transformed Seating Function and Form
The third chapter of the book covers the revolution of chairs in the 20th century, when modern technology and innovation transformed seating function and form. The book illustrates how chairs became more comfortable, ergonomic, and versatile, as well as more expressive, creative, and experimental.
For instance, the book presents some examples of ergonomic chairs that adapt to the human body and posture, such as the Eames lounge chair with a molded plywood shell and a leather cushion, or the Aeron chair with a mesh fabric and an adjustable mechanism. It also exhibits some examples of versatile chairs that can be folded, stacked, or transformed, such as the Butterfly chair with a metal frame and a canvas cover, or the Sacco chair with a leather bag filled with polystyrene beads. And it reveals some examples of experimental chairs that challenge the conventional notions of seating, such as the Ball chair with a fiberglass sphere and a cushioned interior, or the Wiggle chair with a cardboard structure and a wavy shape.
A table showing some examples of modern chairs
Name
Origin
Description
Eames lounge chair
USA
A chair with a molded plywood shell and a leather cushion, designed by Charles and Ray Eames.
Aeron chair
USA
A chair with a mesh fabric and an adjustable mechanism, designed by Don Chadwick and Bill Stumpf.
Butterfly chair
Argentina
A chair with a metal frame and a canvas cover, designed by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy.
Sacco chair
Italy
A chair with a leather bag filled with polystyrene beads, designed by Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini, and Franco Teodoro.
Ball chair
Finland
A chair with a fiberglass sphere and a cushioned interior, designed by Eero Aarnio.
Wiggle chairUSAA chair with a cardboard structure and a wavy shape, designed by Frank Gehry.
The Future of Chairs: How Emerging Trends and Challenges Will Influence Seating Design
The fourth chapter of the book explores the future of chairs in the 21st century and beyond, when emerging trends and challenges will influence seating design. The book speculates how chairs will respond to the changing needs and preferences of people, as well as the environmental and ethical issues facing the world.
A table showing some examples of future chairs
Name
Origin
Description
Embody chair
USA
A chair that adjusts to user movements and posture, designed by Jeff Weber and Bill Stumpf.
Ollie chair
USA
A chair that transforms from a flat panel to a seat with a simple gesture, designed by Jessica Banks.
Cabbage chairJapanA chair that uses leftover fabric from fashion production, designed by Nendo.Mycelium chairUKA chair that uses mushroom-based material, designed by Sebastian Cox and Ninela Ivanova.Share chairJapanA chair that can be connected to form different configurations, designed by Jun Murakoshi.Open Source ChairGlobalA chair that can be downloaded and customized by anyone, designed by OpenDesk.
Conclusion: What can we learn from the book and how can we apply it to our own lives?
In conclusion, 1000 Chairs (Taschen 25).15 is a book that offers a comprehensive and captivating overview of the history of seating design. It shows how chairs are not only functional objects, but also cultural artifacts that reflect the values, beliefs, and aspirations of different times and places. It also shows how chairs are not only static forms, but also dynamic expressions that respond to the needs, preferences, and challenges of people and the world.
By reading this book, we can learn a lot about the past, present, and future of chairs, as well as the past, present, and future of ourselves. We can appreciate the diversity and creativity of seating design across cultures and eras. We can also evaluate the comfort and ergonomics of seating design for our own health and well-being. And we can inspire ourselves to create or choose seating design that suits our own style and personality.
So if you are looking for a book that will enlighten you about the history of seating design, entertain you with stunning visuals and fascinating stories, and empower you to make better decisions about your own seating choices, then you should definitely check out 1000 Chairs (Taschen 25).15. You will never look at chairs the same way again.
FAQs: Some common questions and answers about the book and chairs in general
Who are the authors of the book?
The book is written by Charlotte and Peter Fiell, who are renowned experts on design history and culture. They have written over 60 books on various aspects of design, such as industrial design, graphic design, or fashion design. They have also curated exhibitions and lectured at universities and museums around the world.
When was the book published and how many editions are there?
The book was first published in 1997 by Taschen, a German publisher known for its high-quality books on art, architecture, and design. The book has been reprinted several times since then, with updated content and images. The latest edition is the 25th anniversary edition, which was published in 2020. It features 15 new chairs that were added to the original selection of 1000 chairs.
How are the chairs selected and organized in the book?
The chairs are selected based on their historical significance, aesthetic appeal, or innovative features. They are organized chronologically from ancient times to the present day. Each chair is accompanied by a brief description that includes its name, origin, designer, date, material, and dimensions. The book also includes an introduction that explains the concept and purpose of the book, as well as an index that lists the chairs by name, designer, or country.
Where can I buy or borrow the book?
You can buy or borrow the book from various online or offline sources. For example, you can order the book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Taschen's website. You can also find the book at your local library, bookstore, or design museum.
What are some other books or resources that I can read or watch to learn more about chairs and seating design?
There are many other books or resources that you can read or watch to learn more about chairs and seating design. Here are some examples:
The Chair: Rethinking Culture, Body, and Design by Galen Cranz, a book that examines the social, psychological, and physiological aspects of seating design.
Chairs by Architects by Agata Toromanoff, a book that showcases chairs designed by famous architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, or Zaha Hadid.
Chair Times: A History of Seating by Vitra Design Museum, a documentary film that explores the history of seating design through 125 objects from the museum's collection.
The Art of Sitting by TEDxSydney, a video series that features talks and performances by various speakers and artists who share their perspectives on sitting and chairs.
71b2f0854b