Plastic in the history of design

Since the 1950s, the use of plastic in furniture design has undergone a remarkable evolution. This versatile material has revolutionised the way designers approach furniture design, offering bold new possibilities in terms of form, function and aesthetics. This article explores the history of the use of plastic in furniture design, highlighting the key trends and major contributions that have marked its development. Since the 1950s, the use of plastic in furniture design has undergone a remarkable evolution. This versatile material has revolutionised the way designers approach furniture design, offering bold new possibilities in terms of form, function and aesthetics. This article explores the history of the use of plastic in furniture design, highlighting the key trends and major contributions that have marked its development. TamTam krystal candy" vintage stool, re-edition by Sacha Cohen, 2002. This model is a re-edition of the famous plastic Tam Tam stool designed by Henry Massonnet in 1968, a symbol of the triumph of plastic in the furniture industry in the 1960s. TamTam krystal candy" vintage stool, re-edition by Sacha Cohen, 2002. This model is a re-edition of the famous plastic Tam Tam stool designed by Henry Massonnet in 1968, a symbol of the triumph of plastic in the furniture industry in the 1960s. Before plastic and its derivatives flooded the furniture market in the 60s and 70s, it was already widely used in object design. Who remembers bakelite, a totally synthetic, thermosetting plastic used in the 1st part of the 20th century to make a number of everyday objects (telephone and radio casings, kitchen utensils, electric sockets and switches, combs)? Before plastic and its derivatives flooded the furniture market in the 60s and 70s, it was already widely used in object design. Who remembers bakelite, a totally synthetic, thermosetting plastic used in the 1st part of the 20th century to make a number of everyday objects (telephone and radio casings, kitchen utensils, electric sockets and switches, combs)? An old bakelite wall telephone from the 50s and 60s, with its dial and small crank on the side. Legrenierdelisette.com An old 50s/60s bakelite wall telephone with its dial and small crank on the side. legrenierdelisette.com Among the first designers to explore the possibilities of plastic, the American couple Charles & Ray Eames launched their range of "plastic chairs" in 1950, seats designed with fibreglass-reinforced polyester resin shells. As pioneers, they paved the way for more widespread use of plastic in contemporary furniture. Among the first designers to explore the possibilities of plastic, the American couple Charles & Ray Eames launched their range of "plastic chairs" in 1950, seats designed with fibreglass-reinforced polyester resin shells. As pioneers, they paved the way for the more widespread use of plastic in contemporary furniture. Plastic chairs, designed by Charles & Ray Eames, 1950. In 1957, the Swiss company Vitra signed a licensing agreement with Herman Miller, the Eames' American manufacturer and publisher, and produced the couple's chairs for Europe and the Middle East. www.ubm-development.com Plastic chairs, designed by Charles & Ray Eames, 1950. In 1957, the Swiss company Vitra signed a licensing agreement with Herman Miller, the Eames' American manufacturer and publisher, and produced the couple's chairs for Europe and the Middle East. www.ubm-development.com In the 1950s, research into plastic accelerated and in 1959, the Danish designer Verner Panton designed and created his famous S chair (or Panton chair), the 1st chair to be made from moulded plastic in a single piece. An unparalleled creative force who turned his back on traditional Scandinavian design, which glorified traditional materials such as wood, Panton understood the incredible potential that plastic offered for the creation of new forms. In the 1950s, research into plastic accelerated and in 1959, the Danish designer Verner Panton drew up and designed his famous S chair (or Panton chair), the 1st chair made from moulded plastic in a single piece. An unparalleled creative force who turned his back on traditional Scandinavian design, which glorified traditional materials such as wood, Panton understood the incredible potential that plastic offered for the creation of new forms. S chair, designed by Verner Panton, 1959. The chair has been mass-produced by Vitra since 1967. The S Chair is a cantilever chair that perfectly embodies the energy of the 60s... © proantic.com S Chair, design by Verner Panton, 1959. The chair has been mass-produced by Vitra since 1967. The S Chair is a cantilever chair that perfectly embodies the energy of the 60s... © proantic.com Danish designer Verner Panton in front of his famous miniature S chairs. www.nedgis.com Danish designer Verner Panton in front of his famous miniature S chairs. www.nedgis.com Along with other designers, Verner Panton experimented with a new technique that revolutionised the furniture industry: the use of injection-moulded plastic, which allowed a greater variety of shapes and designs, while paving the way for greater accessibility of these innovative pieces of furniture. Designers' imaginations now have no limits, since they have at their disposal a malleable material that can be moulded into any desired shape. And the icing on the cake is that plastic comes in all colours! Along with other designers, Verner Panton experimented with a new technique that revolutionised the furniture industry: the use of injection-moulded plastic, which allowed a greater variety of shapes and designs, while paving the way for greater accessibility of this innovative furniture. Designers' imaginations now have no limits, since they have at their disposal a malleable material that can be moulded into any desired shape. And, best of all, plastic comes in all colours! Universale model 4867 vintage chair, designed by Joe Colombo for Kartell, 1967. The 4867 has become an iconic piece from the 60s, made entirely of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a thermoplastic polymer) and injection moulded. Universale model 4867 vintage chair, designed by Joe Colombo for Kartell, 1967. The 4867 has become an iconic piece from the 1960s, made entirely from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a thermoplastic polymer) and injection moulded. Some models have marked the arrival of plastic in furniture manufacture more than others. Such is the case of the K1340 children's chair (or model K4999), made from injection-moulded polyethylene. The result of a collaboration between Italian architect and designer Marco Zanuso and German architect and designer Richard Sapper, this seat is considered by some experts to be the first mass-produced chair made entirely from plastic. And it's no coincidence that the little chair is produced by the Italian publisher Kartell, which has confirmed the rise of Italian design. Some models have marked the arrival of plastic in furniture manufacture more than others. Such is the case of the K1340 children's chair (or K4999 model) made from injection-moulded polyethylene. The result of a collaboration between Italian architect and designer Marco Zanuso and German architect and designer Richard Sapper, this seat is considered by some experts to be the first mass-produced chair made entirely from plastic. And it's no coincidence that the little chair is being produced by the Italian publisher Kartell, which has confirmed the rise of Italian design. Stack of K4999 children's chairs, designed by Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper for Kartell, 1964. The chairs are modular and stackable like Legos, as well as being sturdy. lasoutdp1719.wordpress.com Stacking of children's chairs model K4999, designed by Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper for Kartell, 1964. The chairs are modular and stackable like Legos, as well as being sturdy. lasoutdp1719.wordpress.com K4999 children's chair, designed by Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper for Kartell, 1964. © sbandiu.com K4999 children's chair, designed by Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper for Kartell, 1964. © sbandiu.com K4870 chair, designed by Anna Castelli-Ferrieri for Kartell, 1987. Founder of Kartell with her husband, Giulio Castelli, Anna Castelli-Ferrieri came up with another colourful chair many years later, still in plastic! pamono.fr K4870 chair, designed by Anna Castelli-Ferrieri for Kartell, 1987. Founder of Kartell with her husband, Giulio Castelli, Anna Castelli-Ferrieri came up with another colourful plastic chair many years later! pamono.fr K4870 chairs, designed by Anna Castelli-Ferrieri for Kartell, 1987. This colourful stackable chair won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1987. pamono.fr K4870 chairs, designed by Anna Castelli-Ferrieri for Kartell, 1987. This colourful stackable chair was awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1987. pamono.fr It's no coincidence that I'm talking about Kartell. The growing importance of plastic and its compounds coincided with the triumph of Italian design on the international scene. Italian designers and publishers are seizing on the new aesthetic possibilities of plastic to create innovative, colourful and playful designs. Examples include the collaboration between Joe Colombo and Kartell, and the success of lamps by Italian designer Harvey Guzzini. If I mention Kartell, it's not for nothing. The growing importance of plastic and its compounds coincides with the triumph of Italian design on the international scene. Italian designers and publishers are seizing on the new aesthetic possibilities of plastic to create innovative, colourful and playful designs. Examples include the collaboration between Joe Colombo and Kartell, and the success of lamps by Italian designer Harvey Guzzini. Fiona table lamp, designed by Luigi Massoni for Harvey Guzzini, 1970. Italian design's recipe for success: inventive design, malleable plastic and dynamic colours! 1stdibs.com Fiona table lamp, designed by Luigi Massoni for Harvey Guzzini, 1970. Italian design's recipe for success: inventive design, malleable plastic and dynamic colours! 1stdibs.com Nesso table lamp, designed by Giancarlo Mattioli for Artemide, injected thermoplastic polymer (ABS) structure. An iconic Italian design lamp with a futuristic look and pop colours © artemide.net Nesso table lamp, designed by Giancarlo Mattioli for Artemide, injected thermoplastic polymer (ABS) structure. An iconic lamp in Italian design, with its futuristic look and pop colours © artemide.net From the end of the 1950s until the 1st oil crisis in 1973, several factors favoured the development of the plastics industry. Firstly, the petrochemical industry encouraged the use of plastic and helped many designers to develop their projects. Then there was the mass retail sector, which embraced this promising niche, synonymous with a new lifestyle encouraged by the advent of mass consumption. In the 1960s, Prisunic, a popular chain of local shops, launched a catalogue of furniture, lighting and crockery, promoting contemporary design by Marc Held, Terence Conran, Olivier Mourge and Danielle Quarante. Finally, plastic could be seen as an opportunity for a new generation of designers to turn their backs on "dull" design, by rejecting natural materials such as wood. From the end of the 50s until the 1st oil crisis in 1973, several factors favoured the development of the plastics industry. Firstly, the petrochemical industry encouraged the use of plastic and helped many designers to develop their projects. Then there was the mass retail sector, which embraced this promising niche, synonymous with a new lifestyle encouraged by the advent of mass consumption. In the 1960s, Prisunic, a popular chain of local shops, launched a catalogue of furniture, lighting and crockery, promoting contemporary design by Marc Held, Terence Conran, Olivier Mourge and Danielle Quarante. Finally, plastic could be seen as an opportunity for a new generation of designers to turn their backs on "dull" design, by rejecting natural materials such as wood. Prisunic furniture catalogue, 1960s. In the foreground is a trolley that looks like the famous red plastic "Boby" trolley designed by Joe Colombo. Prisunic furniture catalogue, 1960s. In the foreground, a trolley that looks like the famous red plastic "Boby" trolley designed by Joe Colombo. Prisunic furniture catalogue featuring a bed in moulded polyester (a synthetic material derived from petroleum) designed by Marc Held. Prisunic furniture catalogue featuring the moulded polyester bed (synthetic material derived from petroleum) designed by Marc Held. © tout-prisu.net In this respect, the Prisunic catalogue is indicative of the changes in society at the time: people wanted furniture that was modular and popular, and colour for a free and nomadic lifestyle... And plastic is the material that fulfils all these wishes: it is economical, industrially produced with economies of scale, accepts all shapes and colours, and is accessible to everyone! In this respect, the Prisunic catalogue is revealing of the societal evolution of the time: people wanted modular, popular furniture, and colour for a free and nomadic lifestyle... And plastic is the material par excellence that fulfils all these wishes: it is economical, industrially produced with economies of scale, accepts all shapes and colours, and is accessible to all! Table Danielle Quarante Pour Monoprix, Édition Prisunic, années 70. © ebay.fr Table Danielle Quarante Pour Monoprix, Édition Prisunic, années 70. © ebay.fr Table Danielle Quarante Pour Monoprix, Édition Prisunic, années 70. Detail of the designer's signature. ebay.fr Danielle Quarante Pour Monoprix table, Prisunic edition, 1970s. Detail of the designer's signature. ebay.fr If design in the 60s unleashed designers' creativity, it was also due to the widespread use of synthetic foam rubber (polyurethane foam), which could be used to stuff steel structures and cushions, and on which jersey could easily be stretched. Polyurethane, otherwise known as PU, is part of the large and diverse family of polymers and plastics. If design in the 60s unleashed designers' creativity, it was also due to the widespread use of synthetic foam rubber (polyurethane foam), which could be used to stuff steel structures and cushions, and which was easy to stretch into jersey. Polyurethane, otherwise known as PU, is part of the large and diverse family of polymers and plastics. One of the icons of vintage design from the 60s: the djinn 2-seater vintage sofa designed by Olivier Mourgue for Airborne. The internal frame is tubular steel and the upholstery is polyurethane foam. The fabric cover is a wool-blend jersey. One of the icons of 60s vintage design: the djinn 2-seater vintage sofa designed by Olivier Mourgue for Airborne. The internal frame is tubular steel and the upholstery is polyurethane foam. The fabric cover is a wool-blend jersey. The 1980s and 1990s were marked by an in-depth exploration of the aesthetic possibilities offered by plastic. Designers experimented with bright colours, bold geometric shapes and transparent effects, creating pieces of furniture that captured the public's imagination. Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost chair, introduced in 2002, is a notable example of this period, combining a classic aesthetic with the modernity of transparent plastic. The 1980s and 1990s saw an in-depth exploration of the aesthetic possibilities offered by plastic. Designers experimented with bright colours, bold geometric shapes and transparent effects, creating pieces of furniture that captured the public's imagination. Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost chair, introduced in 2002, is a notable example of this period, combining a classic aesthetic with the modernity of transparent plastic. Today, in response to the ecological crisis, furniture manufacturers and designers are adopting 100% recycled plastic derivatives. For example, Kartell is using a new polycarbonate 2.0 for all its best-sellers, demonstrating its commitment to offering models made from sustainable materials that can be dismantled and recycled. A new take on plastic... Today's ecological crisis is forcing furniture manufacturers and designers to adopt 100% recycled plastic derivatives. For example, Kartell is using a new polycarbonate 2.0 for all its best-sellers, demonstrating its commitment to using sustainable materials for products that can be dismantled and recycled. Louis Ghost chair, designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell, transparent polycarbonate, 2002. The model is now marketed in polycarbonate 2.0, made from renewable raw materials from the paper and cellulose industry (ISCC certified). madeindesign.com Louis Ghost chair, design Philippe Starck for Kartell, transparent polycarbonate, 2002. The model is now marketed with polycarbonate 2.0, made from renewable raw materials from the paper and cellulose industry (ISCC certified). madeindesign.com Componibili Organic plastic storage unit. A brand icon designed in 1967 by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, now made from Bio-On bioplastic: 100% natural, recyclable and biodegradable. madeindesign.com Componibili Bio plastic storage unit. A brand icon designed in 1967 by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, now made with Bio-On bioplastic: 100% natural, recyclable and biodegradable. © madeindesign.com François BOUTARD

Plastic in the history of design

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