Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication: Plank’s collab with Konstantin Grcic
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We explore Plank’s enduring partnership with the German furniture designer and the designs that have emerged as a result.
In 2005, Plank launched the Miura bar stool in collaboration with German furniture designer Konstantin Grcic. The launch of Miura propelled the brand to great popularity. Quite literally, it represented Plank’s transformation into a highly-acclaimed design brand. As one of their best-selling designs, Miura also became their most iconic. Naturally, Grcic’s inputs and design ideas proved invaluable.
Photo courtesy: Design Nation
In continuing their longstanding collaboration with Grcic, the brand in 2018, launched a new chair – the Cup, inspired by hard shell luggage. Ideal for conferences or waiting areas, the Cup was as inventive as it was versatile. The shell’s geometry was elegant, successfully combining structural strength with lightness and flexibility. What’s more, the design came with an upholstered seating area within the shell which did well to add an ergonomic quality to the chair. Through the design for the Cup chair, Grcic was able to showcase how technology used in hard shell luggage could be applied to seating.
Photo courtesy: Design Nation
Today, the Cup chair’s design has been adjusted and modified into the Cup lounge chair along with the addition of two small occasional tables in two different heights to go with the chair. All three designs were presented at the recently-concluded Salone del Mobile, 2019.
Photo courtesy: Design Nation
But, that’s not all. At Salone, Plank also presented their most important innovation for the year, developed in collaboration with Grcic – a new modular table, Fila.
Photo: Miro Zagnoli, Plank
Fila’s design is minimalistic; its outline made of uniform aluminium profiles finished with a thin solid core tabletop. The table’s modular construction is revealed through solid aluminium corner joints connecting the extruded crossbars and legs. “Fila is an engineered system. The joints are milled not cast, which produces a seamless precision between the elements. A distinct chamfer running down the outside edge of each corner leg is FILA’s signature detail and proof of the special attention to workmanship and quality,” adds Grcic.
Fila in silver, gold and black. Photo: Miro Zagnoli, Plank
Grcic’s workmanship and attention to detail come alive in the form of a chamfer running down the outside edge of each corner leg. In addition to the standard sizes, Fila can also be customised.
Both Fila and Cup are proof that collaborations can work wonders in transforming the design process and the end product. We’re excited to see what’s next for Plank.
Plank is sold in Australia through Design Nation.
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