MC8 — CHIARO

“As with many words, CHIARO has several definitions: clear, bright, and straightforward. Chairs by nature are straightforward — the proportions of a seat and back suggest a place to sit, and regardless of their formal language, most of the time we know what to do with them. Beyond physical function, furniture has a powerful ability to transform atmosphere. It is fascinating that despite technological progress, our fundamental need for chairs seems to endure, while the appearance of many chairs does not.

A number of mysterious variables decide which designs find long term success. Judging from history, one might guess that in order to last a chair must be culturally poignant, technologically or ergonomically innovative, or able to solve a particular need effectively. Sophisticated manufacturing technology and handcraft give Mattiazzi the rare ability to shape wood in almost any form. Although I was extremely tempted to explore those boundaries, CHIARO is not a radical chair. This design flirts with notions of an archetype to create what seems to be an ordinary design that is both visually and physically comfortable in many different environments. The connections between the parts are direct and uncomplicated, and the structure under the seat (perhaps the most unique aspect of the design) evolved from an intention to simplify the joinery while reducing the total number of parts.

An appropriate analogy might be found in the subject of shoes, something Italy is well known for. It is surprisingly hard to find a basic, well-shaped, and well-made shoe. More complex shoes are easy to find. Shoes for outdoors or for sports are no doubt useful, and shoes that make a bold statement are definitely important. But if a shoe looks great with a wide variety of clothing and if the shoe fits comfortably, often it is the one we wear the most. The workaday utility of familiar objects is in symbiosis with more experimental designs — I believe the contrasting attitudes foster a diversity that is mutually supportive.

CHIARO comes with and without armrests and both versions stack for more efficient shipping and storage. The chairs and stools are available naturally finished in oak and in ash, as well as in white, grey, red, blue, yellow, and black stained ash.” Leon Ransmeier

LEON RANSMEIER

BUITENLEVEN VAKANTIES
Noordwijk, the Netherlands

POPPODIUM GRENSWERK
VENLO, THE NETHERLANDS