The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity Launches The Ever-Evolving Eames Aluminum Group, Exploring the Iconic Office Furniture that Ray and Charles Eames Created
The Eames Institute of Curiosity has launched its fifth exhibit: The Ever-Evolving Eames Aluminum Group, delving deep into one of their most notable furniture designs. Illustrated by the Eames Institute’s archival collection of prototypes and finished pieces, the virtual exhibit shares the story behind the development of the enduring design and its evolution from outdoor seating, to home furnishings, to office staples.
Originally intended to be an outdoor furniture option for the Columbus, Indiana, home of Xenia and J. Irwin Miller designed by Eero Saarinen, designer Alexander Girard collaborated with the Eameses in 1957 to create modern outdoor furniture that would be both durable and comfortable. As the group of designers collaborated, it became evident that materials like aluminum and synthetic textiles would be durable and withstand the elements. Additionally, these materials are emblematic of developments in material resources and technologies that shaped U.S. postwar design. The demands of war led to increased aluminum production, and in the same period much effort was directed towards creating plastics and synthetic textiles that could be used in place of conventional materials.
The exhibit continues to build on the Eames Institute’s efforts to share the many ways in which Ray and Charles Eames approached problem-solving. The endless iterations, innovation in materials and manufacturing, prioritization of function and efficiency—and more—is especially evident through the development of the Eames Aluminum Group.