We crossed paths with Carl Hansen & Søn while developing the b2 kitchen system with Gerd Bulthaup in 2007. Back then, he introduced us to the company head Knud Erik Hansen, who was impressed by the kitchen and spoke out for its production. Several years later, he asked us if we would design a wooden chair for him.
Producing classics by design legends such as Kaare Klint (1888–1954) or Børge Mogensen (1914–1972), Hansen’s company is a stronghold of Danish design history with icons like the Wishbone Chair by Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007). At Carl Hansen & Søn, modern CNC milling machines meet meticulous manual work – wood processing with incredible precision. The possibilities were limitless.
After much thinking and searching, we developed a folded soft cushion that combines with a clear-cut solid wood frame to form a comfortable and casual upholstered chair. You are literally embraced by the cushion when you sit on it.
Our design added a new, unexpected typology to Carl Hansen & Søn’s brand identity. Over the years, Embrace has been expanded into a collection.
The cushion consists of two parts: the upper part is fitted over the backrest, while the lower part extends into the armrest cushions, which are folded forward and fixed to the flat cantilevers of the wooden structure. Flat hems along the sides of the cushion give the edges a more relaxed appearance.
An oak tree takes around eighty years to grow large enough to be made into a chair. It would make sense for the chair to be used for at least as long as it took the tree to grow. Even if that seems unrealistic, we believe in this principle.
Over and above consciously selecting a biological or technical resource, regenerative design must also take into account how long it takes to renew that resource. The principles of nature must become a model for design.
Related
FD 2021
Embrace Sofa
FD 2019
Embrace Chair and Barstool
FD 2019
Embrace Table
FD 2016
Embrace Lounge Chair
