Magis Steelwood Modern Chair (Set of 2)

Magis is the brand that has given a novel twist to domestic design. Founded in 1976 in the bustling north eastern corner of Italy by a newcomer to the furniture business, Eugenio Perazza, Magis is today a giant international design laboratory that constantly puts itself to the test, seeking technological sophistication and employing a highly diversified workforce. The company even earned kudos from the trendsetterÕs bible, Wallpaper, which placed Perazza on top of its list of ÒTen who will change the way we liveÓ.

The company catalogue is heterogeneous, often divided into technology families entrusted with a clearcut strategy to different designers. MagisÕ pace setting reinterpretation of mundane household plastic articles is a case in point: ÒStepÓ (1984) is a folding stepladder designed by Andries and Hiroko van Onck. ÒBomboÓ (1997) is Stefano GiovannoniÕs playful bar stool Ð a product that reaped massive revenues for the company.

Magis is a Factory-free organization: in order to enhance the flexibility of its R&D activities, the company opted to outsource its manufacturing and relies on a local area teeming with skilled contractors.

For example, the ÒAir-ChairÓ (2000) by Jasper Morrison combines deceivingly simple design with a sophisticated gas-assisted injection moulding process. ÒChair_OneÓ (2003) is a die-cast aluminium chair_cum_frame_cum_skeleton born of the talent of Konstantin Grcic, a design that propels the brand towards new manufacturing goals, and decrees Òthe end of the dictatorship of plasticÓ. One of the latest additions to the companyÕs classic collections is a new line called ÒFuoritemaÓ, which forms a creative bridge into new worlds, such as products for pets; Michael Young ÒMagis Dog HouseÓ (2002) is an example. The challenge lying ahead of Magis is perhaps that of returning to simplicity, through the complexity of advanced technology.

In 2004 Magis also launched a new collection of objects and furniture for children between two and six years old, called Me Too Collection. Nine designers for twenty-some objects. ItÕs not a scale reduction of the adult world. ItÕs more of an intermediate station, emotive equipment that stimulates the little onesÕ perceptions and helps them to take stock of what the adult dimension will be like. ItÕs a token of love and an intelligent welcome to the smiles of tomorrow. Me Too: IÕm here too and I deserve my place among everything else. Behind it all is an idea born from Eugenio PerazzaÕs impassioned curiosity, and also from careful research. Because you can play with children, but you canÕt fool them.

Recently, Magis has been awarded with Compasso dÕ Oro ADI for a product belonging to the Me Too Collection, Trioli (design Eero Aarnio). The launch on the market of Chair First in 2007, after four years of studies and researches, is also worth to be mentioned: Chair FirstÕs name comes from it being the first example of a chair made by air moulding in which the emptying of the frame is not simply applied to the volumes with a small tubular section, but all throughout the extensive and complex volumes of the chair and its backrest.

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