Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s MR Chair was designed in 1927 as part of his contribution to the Weissenhof exhibit in Stuttgart, Germany. The chair’s cantilevered design uses tubular steel, then a technological novelty, to create an intuitively accessible and ergonomic seat. (When asked why he created chairs with generously sized seats, Mies van der Rohe allegedly replied that he designs chairs he’d be most comfortable sitting in.) The MR Armchair, still made to his specifications, is perfectly balanced, featuring the material innovation and lack of ornamentation that epitomize the International Style. It was awarded the Museum of Modern Art Award in 1977 and the Design Center Stuttgart Award in 1978.

Production Drawing only, chair not included, chair photo not included