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The X
Two crossed curves
One curve carries the back and runs down to the front foot; the other carries the seat and ends at the back. Crossed, they form an X that recalls the Roman curule chair.
Its catalogue name
- Design
- Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich
- Year
- 1929
- Place
- German Pavilion, Barcelona
- Material
- Flat steel bar and leather
Scroll
Chapter I. Origin
Chapter II. Anatomy
Chapter III. Exploded view
Throne and drawing
Without the cushions, the chair is just two crossed strokes of steel. The luxury is in the leather; the idea, in the X.
A
Structure
Flat steel bar
B
Seat
Leather cushions
Chapter IV. Matter and light
Try it
The same structure changes character with its materials and the light in the room.
Chapter V. Context
1928
The commission
Germany commissions Mies and Lilly Reich to design its pavilion for the Barcelona International Exposition.
1929
The pavilion
Marble, glass, steel and water. The chair is designed for the official opening.
1930
Dismantled
Once the exposition ends, the pavilion is taken down.
1950
Redesign
Mies adjusts the chair to produce it in stainless steel.
1953
Knoll
Knoll begins manufacturing it and turns it into a symbol of corporate lobbies.
1986
The pavilion returns
It is rebuilt on its original site in Barcelona.
Chapter VI. Closing
Designed for a royal visit, it ended up in lobbies all over the world.
Objects of the Century, Barcelona
000
Preparing the room