Can you tell us about the materials you used in the Washington chairs? How did the aluminum and reinforced nylon allow you to experiment with the form? The ribbing was originally developed in plastic and was then modified for the metal version. To be cost effective for both metal and plastic, we were limited to a two-part mold, which means that all the holes are cut in one direction. That was a challenge for us at first because we wanted the ribbing to feel integral, not applied. Both metal and plastic each developed differently as the stress analysis revealed distinct structural needs (for example with the rib number and sizes) and to address issues with the casting process. The cantilevered Washington Chair is available in two different material options: the nylon "Skin" version (shown above) and aluminum "Skeleton." Photo by: Josh McHugh Photo 4 of 9 in David Adjaye for Knoll by Diana Budds

David Adjaye for Knoll

4 of 9

Can you tell us about the materials you used in the Washington chairs? How did the aluminum and reinforced nylon allow you to experiment with the form?

The ribbing was originally developed in plastic and was then modified for the metal version. To be cost effective for both metal and plastic, we were limited to a two-part mold, which means that all the holes are cut in one direction. That was a challenge for us at first because we wanted the ribbing to feel integral, not applied. Both metal and plastic each developed differently as the stress analysis revealed distinct structural needs (for example with the rib number and sizes) and to address issues with the casting process.

The cantilevered Washington Chair is available in two different material options: the nylon "Skin" version (shown above) and aluminum "Skeleton." Photo by: Josh McHugh