Wassily Chair (B3) Marcel Breuer

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Introduction

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I am writing about the Bauhaus designer, Marcel Breuer’s, Wassily chair (B3). The chair is around 79 cm in height and 79 cm in width.

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Use of materials and/or technology - use of tubular steel

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A material designed for creating bicycles, to make the base of the chair. He bent the steel tubes into smooth curves which show the Bauhaus approach of combining modern industrial techniques with functional design. Breuer’s own bike with nickel plated tubular steel handle inspired him

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19 Terms

1
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Introduction

I am writing about the Bauhaus designer, Marcel Breuer’s, Wassily chair (B3). The chair is around 79 cm in height and 79 cm in width.

2
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Use of materials and/or technology - use of tubular steel

A material designed for creating bicycles, to make the base of the chair. He bent the steel tubes into smooth curves which show the Bauhaus approach of combining modern industrial techniques with functional design. Breuer’s own bike with nickel plated tubular steel handle inspired him

3
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Use of materials and/or technology - Tubular steel of the chair was nickel plated

Steel can get rusted and become discoloured over time which would make the chair less attractive. This suggests that the chair is sturdy and will last a number of years if kept in good condition.

4
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Use of materials and/or technology - aimed to use less materials

Still make the armchair functional and comfortable to sit in. The use of tubular steel in the frame and cotton sail canvas in the seating is essentially all he used. The material cotton sail canvas would have carried the weight of the person and fitted their body well.

5
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use of line - continuous line

to give the slimline structure a greater impression of strength. effect is simple but almost hypnotic as you follow the line around the frame searching for a beginning or end. continuous line suggests strength.

6
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Use of line - negative space

Negative space is emphasised through the open frame, giving the chair a lightweight and airy appearance. Lines used are consistent, suggest a more minimal look

7
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Consideration of function - wanted his furniture to be used

Wanted his furniture to be used not to be put in a museum. Open framework gave the impression of less bulky which takes up less space in the room.

8
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Consideration of function - looks and feels comfortable

Making it possible to sit for an extended period. Made of curving tubes of steel and leather slings that create a seat that is ergonomic and comfortable, yet still highly sculptural and minimal in form.

9
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Consideration of function - how stable it is

Despite the almost unstable look of the chair, it is robust and can withhold a reasonable weight.

10
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use of techniques - nickel plating of the tubular steet frame

Nickel plating is attractive, simple steel tubing can rust and become discoloured quickly and easily.

11
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Use of techniques - used tubular steel and bent it

He bent the tubes into smooth curves which shows his influence in the Bauhaus approach of combining modern industrial techniques with functional design

12
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Working methods - bolted his sections

Chose to bolt his sections of tubular steel together instead of the welded joints that he witnessed on bicycle frames. Meant joints were just as strong, could be made by anyone using Allen key. Could be assembled at home if necessary.

13
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Working methods - initially hand built

Chair was initially hand built in small batches, from kits developed within the Bauhaus workshop. Designed his chair to be mass manufactured. Technology was so new at the start that could only be made by trained teams, working to fulfil orders in small batches.

14
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Consideration of aesthetics - modern aesthetic

represents the chair through its fusion of geometric shapes and the balance between shiny metal frame and canvas seating - creates sophisticated, modern look.

15
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Consideration of aesthetics - designed chair with nickel plating on the frame

gives it a mirrored finish which is more attractive as it looks clean and hygienic. nickel plating is quicker, cheaper and longer lasting than painting or powder coating. smooth to the touch and easy to dust down quickly.

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Consideration of style - de Stijl

Influence of de Stijl style from Netherlands is clear in this chair. The simplified angled seat and backrest clearly reference the 1917 red, blue and yellow chair by Gehrig Rietveld

17
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Consideration of style - simplistic aesthetic and manufactured process represents Bauhaus style

Chair was the first of its kind to use tubular steel and was inspired by bicycle handlebars. Steel is manufactured by machine and therefore each section can be mass produced

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Consideration of target market/audience - teachers and students

initially, bauhaus designs were created to furnish homes of teachers and students but through time designers were encouraged to sell to more audiences. beloved by artistics and aesthetically minded audiences. whenever its used in film and tv suggests character is tasteful and educated

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consideration of target market/audience - fulfil needs of ordinary Germans

designed to fulfil the needs of ordinary Germans replacing war damaged furniture, considered that his market had little money so kept materials and costs low by reducing every part of the chair to its minimum. sections could be unbolted if damaged - no need to replace whole chair