Introduction
Herman Miller’s Bubble Saucer is a remarkable piece of furniture that has taken the world by storm. The design is simple yet elegant, and its unique shape makes it stand out from other furniture pieces. The Bubble Saucer is a true modern classic that brings a touch of sophistication to any room. In this article, we will explore the history, design, and significance of the Bubble Saucer.
History of the Bubble Saucer
The Bubble Saucer was designed in 1958 by two American designers, George Nelson and Irving Harper. It was part of a larger collection called the “Bubble Lamps.” The Bubble Saucer was meant to be a seating option that was both comfortable and visually appealing. The designers wanted to create a chair that would “float” in mid-air, and they achieved this by sculpting a wide and curved base.
The Bubble Lamps collection was an instant success, and the Bubble Saucer quickly became a popular choice for office spaces, lounges, and homes. The chair’s popularity continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and it became a symbol of the era’s modern design. However, with the rise of new furniture trends in the 1980s and 1990s, the Bubble Saucer fell out of favor.
The Design of the Bubble Saucer
The Bubble Saucer’s design is distinct from other chairs due to its shape. The wide and curved base provides a feeling of weightlessness, making it seem as though the chair is floating. The chair’s backrest and armrests are made from a single, molded piece of plastic, which is then attached to the base.
The original Bubble Saucer was made from fiberglass, a now largely outdated material. However, for the past decade, Herman Miller has been producing Bubble Saucers in high-quality ABS plastic, which is both lightweight and durable.
The Significance of the Bubble Saucer
The Bubble Saucer is not just a piece of furniture; it is a symbol of the 1950s and 1960s modern design era. The simplicity of its design and its futuristic appearance made it the perfect representation of the Space Age. The Bubble Saucer was a time machine that brought the future into the present.
Its significance goes beyond its appearance, however. The Bubble Saucer was also a product of technological advancement. The fiberglass used to make the original Bubble Saucers was a relatively new material at the time, and its moldable properties allowed the designers to create a chair with a unique shape.