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the Eames Aluminum Group PHOTO GALLERY
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Design Story
The Aluminum Group initially was designed for Irwin Miller,
founder of Cummins Engines, in Columbus, Indiana. Eero Saarinen and Alexander
Girard designed the Miller home and challenged Charles and Ray Eames to develop
a high-quality seating product for outdoor use.
Known for their honest use of materials, the Eameses constructed
the chairs with cast aluminum and first conceived of a seat frame to support stretched
fabric--a synthetic mesh (woven saran). Although the mesh was discontinued shortly
after its introduction, Herman Miller reintroduced a new mesh material for the
Aluminum Group in 2001. Called Cygnus, it is similar to the Aeron chair's Pellicle
fabric in its aeration and translucent qualities.
The seat-back suspension was a major technical achievement
and represented a departure from the concept of the chair as a solid shell.
Wonderfully comfortable, the chairs became the basis for several
other Eames designs, including the Soft Pad chairs.
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The Eames Aluminum Group Collection
Designed by Charles and Ray
Eames
Special commemorative feature
All thin-pad products ordered through the end of 2008 have a special
anniversary label attached in a discreet location.
Unmistakable look
Aluminum Group, also upholstered in traditional fabric or leather, is ribbed at
1 7/8-inch intervals for a clean, refined appearance; the Cygnus mesh option has
a lighter-scaled, translucent quality; Soft Pad cushions add a plush, luxurious
touch.
Classic and contemporary
The chairs' clean, trim lines make them appropriate for all kinds of places, from
contemporary homes to elegant offices to hip startups.
Inventive Comfort
Unique suspension: A continuous piece of seat-back upholstery is stretched tautly
between aluminum side ribs, creating a firm and flexible sitting pocket that subtly
conforms to the body's shape.
Sitting comfort
Aluminum Group seat pads have layered construction with fabric or leather upholstery;
Soft Pad models add 2-inch-thick foam cushions for comfort and a different look.
Durability
Strong aluminum: With one-piece, curved aluminum side ribs and an aluminum base,
the chair is strong, yet lightweight and easy to move.
Cygnus mesh material
This self-contouring, flexing material is available on Aluminum Group chairs to
provide aeration, even weight distribution, and long-term comfort; Cygnus was
specifically designed for Eames Aluminum Group as an elegant option.
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