Designed by Rotterdam-based designer Sabine Marcelis for BD Barcelona, the Stedelijk Chair made its debut at this year’s Milan Design Week. Although Marcelis is typically recognized for her use of vibrant, gradient colors, ironically, it is the stark, uniform appearance of aluminum in the Stedelijk Chair that offers a refreshing change. This departure from her usual palette highlights the raw beauty of the single material used, offering both a statement of design philosophy and a reflection of Marcelis’ commitment to aesthetic innovation.
Originally commissioned by the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, it is of no surprise that a museum known for its extensive curatorial collection of design objects would approach Marcelis to design the chair that ultimately will be used throughout the renewed entrance area of the building. Its flowing silhouette harmonizes with the smooth, white exterior of the museum’s facade, creating a cohesive visual link between the chair and the structure’s architectural design.
Marcelis, also known for her innovative approach to design where she frequently intersects the realms of art and functionality, expresses this cohesion through a sculptural form that ultimately caters to the practical needs of a communal space – by creating a chair that is both lightweight and stackable. Its structure, composed entirely of aluminum, transitions seamlessly from the legs to the backrest. This fluid movement not only reinforces the integrity of the material but also highlights its natural luster and strength.
The production of the chair was completed by BD Barcelona, renowned for their nonconformist approach and commitment to creative freedom. Handmade and visually striking, the chair embodies BD Barcelona’s heritage of craftsmanship and innovation. Their technique not only highlights the material’s inherent qualities but also reflects the company’s ongoing dialogue with diverse realms of creativity, a principle maintained by its collective ownership of architects and designers.
Photography by Nacho Alegre.