Velas wins red dot design award

[04-01-2009] Perfect timing: an international jury has presented the "red dot award" for design excellence to Velas, the new lounge chair designed by Eric Degenhardt for Wilkhahn, just as the sales launch is due to start. This award marks particularly creative, innovative and high-quality products. Velas had already excelled by winning the "Architektur und Office XXL" Innovation Prize. This graceful chair is available from specialist dealers as from May 2009.



Velas, the graceful lounge chair, designed by Eric Degenhardt, translates the principles of Classic Modernism into the future using subtle design, an ingenious construction and innovative upholstery technology. Photo: Wilkhahn

Bad Münder. The Velas range is suitable for informal, semi-public areas such as waiting areas, foyers and lounges. The minimalist metal frame structure and the design of the slender seat and backrest takes up the theme of the light steel tube furniture of Modernism, whilst translating the principle of a cantilever metal frame structure, across which are stretched the seat and backrest, into a new and distinctive language: the fact that the graceful foot section is designed as a smooth transition of front legs, side sections and rear horizontal brace creates a very casual but ordered appearance. The same applies to the "suspended" seat frame with the characteristic, collar-like upper edge of the backrest.


The smooth lines of the foot section and the distinctive, covered seat frame are fascinating due to their subtly organic minimalism. Photo: Wilkhahn

The understated construction also meets high ergonomic requirements due to the innovative covering material: the lined, unitary cover uses three-dimensional, seamless shaped knitting technology. It provides support in the seat and lumbar area, whilst ensuring a high degree of resilience in the upper back section to promote sitting that is both healthy and comfortable. The foot section in aluminium and steel is available with a bright chromium-plated or matt powder coated finish, and there is a wide choice of colours for the covers. As a standalone chair or casually grouped - Velas promotes a light and loose, yet high-quality atmosphere that is highly sought after in modern conference centres and hotels or even in a private setting. A footstool and a matching three-legged side table complete the range. The chair is available at a starting price of 850 Euros, excluding VAT.


Velas has been especially designed for places where informal encounters happen. Places where a light and loose atmosphere can be created that also projects quality. Photo: Wilkhahn

Evaluation for the red dot design award is carried out by a group of jurors made up of renowned designers and design experts from all over the world. They review and evaluate the submitted products according to criteria such as the degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, longevity, ecological compatibility or the extent to which products are self-explanatory. This year, companies from 51 countries submitted a total of 3,203 products to the jury. According to Professor Dr. Peter Zec, initiator of the red dot design award, this prize is a key indicator as to whether a product has the potential for achieving international success.

Further information:

Wilkhahn
Wilkening + Hahne GmbH+Co.KG
International Corporate Communications
Burkhard Remmers
Fritz-Hahne-Straße 8
D-31848 Bad Münder
Tel. +49 5042 999 169
Fax +49 5042 999 130
Mobile +49 172 544 9975
burkhard.remmers@wilkhahn.de

mai public relations
Matthias Mai
Chausseestr. 8, Aufgang E
D-10115 Berlin
Tel. +49 30 8411 4808
Fax  +49 30 8411 4807
Mobile +49 163 325 0099
mm@maipr.com



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