Vitra

All Plastic Chair

By Jasper Morrison

At first glance, the APC is reminiscent of the simple, classic wooden chairs that have been common in Europe for many decades. However, its performance and appearance have been significantly enhanced by adapting the design to an alternative material.

The flattened forms of the frame are moulded in a single piece, while the thin seat surface is organically shaped and the backrest more finely modelled than the back support of conventional wooden chairs. As a result, the APC is strikingly compact and graceful, and the combination of plastic components makes it extraordinarily comfortable. Whereas the frame consists of a rigid high-strength polypropylene, the seat and backrest are more resilient and adapt to the contours of the sitter's body. The backrest is connected to the frame by twin shafts cushioned with rubber buffers, which allow it to flex gently in response to the sitter's movements, further enhancing the chair's comfort.