Begun in 2013 with the launch of the Barber&Osgerby Collection of sofas, armchairs and ottomans, the brilliant interaction between Knoll and the designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby continues, with the aim of moving forward with the brand’s cultural heritage, from a forerunner of modernism to an interpreter of contemporary design.
The collaboration with the London-based studio has led to the Pilot Chair, a modern, innovative lounge chair, perfect for any type of space, from the home to the office.
The slim backed chair has a striking profile that will perfectly suit the domestic setting whilst adapting perfectly to use as an executive armchair. The Pilot Chair stands out for its cast aluminium structure with the form of a “T” which links the swivel base to the assembly of the seat and back. At first glance the cantilevered seat seems to be, almost floating in the air. This particular feature brings greater flexibility to the seat and lightness to the structure, while creating a unique silhouette for an essential, timeless design.
The back can be high or low, for contract or residential use, with coverings ranging from fabric to leather. The Pilot Chair, depending on the choice of the padding of the seat and back, is available in a lighter “slim” version and a “soft” version for greater comfort. By varying the type of covering or by changing the finish of the armrests – available in metal or with upholstery – the chair can be transformed in both its image and its functional role.
The Pilot Chair is the sum of elegant design, comfort, exclusive materials and fine craftsmanship, and a perfect example of the approach the two English designers apply in all their projects, which always stand out for great intellectual rigor and avant-garde design.
“When designing for a company like Knoll, one continuously wonders how to place new ideas into such an iconic collection,” Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby comment. “Of course times have changed since the early Knoll pieces and we are more focused these days on such aspects as flexibility, customization and logistics as an integral part of our design. Our new Pilot chair not only responds to today’s needs, but also offers an elegant, innovative design for a different culture.“
