Vitra develops and produces furniture and accessories for home, office and public use. Now for the first time, the company is giving visitors an insight into how an item of furniture is produced: in the brand new Vitra Atelier.
The idea is to allow the general public to gain a real-time glimpse into part of the workshop and the production process. Visitors can experience with their own eyes just how much craftsmanship goes into making a Vitra design classic - the Eames Lounge Chair.
Beginning with the story behind this icon of modern furniture design - produced by Vitra with the same care and precision for more than 50 years - the Vitra Atelier opens up various perspectives: from its use of natural materials to individual production steps right through to the longevity and sustainability of the Lounge Chair. A design that remains as cutting-edge today as it ever was.
An open workshop forms the centrepiece of the Vitra Atelier. It has been relocated from the company's private production premises to the public campus area. Besides the ongoing demonstration of how the Lounge Chair in produced, emphasis is placed on highlighting the quality of the craftsmanship that goes into making the product. Trade visitors and end customers can increase their knowledge in this way, and have a chance to feel materials, ask about specific aspects on site, and also to receive a detailed consultation in the VitraHaus if they are interested in buying.
Should a customer decide to purchase a Lounge Chair while visiting the VitraHaus, they can then watch their very own chair being made at the Vitra Atelier. There are also various "Santos Palisander" wood veneer shells to choose from.
The Vitra Atelier is situated in a building that was designed by Frank Gehry and built in 2003 on the Vitra Campus - Vitra's production site in Weil am Rhein, Germany. The Vitra Atelier will be an additional attraction alongside the commercial offer in the VitraHaus, the exhibitions in the Vitra Design Museum and the architecture tours around the Vitra Campus.
The Vitra Atelier is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed all day on Sundays and Mondays. Admission is free of charge.