The Aluminum Group chairs began as a challenge among legendary designers. Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard were designing the home of industrialist J. Irwin Miller in Columbus, Indiana, USA. They sought a high-quality seat for outdoor use and asked Charles and Ray Eames to develop one.
Known for their honest use of materials, the Eameses built their chairs with cast aluminum and a seat structure that supports stretched synthetic mesh. The suspension from backrest to seat was a major technical achievement and represented a shift from the concept of a chair as a solid structure.
These chairs evolved into the Aluminum Group, which began production in 1958. Although they are constantly in demand, the line has changed and expanded considerably in recent years. The original mesh for outdoor use was discontinued, along with the 4-star base and painted arms of the early designs.
In 2001, we introduced a new mesh material for the Aluminum Group. Called Cygnus, it is similar to the Pellicle fabric of the Aeron chair in its ventilation and translucency qualities. The lounge chair and side chair models are once again available on the 4-star base, a look especially appropriate for residences.
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames
