This is minimalism.

CONTEXT
CONTEXT
Aug 22, 2017 · 2 min read

If there’s one chair that might stand as the epitome of minimalism, it would be the simple lines and contoured body of the Low Chair 2003, or LC03, designed by Maarten van Severen for the century-old company of Pastoe. The problem with claiming it is a minimalistic style of seating, however, is the fact that van Severen himself would have disagreed. “People say that my work is minimalistic,” he stated before his death in 2005, “But I don’t believe in the word ‘minimalism.’ My creations are more about maximalism.”

Pastoe | design in CONTEXT

Regardless of the semantics that plays into the discourse backing up the recognizable LC03, we can all agree that the Belgian designer proves his point: his chair does it all. With a stainless steel frame that can come finished in a black or white lacquer, the crisscrossing support props up the seat and back of the chair without fussing over appearance.

Slightly reclined, the graceful shape of the slim, composite polyester seat comes in varied thicknesses. By following the curvature of the spine, Van Severen’s study of human ergonomics come into focus. From 4 millimeters around the edges to 8 millimeters in the center, its molded appearance — in a selection of colors featuring flecks of natural fibers — uses strategically pleated polyester to top off the low chair with the subtle effect.

design in CONTEXT

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