Cassina adds two new pieces to the Hommage à Pierre Jeanneret Collection
Cassina, always more engaged in the study of the works of the great architects, develops the collection with two more models as a tribute to Pierre Jeanneret and presents the Kangaroo armchair and the Civil Bench.
Pierre Jeanneret’s experience in India brought him close to local life resulting in the creation of essential forms with simple materials that combine modern European ideals and the traditional Indian spirit. With the utmost respect for authenticity, Cassina acknowledges that these products have always been reproduced by local artisans (and not only) with differing details up to the point that they have become sources of general inspiration.
This collection therefore brings together and faithfully produces the furniture by Pierre Jeanneret for Chandigarh: he was in fact a key figure in the construction of this city designed by Le Corbusier and considered the author of a great part of its furniture.
The Chandigarh project, proposed by the Prime Minister of the time Nehru, represented a unique opportunity for Le Corbusier to experiment his architectural and urban theories together with a group of Indian architects and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret.
Kangaroo armchair, Hommage à Pierre Jeanneret by Cassina R&D – Cassina I Contemporanei Collection. This low armchair, created for Chandigarh’s General Hospital Hall and present in many private homes, defines the Z type furnishings in the classification of the works of this Indian city. The lateral sides of the armchair feature a sequence of three vaguely triangular coplanar elements placed in continuity. The woven cane seat and backrest within a wooden frame are characteristic elements that evoke the local spirit, just like the use of typical woods such as teak. In addition to the historic teak essence, the Cassina Research and Development Centre also proposes two further versions in natural and black-stained oak produced in the company’s historic carpentry. An optional cushion is also available to protect the armchair and make it more comfortable.
Civil Bench, Hommage à Pierre Jeanneret by Cassina R&D – Cassina I Contemporanei Collection. This bench was designed between 1955 and 1956 for the accommodation and apartments of the members of the Chandigarh Assembly. It is made up of three consecutive seats supported by a single crosspiece at the front and two lateral supports positioned in the shape of an inverted V, a distinctive element of the collection just like the characteristic Viennese cane within the wooden frame of the seat. In addition to the historic teak essence, the Cassina Research and Development Centre also proposes two further versions in natural and black-stained oak produced in the company’s historic carpentry. An optional cushion for a single seat or the whole bench is also available to protect it and make it more comfortable.