designing his first piece for artek, konstantin grcic has conceived the rival multifunctional task chair during the 2014 salone del mobile in milan. developed using a mix of solid birch for the legs and laminated birch for the arms, backrest, and in the circular geometry of the seat pan, the furniture piece offers a swivel function to become multifunctional task chair.

konstantin grcic rival multifunctional task chair artek designboom
rival multifunctional task chair by konstantin grcic
all images courtesy to artek

 

the legs of the chair were designed by konstantin grcic to be milled from one piece of solid birch, a technique recently used in a number of different seating. as a result, the wood takes on a certain fluid quality, similar to the aesthetic of moulded plastic.

konstantin grcic rival multifunctional task chair artek designboom
the chair can swivel around, accentuating its multi-tasking quality

 

the first variation of the rival chair is an armchair with a low and a high back version, a seat in a choice of a three-dimensional textile or leather upholstery, available in a range of different colors.

konstantin grcic rival multifunctional task chair artek designboom
side view of the rival chair

 

 

 

the chair works on a number of levels,’ says grcic. ‘there is the choice of materials, and it was clear that for the rival, birch would play an important part. there is the home office typology, a reflection of a contemporary approach to life. and third is what might be called the grammar of construction, the way in which a piece is put together,’ he adds.

konstantin grcic rival multifunctional task chair artek designboom
rear view

konstantin grcic rival multifunctional task chair artek designboom
the legs are designed using birch as a material

 

 

1/7
rival multifunctional task chair by konstantin grcic, his first design for artek
 
rival multifunctional task chair by konstantin grcic, his first design for artek
 
rival multifunctional task chair by konstantin grcic, his first design for artek
 
rival multifunctional task chair by konstantin grcic, his first design for artek
 
rival multifunctional task chair by konstantin grcic, his first design for artek
 
rival multifunctional task chair by konstantin grcic, his first design for artek
 
rival multifunctional task chair by konstantin grcic, his first design for artek