jasper morrison's VITRA evo-c evolves the two-legged cantilever chair

an uncompromising novel interpretation of a pioneering typology – the two-legged cantilever chair – premieres at the VITRA summit 2020. from its slim sculpture to its ‘springy’ quality, the VITRA evo-c designed by jasper morrison translates the basic principles and functional characteristics of the classic chair type into one made completely from a single plastic. at the same time, the model is exemplar of the british designer’s coined ‘super normal’ philosophy as it aspires to be a real, lasting and pleasing everyday object.

all images courtesy of VITRA

the VITRA evo-c by jasper morrison marks the next evolution in the rich history of the two-legged chair seen over the past 100 years. it all started with mart stam’s experimental prototype made of gas pipes in 1926, progressing into the advantageous tubular steel work of mies van der rohe and marcel breuer in the late 1920s, which introduced the ‘springy’ quality now typical of the cantilever effect, and then through to the development of the S chair by verner panton as the first made from a single piece of molded plastic in 1967. konstantin grcic also tackled the typology in 2006 with the myto chair, which positioned its two legs towards the middle of the seat to restrict the flexing motion.

jasper morrison’s evo-c is also the result of manufacturing innovations; it enhances gas injection molding technology to create a load-bearing structure from hollow tube-like components. these flow seamlessly into the planar surfaces of the seat and back to help deliver the proven strength and rigidity expected from cantilevered tubular steel constructions. as well, it not only delivers but also exceeds the ‘springy’ quality of the chair typology, most notably in the extra flex of the backrest.

the resulting design is said to be a two-legged sculpture that grows from the ground. its graceful and thin silhouette makes the chair seemingly disappear behind the body of the sitter, with only the looping foot remaining visible. the ergonomic, generously curved surfaces of the seat and backrest add extra comfort to the user.

the VITRA evo-c still follows morrison’s ‘super normal’ ideology, where all components of the discrete yet highly revolutionary design – from material choice to form – are influenced by his creative restraint. its use of a single plastic material not only distinguishes a cohesive appearance, it helps avoid separation problems. this is so that, even after 30 to 50 years of active use, the chair’s material can still be salvaged for a new purpose at the end of its long lifespan.

product info:

brand: VITRA

model: evo-c

designer: jasper morrison