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Installation "The Original. About the power of good design"
2 July – 30 August 2018

In 2017 Vitra launched the campaign ‘The original comes from Vitra’, a series of activities including an international roadshow with a focus on classic and contemporary products. The installation "The Original. About the power of good design" will be shown from 2 July – 30 August 2018 in the Fire Station by Zaha Hadid on the Vitra Campus.


The roadshow presents information in narrative form. For example, it recounts the origins of the Tip Ton chair by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, whose development began in 2008 with a competition to furnish the new Royal Society of Arts Academy in Tipton, England. In their search for suitable products, the British design duo discovered a gap in the market for school chairs compatible with 21st century learning methods. This led to a collaboration with Vitra on the development of the solid plastic Tip Ton chair with forward-tilt action. The installation in the roadshow illustrates this process with photos of technical drawings, sketches, synthetic resin models and prototypes.
As described in the example of Tip Ton, the roadshow inspires its audience with interesting facts about each design – such as its background story, defining characteristics, function or influence.
Further information on the theme of originals
As described in the example of Tip Ton, the roadshow inspires its audience with interesting facts about each design – such as its background story, defining characteristics, function or influence.
Further information on the theme of originals
Publication Date: 04.07.2018
Images: Mark Niedermann