Merging beauty and function in his philosophy of organic architecture, Wright’s unique furniture for the SC Johnson building’s Great Workroom pioneered a new way to work. As part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Racine Collection, select Signature pieces will faithfully match the style and finishes of the original furniture, with subtle adjustments to the collection’s proportions and scale to support modern living.
“From its beginnings over 80 years ago, Steelcase’s relationship with Frank Lloyd Wright has helped to revolutionize design for work,” says Meghan Dean, General Manager, Ancillary Merchandising and Partnerships at Steelcase. “Now, we continue that mission into the home, as there’s never been a better time to revisit design principles that have always been ahead of their time.”
Guided by Wright’s design principles, the modern Frank Lloyd Wright Racine Collection reinterprets the original line of furniture for use across a wider range of spaces and settings while capturing the spirit and groundbreaking look of his designs. This expanded collection translates Wright’s clear aesthetic for today’s work life, with new desk and guest chair sizes that feature broader dimensions and proportions; an expanded material palette to provide more design choice; and the first-ever public introduction of a lounge chair that Wright designed for the SC Johnson building in 1939.
“Frank Lloyd Wright used design as a means of deepening the relationships between people, nature and place,” says Stuart Graff, President and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. “With the Frank Lloyd Wright Racine Collection and our collaboration with Steelcase, we’re excited to expand his vision of an architecture for better living.”
The Frank Lloyd Wright Racine Collection is the first of Steelcase and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s new creative collaboration, which is expected to be sweeping in scope as the organizations reflect on the past to continue Wright’s legacy and inspire future collections for a new generation. Steelcase draws on the Foundation’s archives and Wright’s organic design principles for aspiration and inspiration, and together they intend to establish ongoing collections of fine furnishings, textiles and wall coverings that evolve from the legendary to the unexpected.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Racine Collection by Steelcase will be exclusively available at launch on Jan. 25 at store.steelcase.com with free shipping as part of Steelcase’s Professional Installation offering.