Brionvega's Alpha TV takes Its Cues From Gray, Corbusier & van der Rohe

You probably don't think of televisions as having timeless design or believe that they would ever become modern classics. But Brionvega's Alpha TV could change that. With design cues clearly inspired by several classic pieces of modern furniture from the late 1920s, the latest generation tv from Brionvega, the Alpha, may end with a permanent place in design books.



Above right : Eileen Gray's Bibendium Chair, 1925

The Alpha is an LCD TV set with built-in DVD player, characterized by design remniscient of the immortal furniture masterpieces by Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer, Mies van der Rohe and Eileen Gray.



Above: Mies van der Rohe - Cantilever Armchair (1927)

Brionvega's Alpha is composed of two slender elements joined by a frame of chrome tubing within which the special wirings are pulsing. A choice which is in direct contrast to most LCD tvs and which focuses on a new layout with the capability of containing the space required by electronics and DVD player.



Above: Le Corbusier's Grand Confort Armchair, 1929

Even the remote control has been designed to impress with materials often associated with well-made furniture. In lieu of plastic, the material used is die-cast aluminum, not metallized plastic.



With a 19" screen, it has a display with 1280 x 1024 resolution, 160-degree viewing angles and a contrast ratio of 1200:1. This futuristic piece also comes with a DVD-player built into its unconventional base, a refreshing change from the usual supporting pedestal.


Above right: Eileen Gray's Adjustable Table E 1027, 1927


Above: Brionvega designer Valerio Cometti

Unfortunately, the set does not include a digital tuner and is not yet HD-ready.

Prices run €1950,00 for the 19" without DVD player and €2150,00 for the 19" with dvd player. You can pre-order them now.
Brionvega

If you'd like to know where you can buy the wonderful classic modern furniture by Eileen Gray, Meis van der Rohe, Corbusier and more shown here, check out the stores listed under classic modern furniture in my side bar or try DWR, by clicking on their logo below.



Shop for TVs and videos here

Saarinen's Tulip Chair & Table Go Platinum

To Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Eero Saarinen's now iconic collection, Knoll has introduced these tables, chairs and stool with a platinum finish as well as re-introducing the wood (rosewood and teak) tabletops.





Above: The original Saarinen table from Knoll in my own dining room. The table belonged to my parents who bought it in 1958. The chairs are actually Burke reproductions and the cushions are the originals from Knoll in sunshine yellow vinyl with cotton and velcro backs.

Design Eero Saarinen, 1956.
Aluminum base, fiberglass, upholstery.
Made in USA by Knoll.



History
In 1956, Eero Saarinen addressed the “ugly, confusing, unrestful world resulting from the slum of legs underneath typical chairs and tables. In 1957, Knoll unveiled the Pedestal Collection by Eero Saarinen, known today as the Tulip Collection, which has evolved into a symbol of mid-century modern design and a mainstay of the Knoll design legacy.

See the original 1958 Press Release from Knoll here.


Above: The original chairs

Commemorative Edition
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this iconic collection, Knoll is adding a platinum base finish and reintroducing rosewood and teak table tops. These new finishes will be a permanent addition to the line.



Above: The special platinum edition
In addition, all Tulip pieces ordered between August 1, 2007 and August 1, 2008, in any finish, will ship with a commemorative medallion and special certificate of authenticity.

Where To Buy
Several Knoll Space retailers are promoting the Saarinen 50th Anniversary collection. By visiting these retailers, you can preview the commemorative medallion and obtain literature on the Anniversary Collection.

The Tulip Collection, in any finish, can be purchased through all Knoll Space retail locations or dealers in North America. Find a Knoll Space retailer near you.

Awards
The Museum of Modern Art Award, 1969
Federal Award for Industrial Design, 1969
Design Center Stuttgart Award, 1962



Construction
Chairs and tables feature a heavy, molded cast aluminum base with a strap polished finish. Black and white chairs and tables are rilsan coated. Platinum finish consists of a high-resilient polyurethane enamel wet coat with a clear satin finish.
Shell is molded fiberglass with a reinforced, plastic bonded finish
Chairs are available with or without arms in a fixed position or with swivel action.



Upholstery
Available with a seat cushion only or with upholstered inner shell
Available in a variety of Knoll Textiles or Spinneybeck leather
Seat cushion is removable and is encased with a zippered cover and fastened to the shell with velcro
Platinum shell finish is not available with inner shell upholstery


Above:20" Side table with timeless teak top and platinum base is accompanied by an oval Rosewood coffee table

Finishes
Base and shell finishes are available in white, black and platinum
Table top options include white laminate and various marble, veneer and granite options

Sustainable Design
All Knoll Studio seating is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® for low-emitting products


Above: Original Print ad from Knoll, 1958

More history and information as well as retailers and other places of purchase.