Tuesday, December 23, 2008

herman miller :: mid-century innovative design leader






herman miller began by manufacturing residential home furnishings in the early 1920s + became known as a modern furniture manufacturer in the 1930s, 40s + 50s, by collaborating with some of the country's most influential designers in the modern movement: alexander girard, george nelson, charles & ray eames.

jack kelley, designer of the world's first computer mouse pad + precursor to the cubicle, partnered with herman miller to create functional + stylish pieces including the scooter keyboard and mouse stand. an avid sailor, kelley said "i won't tolerate anything that doesn't work on a sailboat, so why would i tolerate anything that doesn't work in the office?"

"Kelley has been captivated by computers since 1968, when he represented the Herman Miller Research Corporation as a researcher/designer at the Stanford Research Institute + worked with Douglas Engelbart, inventor of the world's first computer mouse. The mouse needed a pad, so Kelley designed it--the world's first mouse pad, an invention that brought him great satisfaction and an early understanding of the complexities of working in computer environments."

herman miller is also a leader in eco-friendly office products + has been environmentally -conscious since the 1950s, strategically placing windows in all herman miller corporate buildings to let in more natural light + allotting 50% of herman miller corporate land as "green space." today, many new herman miller products are made from recycled materials + the classic herman miller pieces are upholstered using recycled textiles.

classic herman miller designs are as popular now as they ever were. to commemorate the 50th year of the eames aluminum group, herman miller is offering them in a special edition, anniversary white leather.

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