Vitra
Vitra is a Swiss furniture maker founded in 1950. Its name comes from the French word “Vitrine,” which means “glass showcase,” reflecting its origins in manufacturing and selling store fixtures. The company’s history as a furniture maker began when its founder, Willi Fehlbaum, was captivated by the three-dimensional molded plywood chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames during a trip to the United States. After establishing a relationship of trust with the Eameses through multiple visits, Fehlbaum obtained the manufacturing and sales rights for Europe in 1957, officially beginning production of furniture. Since then, Vitra has established strong partnerships with renowned designers around the world. All collaborating designers are referred to as “authors,” and the company strives to maximize their talents by leveraging their respective expertise and techniques to develop exceptional products. Over the years, Vitra has created numerous iconic designs that have left their mark on the history of design. Currently, the company is dedicated not only to developing new furniture but also to reviving mid-century masterpieces and improving existing products with environmental considerations in mind. Vitra’s furniture, including dining chairs and tables, sofas, and work chairs, is widely appreciated in a variety of settings, from homes to offices and public institutions such as schools. The company has grown into one of the world’s most well-known furniture makers. One essential location when discussing Vitra is the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany, near the Swiss border. The vast, nature-filled grounds contain several facilities, including the company’s offices, showrooms, and the Vitra Design Museum, which displays an enormous collection of furniture. Each building on the campus was designed by renowned architects from around the world, including Frank Gehry, Jean Prouvé, Zaha Hadid, Buckminster Fuller, Herzog & de Meuron, as well as Japanese architect Tadao Ando and SANAA. The Vitra Campus is a kind of pilgrimage site for those who love modern design and architecture, as well as the company’s furniture. A production factory is also located on the campus, and furniture created here is delivered to destinations worldwide to this day.