Where History Meets Modernity
In the design world where fleeting trends compete with timeless values, Paged’s “Heritage” collection emerges as a testament to enduring design excellence. At Salone del Mobile 2025 in Milan, acclaimed Polish designer Maja Ganszyniec presented a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic B-621 chair, originally created by Polish design legend Marian Sigmund in the 1950s.
The Historical Journey of the B-621 Chair
This story begins in post-WWII Poland, as the nation rebuilt its cultural and design identity. It was during this period that Marian Sigmund (1925-1985) emerged as a leading figure in Polish modernist architecture and design. Collaborating with premier furniture manufacturer Paged in the late 1950s, Sigmund created a series of bentwood chairs that achieved remarkable success in Scandinavian and Western European markets.
The Rediscovery Process
Curiously, despite their international acclaim, these designs faded from Poland’s collective memory. As Polish design historian Krzysztof Nowak observes: “This was a golden age for Polish design, but many creations were lost to history due to the country’s political and economic transformations.”
Maja Ganszyniec led a meticulous two-year research process to reconstruct the original design, utilizing:
- Rare archival documents from Paged’s factory
- Historical photographs from 1950s exhibitions
- Surviving prototypes in design museums
- Interviews with design historians and families of original craftsmen
Ganszyniec describes this journey: “It felt like hunting for lost treasure. Each document or photo we uncovered added another piece to the puzzle of this extraordinary design.”
From Vintage to Contemporary
The redesign process involved thoughtful modernizations:
- Ergonomic Enhancements:
- 3cm seat height increase for modern physiques
- 15% wider seating area
- Optimized backrest angle for superior comfort
- Technical Upgrades:
- Precision CNC machining for improved accuracy
- Hybrid steam-bending techniques blending tradition with innovation
- Reinforced joints for enhanced durability
- Sustainable Improvements:
- 40% reduction in foam usage
- Eco-friendly unpadded version available
- 65% recycled materials incorporated
The Design Heritage Debate
The launch sparked vital discussions about:
- Ethical boundaries in reinterpreting classics
- Contemporary designers’ responsibility toward heritage
- Balancing authenticity with modern needs
Ganszyniec defends her approach: “We didn’t want to create a museum piece, but a living design that respects its roots while speaking to contemporary life.”
Production & Craftsmanship
The manufacturing process features:
- Material Selection: Premium beechwood from sustainable forests
- Bending Process: Traditional craftsmanship enhanced by modern technology
- Finishing: 5 layers of protective varnish preserving natural woodgrain
- Assembly: 70% handcrafted to ensure exceptional quality
Future Vision
This collection launches Paged’s ambitious heritage revival program. Ganszyniec reveals: “Our archives contain over 50 historical designs we’re studying for contemporary reinterpretation.”
When History Becomes Future Vision
The reimagined B-621 chair demonstrates how design can build bridges between past and future. This project doesn’t just preserve heritage – it propels it forward, proving that truly great designs never grow old.
Catch up on the latest projects, trends, and bold ideas in the world of “architectural” content on ArchUp.
