Chair Database
Poly
Designed by:
Rashid K
Co-Designed by:
–
Designer:
Karim Rashid
Co-Designer:
–
Date of Design:
2003
Date of Manufacture:
2007
Decade:
2000s
Region:
Americas
Significance:
Air injected glossy polycarbonate
Manufacturer:
Bonaldo
Material:
Polycarbonate
Process:
Injection moulded
Monobloc:
Yes
Cantilever:
No
Renewable Carbon:
No
Weight:
Note:
Country of origin: USA (designer), Italy (manufacturer). Image: Karim Rashid. Poly takes its name from both and its polygonal shape and the material it is made of, polycarbonate (or polyamide for the monochrome version). The form evolved during a two-year gestation period during which three porotypes were developed to identify the perfect angle for the backrest and improve comfort of the seat. Geometry rather than organic shapes were the driver for this design, with triangles and diamond shapes formed in the surface of the seat and back to create contours for the body. The legs are angled outwards to enhance the slim appearance of the body of the chair.
Poly was unveiled at Milan’s Salone del Mobile in 2007, introduced with a competitive price of around 200 euros and awarded the Red Dot Award in 2008. Manufactured by Italian company Bonaldo, in a one-piece injection mould process, ‘with a particularly large and powerful press’. Poly is a stackable chair suitable for outdoor use and is available in transparent or smoked polycarbonate plus a glossy polyamide finish in plain black or white. In 2015, the range was extended with the addition of Poly XO, upholstered in fabric, leather or eco-leather and the Poly XOXO, featuring two-tone upholstery. The two-tone effect highlighting the geometry of the chair.