Bernu Ice: Collaboration Results in Innovative Seating Solution That Defies Convention
September 28, 2009 | Levent OZLER
In an industry among the hardest hit in the recent economic downturn, two Canadian design and manufacturing firms have pooled their collective talents to develop an innovative seating solution that defies material convention and challenges design precepts.
Arconas, a leader in seating design and engineering, and Joel Berman Glass Studios, renowned designer and manufacturer of decorative glass for architecture and design, collaborated to develop an unconventional seating product that showcases each company's unique strengths.
The essence of the design is Arconas' Award-winning Bernu seating line, a sleek unit featuring aeronautical shapes and an innovative peg construction system by Canadian Industrial Designer, Davide Tonizzo. Typically such seats are upholstered, or finished in epoxy-coated steel or polished aluminum. Bernu Ice features seats and backs made from translucent resin cast in Berman's Valencia texture. Glasslike in appearance, the surface- embossed resin combined with the dynamic, curvilinear metallic shapes of the Bernu structure lend a jewelry-like quality to the overall design.
"We wanted to create something unique and innovative that promotes design globally", said Joel Berman, founder and president of Joel Berman Glass Studios. "Collaborating with Arconas allowed us to jointly explore materials and continue our ideas around accessibility of design for the public."
"Our international clientele look to us for innovation and leadership in design", noted Pablo Reich, Arconas' executive Vice President. "Berman's expertise in glass and resin surfacing fit well with Arconas' vision. Bernu Ice is an exciting new look in seating."
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