El

Geometry and softness in wood

B&B Italia dates El to 2009 and credits Antonio Citterio. The manufacturer says the chair combines geometry and softness, expert woodworking skills and technology, with important details such as the padded body that runs along the perimeter of the seat and backrest.

Image source: B&B Italia — El · © B&B Italia and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

SE dimensions

The SE drawing prints 50, 54.5 and 80 cm (axes not labelled on the drawing), with 46 cm beside the side view.

Construction

A solid wood frame is listed alongside a hidden steel structure of tube and profile sections. Cold-shaped flexible polyurethane foam provides the padding, the ferrules are thermoplastic, and either fabric or leather covers it.

A frame that reduces the volume

The product sheet says the wooden frame visually reduces the volumes of El by concealing the foam. The foam's thickness is credited with remarkable comfort and a certain degree of flexibility.

Padding along the perimeter

The padded body running along the perimeter of the seat and backrest is the detail the manufacturer singles out in its description of the chair.