Lukki Chair

Overview

Ilmari Tapiovaara designed the Lukki Chair in 1951 for student dormitories at the Helsinki University of Technology. Artek presents it as an all-purpose chair for studying at a desk and dining.

Construction

The legs are steel tube. The seat and back use a form-pressed birch-plywood core with beech veneer surfaces. Short arms provide support while allowing the chair to pull close to a table.

Specifications

The drawing labels W 56 × D 51 × H 74 cm, a 43 cm seat height, and 66.5 cm arm height. Up to four chairs may be stacked.

Designed for student rooms

Tapiovaara developed Lukki for the dormitories of the Helsinki University of Technology, giving the chair a practical context from the outset. Its short arms address both desk work and dining.

A Finnish name

Artek explains that “Lukki” means “daddy longlegs” in Finnish. The name accompanies a lightweight, hardwearing construction that pairs a tubular frame with formed plywood components.