Feb 25 • 21:42 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

What is the story of the world's most famous plastic chair?

The article discusses the history and cultural significance of the Monobloc chair, emphasizing its status as a globally recognized symbol of Latin American identity.

The Monobloc chair, a ubiquitous plastic seat found in various settings from bars to beaches, has become a symbol of Latin American identity and culture. It is particularly notable for being the best-selling chair in the world, with a history that highlights the evolution of design and mass production. Although various designers attempted to create a single-piece chair, the first significant breakthrough came from Canadian D.C. Simpson in 1946, who made an expensive model that could not be produced at scale.

The chair we recognize today, however, was developed in 1972 by French engineer Henry Massonnet, who innovated the manufacturing process, allowing it to be produced in less than two minutes. This efficiency in production not only made the Monobloc chair widely accessible but also reinforced its status as a cultural icon. It is often seen in popular media, including the cover art and performances of artists like Bad Bunny, linking it to contemporary culture.

The significance of the Monobloc chair goes beyond its functionality and affordability; it serves as a metaphor for modernism and contentment in everyday life. The chair embodies the intersection of design, culture, and the accessible joy of seating, making it a beloved fixture in households across Latin America and beyond.

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