konstantin grcic’s CUP chair for plank draws from the design of plastic shell suitcases

during the 2018 edition of milan design week, konstantin grcic has continued his longstanding collaboration with plank with the unveiling of a new chair — ‘CUP’. the product is inspired by hard shell luggage, the ubiquitous choice for those passing through airports and railway stations around the world. ‘as a traveler one has come to appreciate the benefits of plastic shell suitcases,’ says grcic. ‘they are extremely light and flexible, yet strong and good looking. suitcases made of thin vacuum- formed plastic sheets have revolutionized an entire product species.’

image © designboom, all other images courtesy of plank

as a furniture designer, konstantin grcic was interested in how the technology that is used for hard shell luggage can be applied to seating. although the creative potential seemed obvious, the design found that translating it into a successful formula for a chair took time. ‘with CUP we have developed an elegant geometry for the shell, which combines structural strength with a high degree of flexibility and lightness,’ grcic explains. ‘the upholstered inside of the shell adds a well-balanced ergonomic quality to the chair, making it a perfect choice for conference situations, waiting and dining areas.’

the chair is inspired by hard shell luggage

CUP’s plastic seat shell is available in both black and white, while its upholstery comes in a variety of textiles and colors. meanwhile, the metal structure can be chrome or black powder coated. ‘the shell in black or white plastic can be combined with an infinite range of fabrics and colors, depending on whether it has to blend with the environment or to be the protagonist,’ says grcic.

‘as a traveler one has come to appreciate the benefits of plastic shell suitcases,’ says konstantin grcic

grcic describes plastic shell suitcases as being ‘light and flexible, yet strong and good looking’

the team developed an elegant geometry for the shell

the product is titled ‘CUP’

structural strength has been combined with a high degree of flexibility and lightness

the item can be used for conference situations, as well as waiting and dining areas

the upholstered inside of the shell adds a well-balanced ergonomic quality to the chair

CUP’s plastic seat shell is available in both black and white

the upholstery comes in a variety of textiles and colors