Weibelweibel meets atelier oï: an inspiring collaboration for a timeless armchair
In the architecture industry, I am lucky enough to work with the most beautiful and exciting pieces of furniture on a daily basis. But sometimes I stumble across a collaboration that really excites and inspires me. This was the case with the partnership between Weibelweibel and atelier oï, which resulted in the POI armchair - a piece of furniture that impresses not only with its design, but also with its history.
Two Swiss design greats meet
Weibelweibel and atelier oï are two names that stand for quality and innovation in the world of design. Weibelweibel, a Swiss furniture brand, is known for its high-quality, handcrafted pieces. When I first heard of Weibelweibel, it was because of their stunning wooden furniture, which is so solid yet elegant that it makes a statement in any setting.
atelier oï, on the other hand, is a design studio that is internationally acclaimed for its creative approach. They have perfected the art of bringing spaces to life through unique design objects. Their work often crosses the boundaries of art, architecture and design, which always inspires me.
When I found out that these two creative forces were working together, I was curious to see what the result would be. The result? The POI armchair - a piece of furniture that combines the essence of both companies.
The creative process behind POI
The process of creating POI is almost as fascinating as the chair itself. Aurel Aebi, one of the founders of atelier oï, explains that the original idea was to design a chair. But the deeper they delved into the design process, the more they realized that they wanted to create something bigger - something that would take up more space in the room, offer more comfort and still remain simple and elegant.
The POI armchair has a generous seat that allows you to really settle down and relax. The shape of the armchair is like the segment of a sphere, which gives it a sculptural quality - it looks like a work of art that is functional at the same time.
Synergy of strengths
The collaboration between Weibelweibel and atelier oï is a prime example of how two companies with different focuses can come together to create something truly unique. Weibelweibel brings its precision craftsmanship and deep understanding of materials, while atelier oï provides the creative vision and design expertise.What I particularly like is the way both teams have incorporated their strengths into the POI. The elegant legs of the chair, which meet a pleasantly shaped wooden shell, are a wonderful example of how design and craftsmanship can go hand in hand. These details are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional - they provide stability and an inviting sitting position.
Choice of materials and customization - the POI armchair as an individual work of art
Another aspect that makes the POI so special is the possibility of customization. From my experience, I know how important it is to find furniture that is not only beautiful, but also flexible enough to fit into different spaces. With the POI, customers can choose from different materials and colors to match the chair to their exact needs, and this adaptability makes the POI a piece of furniture that shines in both modern and traditional interiors.
The importance of cooperation for modern living space
In today's world, where living spaces are becoming increasingly flexible and multifunctional, it is more important than ever to have pieces of furniture that are not only beautiful but also functional. The POI armchair embodies precisely this balance. It is large enough to stand alone in a room, but also versatile enough to be integrated into different living styles.
A look behind the scenes - voices of the designers
It was exciting to read from Aurel Aebi and the founders of Weibelweibel how they experienced the collaboration. Aebi said that observation was a central part of the design process - an idea that I can fully understand. It is often in the quiet moments of observation that the best ideas emerge. This philosophy is reflected in the calm and serenity that the POI exudes.
Johannes Weibel of Weibelweibel mentioned how important it was to create a piece of furniture that was both aesthetically pleasing and practical. This duality is something that always fascinates architects - the ability to create something beautiful that also functions in everyday life.
Conclusion - Why the POI armchair is a special piece of furniture
The POI armchair is not just another armchair - it is the result of a thoughtful and creative collaboration between two Swiss design greats. For me, the POI is a perfect example of how design and craftsmanship can come together to create something truly unique.
Find out more here: Weibelweibel - Armchair POI
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Text: Linda Meier
Picture credits: Weibelweibel
