Rietveld by the People

This hands-on workbook playfully explores the tension between originality, imitation and individual taste by delving into Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld's (1888–1964) design legacy through a selection of five do-it-yourself copies of his iconic chair designs. Who are the people behind these chairs? What motivated them to “improve” the original design by Rietveld?

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This hands-on workbook playfully explores the tension between originality, imitation and individual taste by delving into Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld's (1888–1964) design legacy through a selection of five do-it-yourself copies of his iconic chair designs. Who are the people behind these chairs? What motivated them to “improve” the original design by Rietveld?

Rietveld produced a wide range of iconic chairs throughout his lifetime, including the Zig-Zag chair, the Red and Blue chair and the Steltman chair. An advocate for “the universal” in design, he was extremely critical of individualism. Rietveld by the People shows how individualism today is reflected within the remakes, personal interpretations and DIY versions of Rietveld's designs. The project is part of Residency for the People, led and initiated by Lucas Maassen, an independent designer, educator and curator based in Eindhoven.