Steelcase collaborates with Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation 

Steelcase and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation are working to continue the architect's legacy.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Steelcase and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation are collaborating on a creative effort to revisit, reinterpret and reintroduce Wright's designs, as well as co-create novel concepts rooted in his principles to provide products that enhance how consumers live and work today.

Steelcases said the collaboration will be "sweeping in scope" as the organizations reflect on the past to continue Wright's legacy into the future. Steelcase will draw on the Foundation's archives and Wright's organic design principles for aspiration and inspiration, and together they intend to establish ongoing collections of fine furnishings, textiles and wall coverings that evolve from the legendary to the unexpected.

Steelcase Frank Lloyd Wright

"We are honored to begin this collaboration with the Foundation as we draw upon our shared heritage to reintroduce iconic pieces and reinterpret Frank Lloyd Wright's vision for a better environment," said Allan Smith, senior vice president, chief revenue officer of Steelcase. "The Foundation's dedication to advancing his vision of the world, and of work, complements our commitment to create inspiring work environments. As we adjust to new work expectations and cultures, we believe there's never been a more meaningful time to draw from a master who was always ahead of his time."

Steelcase's unique connection with Frank Lloyd Wright began in 1939, when the company produced the original furniture for Wright's revolutionary design of one of the first open plan office spaces, the SC Johnson Administration Building in Racine, Wisconsin. Since 1985, the company has added to its shared heritage through the ongoing stewardship and restoration of Wright's Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

"The Foundation is delighted to work alongside Steelcase in carrying Wright's legacy forward," said Stuart Graff, president and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. "While people know Wright for his work in architecture, his passion for creating equitable, inspiring work environments was visionary. We are proud to partner with an organization like Steelcase that shares these values with the Foundation, helping to inspire designers, managers, and associates through Wright's ideas, which have only become more relevant over time."

At NeoCon this June, the two organizations will preview The Frank Lloyd Wright Racine Collection by Steelcase, including both a signature reintroduction as well as a reinterpretation of the desk, chair and accessories that were originally designed for the SC Johnson Administration Building. Steelcase produced the original furniture for Wright's revolutionary design for one of the first open plan office spaces. The collection has been updated lightly to accommodate current standards but otherwise keeps Wright's vision intact.

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Larry Adams | Editor

Larry Adams is a Chicago-based writer and editor who writes about how things get done. A former wire service and community newspaper reporter, Larry is an award-winning writer with more than three decades of experience. In addition to writing about woodworking, he has covered science, metrology, metalworking, industrial design, quality control, imaging, Swiss and micromanufacturing . He was previously a Tabbie Award winner for his coverage of nano-based coatings technology for the automotive industry. Larry volunteers for the historic preservation group, the Kalo Foundation/Ianelli Studios, and the science-based group, Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST).