Michigan Chaise Longue Wins Design Prize for Modern Furniture + Lighting

presented by Aréa

In 1949, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) organized the “Prize Design for Modern Furniture & Lightning”, exhibiting the most outstanding examples of the furniture industry, stimulating production by manufacturers for the mass market. Seven decades later, Global Design News and The Chicago Athenaeum have revived this historic event. And we’re proud to have won an award for this third edition with our Michigan chaise longue.

The awards gala was held last week in Athens. An exhibition dedicated to the winners of this 3rd edition is being held at “L’européan Center” 74, rue Mitropoleo in Athens until November 10, 2024.

The MICHIGAN chaise longue embodies AREA’s core idea: in an increasingly dense city, public space should be viewed as an extension of living areas. Since its founding in 1987, AREA has committed to ensuring that urban furniture offers the same comfort and seating options as home furniture.

Like all our chairs, tables, and low tables, the MICHIGAN chaise longue represents the concept of INSIDE/OUTSIDE. Transitioning furniture from private spaces to public ones will gradually help people feel at home in their city.

Why is this important? As society reflects on mobility policies, it’s equally essential to consider “static facilities.” These elements provide a crucial respite from the hectic pace of urban life.

The MICHIGAN chaise longue takes this further by offering citizens not just a break but a place to rest in the city. Its shape and design clearly evoke garden furniture, while ensuring the durability needed for public spaces. It is to the traditional bench what the bicycle is to motorized transportation, bringing a new, calming perception of time and space.

Completely sustainable, recyclable, timeless, robust, and low-tech, the MICHIGAN chaise longue fosters togetherness and strengthens connections among people. Our primary goal with street furniture is to promote human connection, creating opportunities to build relationships, combat loneliness, and ultimately enhance well-being. For over 40 years, we have diligently observed the city and its transformations, and we are now firmly convinced that the only enduring social network is the Human one.