prouvé compas direction desk

by Jean Prouvé, from Vitra.

prouvé compas direction desk

Design Jean Prouvé, 1953
Powder-coated molded sheet steel, solid wood
Made in Germany by Vitra

Jean Prouvé developed the Compas table in various models around 1950, applying the construction principles that he is known for. All share elegantly splayed, narrow legs in metal, a formal reminder of a compass - in French, "le compas".

Jean Prouvé (1901-1984), architect, engineer and designer, was endeavored for using highly-developed technologies for metal processing to achieve innovative constructions and forms in his design and architecture work. He played a decisive part in developing construction techniques using light-weight prefabricated parts in architecture, making use, among other things, of insights from the airplane and automotive industry. In his Ateliers Jean Prouvé, the company he founded in 1947, he started not only producing light-weight components but also his own design drafts.

The oiled solid wood table tops & powder-coated (smooth) molded sheet steel frame in 5 colors give Compas Direction an individual touch. With its compact dimensions, the table is ideal for the contemporary, largely paperless, home office, where it cuts a fine figure.

49.25" w | 23.5" d | 28.75" h

$4,180.00 + free shipping

(Please allow 12-14 weeks for this product to ship)

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Jean Prouvé

Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) was a self-taught architect and designer who first apprenticed as a blacksmith and metalsmith. He grew up in Nancy, France surrounded by the ideals and energy of "l'École de Nancy," the art collective to which his father, Victor Prouvé, belonged. Its goals were to make art readily accessible, to forge links between art and industry, as well as between art and social consciousness. It would have a powerful influence on him. His designs reveal knowledge of the materials at hand, a commitment to collaboration between artists and craftsmen, and an attention to evolving technical developments. In 1947 he built the Maxéville factory where he produced furniture and undertook extensive architectural research on the uses of aluminum. Though he used sheet metal extensively, he rejected the use of steel tubing which was popular with the concurrent Bauhaus movement.

Vitra is a Swiss company dedicated to improving the quality of spaces through the power of design. Product longevity is central to the company goal of sustainable development. Short lived styling is avoided in favor of classical pieces of furniture that can be used for decades, have several owners and end up as part of a collection.