Neinkämper won IIDEX/NeoCon Gold in 2008 for their Granger seating, which includes a lounge chair and a bench. Designed by Bangdesign in collaboration with Formway Design, Granger looks remarkably different from different angles. Neinkamper explains, “In profile, the Granger armchair recalls the graceful curve of a waterfall.” Its slim base and cut-out arms create a fluid, sinuous shape, which can be sleek in the unupholstered version and easy in the upholstered version. The Granger lounge chair is available with or without arms—and changes dramatically based on this choice.

Granger. Designed by Nienkamper.

Without arms, Granger is a simple curve, severe without and serene with upholstery. It can be an lounge chair that’s exactingly sculptural or casually relaxed. The accompanying Granger bench is also available with or without arms—and again the look changes completely depending on this shift. Without arms, the Granger bench is minimalistic and refined—a design that works equally well in neutral upholstery like black or white leather and bold choices such as tangerine and lemon fabric. With arms, the Granger bench takes on the peekaboo playfulness of the Granger armchair: the negative space carved out by the arms defines the furniture as much as its positive materiality. In other words, the form is constructed by both the present and the absent details. It’s like a ghost contour haunting the physical one.

Based in Toronto, Neinkämper “meets human needs while pursuing the highest ideals in design and manufacturing.” Admittedly, the furniture company “never compromises,” so it’s no surprise that their designs have earned many awards throughout the years. Granger is sure to become one of Neinkämper’s classics—fifty years from now, hispters in Los Angeles will be tracking down original Granger armchairs, even though Neinkämper will likely still be producing them.