Dieter Rams, who had begun developing modular shelving systems in 1957, soon turned his attention to seating, designing the 601 Lounge Chair (RZ 60) in 1960, followed by the 620 Programme in 1962 (RZ 62). The latter series, which includes a matching footstool, is based on a chair module that, thanks to its removable arms, can be extended to form a sofa. The low back can be exchanged for a high version – originally one-piece but since 1975 comprising two elements. Various prototypes were tested between 1962 and 1964, using an assortment of materials for both the arms and backs. Fibreglass-reinforced polyester was chosen for serial production, replaced in 2013 by hot-pressed sheet moulding compound. Rams’ desire for the ‘rejection of the domination of things’ is reflected in the pared-down design of his chairs, whose aesthetic restraint makes them suitable for a wide range of interiors. The 620Programme thus found its way into both private homes and public buildings such as the German Chancellery in Berlin.
Text: Henrike Büscher
