Toan Nguyen continues his collaboration with Studio TK launching Dual, a new lounge seating collection. In addition to the Infinito lounge collection and Masalla tables, both 2015 Good Design Awards winners, Dual Lounge presented by Studio TK during NeoCon 2017 at The Mart, Chicago, has been announced as the winner of the HiP award in Workplace: Lounge Seating category by Interior Design’s Editor in Chief Cindy Allen, during the ceremony of past 11 June. “The Dual Lounge is the fruit of a balanced combination of several character traits apparently in opposition,” said Toan Nguyen. “Its monolithic and organic shape is divided in two by a clear-cut line: the upper part is enveloping and dedicated to the user comfort, while the base is a subtle counterpoint of balance, tension and transparency. With both parts customizable with any fabric or leather on the top, and fabric or three-dimensional knitted mesh on the base, Dual Lounge is suitable to either a classic tone-on-tone or a fancy, sharp contrast matching. The low-back version stimulates a dynamic attitude and a collaborative discourse whereas the high back incites rest and relaxation.” The 3D knit mesh base allows for light to pass through for a balance of light and dark. The name Dual derives from the “duality” of light and dark seen visually in the transparency of the base. The duality of materials of the upholstered seat and back and the mesh base creates a juxtaposition of materiality to create an iconic visual statement. Dual creates a balance of materiality unlike other swivel lounge chairs. Dual’s relaxed, lean-back posture offers an alternative choice throughout the day to support the changing modalities, from focus applications that allow for moments of individual respite from lengthy periods of collaboration, to public spaces that promote circulation and destinations that attract social collisions. Each chair is equipped with a return-to-center swivel. That subtle gesture can change a static setting into a dynamic space that keeps the conversation flowing and ensures that good ideas spread far and wide. A protagonist within a social landscape, Dual introduces a residential aesthetic to create a welcoming environment for focus and recharge – so that work doesn’t feel like work. Toan Nguyen – after various experiences in Paris and Barcelona, notably with Alberto Lievore, he moved to Milan pursuing his career with Antonio Citterio, where he became head of design and design partner, co-signing over ten years more than forty products for international brands like Axor-Hansgrohe, B&B Italia, Flos, Iittala, Kartell, Technogym and Vitra, amongst others, before founding his own design office in 2008. With a resolutely multidisciplinary approach, today the office is focused on design in all its aspects, from product development to art direction, in partnership with leading international companies based in Europe, North America and Asia. Toan Nguyen has received numerous awards for his designs, including Red Dot Design Award, Best of Neocon Award, Good Design Award, ISH Design Plus Award, the Archiproducts Design Awards first prize.
