Important industrial designer Don Albinson, a Cranbrook peer of Charles and Ray Eames, Ralph Rapson, Harry Bertoia and Eero Saarinen worked in the Eames office as head designer for 13 years before becoming the director of design for Knoll in 1964. There he designed this model 1601 stacking side chair. He was exploring the use of die cast aluminium components with molded plastic seats and backs. The result is a strikingly elegant chair which is comfortable and incredibly practical – embracing the materials and an honest, industrial aesthetic which reminds us of the work of Jean Prouvé and Friso Kramer. The chairs can be stacked a remarkable 20 high, and have nylon swivel floor glides. This example features a black seat and back.