The Coconut is a typical 1950s design – it stands out for its humorous touch, formal clarity and minimal use of materials. Nelson himself compared it with a coconut cut into eight parts, and inverted the coconut’s colours: the plastic seat shell is white, while the single-section upholstery comes in a variety of colours. This return to the natural spatial shape of a shell enabled Nelson to create an inviting, comfortable armchair that offers users the freedom to sit in countless different positions. The ottoman, which Nelson designed to complement the armchair in 1955, ensured even greater sitting comfort and increased the range of uses.
Materials
White shell made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic on a chromed tubular steel base frame
Designer: George Nelson
Switzerland
