Ransmeier Inc.

Exhibition
2022

Design for the first institutional survey of artist Kazuko Miyamoto (b.1942, Tokyo) at Japan Society in New York, curated by Tiffany Lambert. Miyamoto originally nailed her string constructions directly into the floor and wall of her studios in the lower east side of NYC. These low hardwood platforms reference the original contexts and avoid using pedestals that would contradict the original intention of the artist. To support Miyamoto’s kimonos, works on paper and ephemera, a grid of extruded aluminum columns, custom kimono hangers and large aluminum panels act as a counterpoint to the rich narrative work on display.

Dishrack
2020

A stainless steel wire mesh rests on a stainless steel tray, providing for a plastic-free, long lasting design. The "waves" in the wire grid change in height along the length of the design and accommodate a variety of kitchen items.

Bamboo Toothbrush
2020

The shape of this toothbrush is inspired by disposable bamboo chopsticks, a common and useful typology. Soft nylon bristles.

Recycled Paper Furniture
2019

This system of recycled paper lumber and extruded aluminum hardware yields affordable and customizable furniture that could be recycled in the consumer waste stream. New manufacturing techniques allow paper fiber to be pressed into more rigid materials than ever before. By harnessing local waste, it would be possible to produce engineered lumber from 100% recycled paper and cardboard. Locally distributed production would transform the lumber into furniture on a made-to-order basis. SPACE10 asked us to consider launching our design as a case study in four international cities. Shown here are depictions of apartments in Shanghai, Nairobi, Mumbai and Mexico City.

Canvas Backpack
2019

Heavyweight 24-oz water resistant canvas allows for a backpack that can stand up by itself, even when empty. The thick material required a unique approach to pattern making, resulting in a bag with almost no visible stitching. 2 sizes are available, 18 and 28L, in white, blue and black.

Aluminum Benches
2019

Each bench is produced by rolling a full 1.2 x 2.4m sheet of 12mm thick aluminum. Designed to accompany the modular display system created by Ransmeier Inc. for Maharam’s Chicago showroom during NeoCon 2019.

Herman Miller Book
2019

A book describing the century long story of Herman Miller. Each of the ten chapters is focused on a pivotal design, publication, space or system, and functions as a self contained chronology within the broader timeline of the book itself. 614 pages are illustrated with thousands of reproduced photographs, catalogs, advertisements, drawings, ephemera, artworks, and correspondence. Co-edited together with Sam Grawe and Amy Auscherman. Published by Phaidon.

Barstool Family
2019

A small stool and standing height table are new additions to the Revolver Barstool family. The seat of the Revolver Stool employs a similar mechanism as the barstool, allowing the user to rotate 360 degrees. The Revolver Table is shipped flat and easily assembled. Four hooks are mounted to each of the legs, offering a place to hang bags or outerwear.

Aluminum Lounge
2019

Designed for BLOW-UP, an exhibition curated by Felix Burrichter at Friedman Benda gallery that enlarged an imaginary dollhouse to adult human size. The Two Step Lounge developed out of a process of building miniature 1:6 models from aluminum sheet. By rolling a rectangular 6mm aluminum sheet lengthwise and then bending it perpendicular to the axis, the final design achieves a surprisingly complex form in only two steps.

Concrete House
2018

This is a concrete cave, an open shelter buried in the side of a mountain. The floor extends beyond the covered room to create a platform cantilevered over the hillside. Seating for the the table and fireplace is integrated into the terraced floor. A low pad and cushions provide a place to relax. The interior is designed to facilitate comfortable human relationships without a reliance on additional furnishings. Through the omission of domestic objects, daily routines take on a greater significance as attention is focused on the relationship of the body to the architecture. In remaining empty the surfaces are multi-functional and open for various purposes. Designed for Pin-Up Magazine issue 25.

X-Showroom
2018

An x-shaped arrangement of two 14m stainless steel tubes divides the Maharam Chicago showroom into four quadrants. Each bar consists of five sections invisibly joined together and suspended from above, giving a seamless impression when viewed from below. The system is readily disassembled and reconfigured. Three inclined aluminum panels are also hung from the ceiling and display rugs. Inspiration for the angled design comes from plywood panels used by Herbert Bayer to display textiles at Bauhaus: 1919–1928, an exhibition held at the Museum of Modern Art in 1938.

Cafe Furniture
2018

"Forcina" translates into English as “hairpin.” The most common hairpin today is the bobby pin, an industrially produced small metal loop used to hold hair in place. The loop of the pin also makes for a good place to grip. Forcina's solid wood seat and backrest are familiar in shape with sculpted surfaces on the top of the seat and front of the backrest. The stainless steel frames are CNC bent, and composed for efficient manufacture. The frame reaches beyond the backrest and — like the hairpin — provides an easy place to grasp the chair.

Aluminum Chair
2018

Produced for the U-JOINTS exhibition curated by Aniina Koivu and Andrea Caputo during the Salone Del Mobile in Milan, 2018. This workshop prototype demonstrates a flexible composite joint. The carbon fiber provides an elastic suspension by connecting two aluminum panels. When sat upon, the composite bends around the metal base. The chair tilts backward by pivoting near the front of the seat.

Circular Showroom
2017

A textile display consisting of a stainless steel ring 11m in diameter, upheld 3m above the floor on eight legs. The legs are welded to the ring and no hardware is visible, giving the polished frame a unified appearance. Viewed from the outside, the structure appears to fill the showroom. Once inside the ring, the omnidirectional space allows all of the textiles to be seen from any position. The round benches are built from unfinished white oak in accord with the flooring. Their circular shape permits multiple groups to use them without disturbing each other.

Outdoor Seating
2017

12mm galvanized steel sheet is bent to create 5 objects for leaning against. Two different angles provide for sitting upright or reclining. The scattered arrangement encourages social gatherings while also supporting more solitary activities such as reading or napping.

Granite Objects
2017

These kitchen tools are enhanced by the material from which they are made. A mortar and pestle take advantage of granite’s density to grind spices, and the indented base makes it easy to grasp while using. The rolling pin exploits the cool temperature of stone for rolling dough. The concave depression in the nutcracker takes inspiration from a neolithic example of the same typology. The edge profile offers a small improvement, allowing one’s hand to slide beneath the edge to collect nutshells.

Showroom
2016

A modular display system for textiles and leather consisting of cantilevered V-shaped tubular frames in heights of 110, 150 and 200 cm. The medium height falls below the eye level of most adults, establishing a human scale for product interaction that also allows for an uninterrupted view of the entire space at once. When hung with fabrics, the metal structures almost disappear, creating a floating effect. A set of L-shaped benches with removable leather cushions was also produced. The showroom debuted during Neocon 2016 in the Merchandise Mart, Chicago.

Porcelain Tableware
2016

The handles in this collection borrow the language of tools. Because tools are often used with repetitive force, they are designed to be comfortable. Less noticeable but equally important, the bottom profile of the plates and bowls are also shaped with tactility in mind. When white, the exterior surfaces are unglazed allowing the the user to touch the clay directly, which has a pleasing quality. The Amakusa porcelain becomes glass-like when fired and the surface won't easily stain.

Wooden Barstool
2015

The backrest of the Chiaro Barstool offers a convenient place to hang a coat. The steel footrest is sturdy and easy to clean.

Cane
2015

In the next 35 years the US Census predicts a twofold increase in the population over the age of 65, reaching a projected total of 83.7 million people by 2050. This design provides an extra wide base for freestanding convenience while adding stability for walking and leaning. Produced for PAVILLON DE L’ESPRIT NOUVEAU: A 21st Century Show Home, curated by Felix Burrichter for the 2015 edition of the Swiss Institute's Annual Architecture and Design Series.

Wooden Lounge
2015

A lower, wider version of the Chiaro Chair makes a good place to sit and relax. The lounge is available with or without upholstery.

Wooden Chairs
2014

A familiar form makes Chiaro comfortable in many different environments. The connections are direct and uncomplicated, and the structure under the seat evolved from an intention to simplify the joinery while reducing the number of parts. Chiaro comes with and without armrests and both versions stack. The chairs are available naturally finished in oak and ash, as well as in white, gray, red, yellow, blue, and black.

Gym
2014

With the advent of fitness culture, rigorous and painful repetitive movements once associated with subsistence became a choice, not a necessity. The Action Object explores the affordances of exercise objects with an ambiguous shape intended for physical activity. The frame offers locations for pull ups, dips, and leg lifts, however climbing, hanging and swinging are also possible.

Glass Pitchers
2013

As a study in use and gesture, nine different handle configurations are applied to an archetypal pitcher, creating contrasting opportunities for grasping and pouring. A series of cardboard models coupled with an intense and fast moving production technique provided for an exciting dialog between design intent and spontaneity.

Table Group
2012

The AGL Table Group ranges in size from 190 to 560 cm in length, offering solutions for dining, desks and conference needs. An aluminum base supports table surfaces in stone, veneer or formcoat.

Barstool
2011

Revolver is a four-legged rotating bar stool. Through the integration of a ball bearing into the lower ring, the foot rest turns together with the seat, creating a surprising yet functional experience. By allowing one's entire body to turn at once Revolver enables what bar stools are best suited for: socializing with friends. Available in 76cm and 65cm seat heights.

Desk
2010

Similar to a flat file, this desk allows horizontal stacks of paper to be partially obscured under the surface but quickly accessed by extending the trays.

Bank
2009

The change in these hand blown money banks can be accessed by breaking the glass. Available in three sizes.

Pen
2009

The DBA Pen is composed of 98% recycled materials and contains a proprietary environmentally responsible ink formula. Produced at a wind-powered facility in the United States, it was designed as an alternative to the wasteful and often toxic pens we use almost every day.

Humidifier
2008

This humidifier projects a cylindrical column of mist from a round vent circling the tank. A glance through the transparent lid reveals the current water level. When low, the tank can be lifted off the base for refilling. An ultrasonic evaporation system provides energy-efficient, cool mist humidification. Prototype in permanent collection of SFMoMA.

Heater
2007

Two parallel aluminum panels provide a lightweight heat source. During the warmer months, the cord can be spooled around the central handle for easy storage. Prototype in permanent collection of SFMoMA.

Lampshade
2005

Using a simple slip and lock mechanism, the sphere fits over a light bulb and can be secured onto any size cord. In collaboration with Gwendolyn Floyd.

About

Leon Ransmeier

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