When the US Open—one of four Grand Slam tournaments of the tennis world—took place this summer in Queens, New York, all eyes were on the game of course, but some spectators may have also spotted the players’ sleek new courtside digs. Conceived for the 50th anniversary of the tournament, the new furniture was designed by Michael Graves Architect & Design and manufactured by Landscape Forms.
Gone are the flimsy and impractical director’s chairs players used in tournaments past: They weren’t made for accommodating player gear; the canvas seats accumulated sweat; and they were just plain uncomfortable. MGA&D’s solution pairs a streamlined blue bench with demountable seats that have cascading fronts for comfort. “The final design is at once a nod to the ubiquitous Central Park bench and an expression of the fluid athleticism of the players,” explains Donald Strum, principal of product design at MGA&D.
You have 0 complimentary articles remaining.
Unlimited access + premium benefits for as low as $1.99/month.
