Chairs take a beating. They bear the weight of our rears, our backs, our hopes, and our dreams. And the most stress is on the back legs. That’s where the real work gets done. That’s why the engineer and designer Jean Prouvé made the back legs of his Standard chair so beefy. They’re made of voluminous hollow sections that transfer the primary stress to the floor. The front legs are just there for show, really. They could be made out of toothpicks for all the weight they have to support.

The Standard chair is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, elegant, and functional. And it’s made to last. You can get it with a wood seat and backrest, or in ASA plastic. There’s even an all-wood version called the Chaise Tout Bois. But my favorite version is the one Prouvé made during World War II. When metal was scarce, he used veneer and solid wood. It’s a testament to his ingenuity that the chair is still as strong and beautiful as ever.

So next time you’re sitting in a chair, take a moment to appreciate the engineering that went into it. And if you’re ever in Paris, be sure to check out the Standard chair at the Musée des Arts et Métiers. It’s a work of art, plain and simple.

Learn more at Vitra.