Bernù® Ice - Seating Solution That Defies Convention
In an industry among the hardest hit in the recent economic downturn, two Canadian design and manufacturing firms have pooled their collective talents to develop an innovative seating solution that defies material convention and challenges design precepts.
Arconas, a leader in seating design and engineering, and Joel Berman Glass Studios, renowned designer and manufacturer of decorative glass for architecture and design, collaborated to develop an unconventional seating product that showcases each company’s unique strengths.
The essence of the design is Arconas’ Award-winning Bernù seating line, a sleek unit featuring aeronautical shapes and an innovative peg construction system by Canadian Industrial Designer, Davide Tonizzo. Typically such seats are upholstered, or finished in epoxy-coated steel or polished aluminum. Bernù Ice features seats and backs made from translucent resin cast in Berman’s Valencia texture. Glasslike in appearance, the surface-embossed resin combined with the dynamic, curvilinear metallic shapes of the Bernù structure lend a jewelry-like quality to the overall design.
“We wanted to create something unique and innovative that promotes design globally”, said Joel Berman, founder and president of Joel Berman Glass Studios. “Collaborating with Arconas allowed us to jointly explore materials and continue our ideas around accessibility of design for the public.”
“Our international clientele look to us for innovation and leadership in design”, noted Pablo Reich, Arconas’ executive Vice President. “Berman’s expertise in glass and resin surfacing fit well with Arconas’ vision. Bernù Ice is an exciting new look in seating.”
ARCONAS is an innovative leader in seating solutions for public spaces. The company’s work can be found in airport terminals, government offices, universities, healthcare centres and corporate offices throughout the world. Translated from Greek, ARCONAS literally means ’innovative leader’. Arconas is acclaimed for its comprehensive range of ergonomic business and soft seating solutions; airport terminal seating solutions; occasional tables; proactive response to specialized requirements and requests; demonstrated commitment to environmentally sound manufacturing processes; and accordance with the most rigid fire and safety standards in North America. www.arconas.com
Contact: Laura Borgo • Arconas • 905.272.0727 ext. 314 • lborgo@arconas.com
JOEL BERMAN GLASS STUDIOS is a world-renowned designer and manufacturer of decorative glass and related products for architecture and design offering contemporary patterns, creativity and collaboration possibilities to take any design project from concept to installation. From its design studio and manufacturing facilities located in Vancouver, BC, Canada Joel Berman Glass Studios offers kiln-cast and pressure-formed glass, resin, and complementary products crafted to the highest standards and featuring designer textures, colors, hardware and design services, all delivered with unparalleled custom focus. www.jbermanglass.com
Contact: John Driver • Joel Berman Glass Studios • 604.684.8332 ext. 232 • jdriver@jbermanglass.com