24 November 2010
Graduate furnishes RMIT building with the details
The Emily McPherson Building has undergone a stunning refurbishment and is now home to the Graduate School of Business and Law.
Ross Didier’s Bombala chairs are inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s iconic 1929 “Barcelona” chair.
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The newly refurbished Emily McPherson Building on RMIT University’s City Campus combines original period features with a sleek and modern interior.
The heritage-listed, 83-year-old building, which was officially launched in late October by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, is now the home to the Graduate School of Business and Law and an epicentre of postgraduate education.
The School's state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, staff offices and spacious, stylish student lounge are housed within a building with the imposing neoclassical façade of yesteryear and a long history of educational excellence.
When it came to the furnishing of the building, Lovell Chen Architect’s emphasis was on the sourcing of stylish, clean-lined and contemporary pieces that were also practical and durable. The resulting selection of furniture reflects the austere sophistication and elegance of the Emily McPherson Building’s interior.
RMIT is renowned for nurturing great talents in the fields of fine art and design and it is appropriate that a chair conceived and designed by an RMIT graduate is one of the pieces of furniture that has been acquired for the Emily McPherson Building’s new rooftop level.
The outdoor “Bombala” chair, inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s iconic 1929 “Barcelona” chair, is the vision of an RMIT Bachelor of Fine Art (Sculpture) graduate and multiple award-winning Ross Didier. The chairs are decked out on a terrace that is a quiet recreation space for staff and students and will also be used for functions.
The chair has a reverse, cantilevered frame that is supported by multiple slats and can also be fitted out with cushions.
The chairs are accompanied by eclectic square-topped tables that are constructed from custom-selected tiles and have a metal frame with a powder coat finish.
Manufactured in Victoria, Mr Didier’s Bombala chairs are available through Corporate Culture, an Australia and New Zealand-based furniture and lighting business that represents an impressive stable of globally renowned furniture designers.
