Knoll, Inc., the famed US-based furniture company, was founded in 1938 by Hans Knoll. Since its establishment, the company has played a key role in the evolution of modern furniture design. The founder of Knoll had roots in the Bauhaus movement and was committed to blending functionality with aesthetics. The evolution of the Knoll logo reflects the company’s journey through various design philosophies and market changes. This article delves into the history of Knoll and discusses key milestones in the evolution of its logo.
The Genesis of the Knoll Logo (1947-19??)
The initial logo of the company was designed in 1938 and is said to have lasted till 1947. However, the same is not available as of today. So, the subsequent redesign in 1947 by Herbert Matter was launched on February 26, 1947, and consisted of a thin letter “K” in white enclosed within an orange circle. Incidentally, the bars of the letter “K” were connected to two sets of thin white cylindrical elements at the top and bottom which appeared like tiny pillars. The logo took a minimalist approach that reflected Bauhaus principles.
(1967 – Present)
In 1967, the logo was redesigned by designer Massimo Vignelli of Unimark International. It featured the brand name with thick letters in bold orange against a white background written using a modified Helvetica typeface. It aimed to convey a strong brand identity and enhance coherence across various platforms. The simple design of the logo maintained an elegant aesthetic and aligned with the evolving modernist movement of the day.
The Elements of the Knoll Logo
Font
The Knoll logo features the wordmark written in a Helvetica typeface. It is a widely recognised sans-serif font known for its clarity and neutrality. The choice of the Helvetica font aligns with Knoll’s identity as a leader in modern design to emphasise simplicity and functionality in its products.
Colour
The colour scheme of the Knoll logo utilises a bold red for the word “Knoll,” set against a white background. The vibrant red colour of the logo captures attention as well as conveys a sense of energy and innovation—qualities that are integral to the brand’s ethos.
The History of Knoll
The furniture company Knoll was established by Hans Knoll, a German émigré, in New York City amidst the backdrop of World War II. His vision was to create elegant furniture that was functional and affordable. In doing so, he drew inspiration from the Bauhaus philosophy, which emphasised simplicity and the use of honest materials.
In 1945, Knoll relocated its production facilities to East Greenville, Pennsylvania. This move allowed for greater manufacturing capabilities and access to a skilled labour force. During this period, the company was joined by Florence Schust (later Florence Knoll), who significantly influenced its direction by pioneering design approaches that were client-focused.
The post-war era marked a period of substantial growth for Knoll. The company came to be known for its high-quality office furniture and innovative designs. In 1973, Knoll introduced its first open-office furniture system, the Stephens System, which was designed by Bill Stephens. This product capitalised on the growing trend towards open office environments and reflected changes in workplace dynamics.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Knoll collaborated with renowned designers such as Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen to produce iconic pieces like the Womb Chair and Tulip Chair. These collaborations helped establish Knoll’s reputation as a leader in modern design.
The late 20th century brought about significant corporate changes for Knoll. In 1983, it went public under General Felt Industries Inc. and raised approximately $56 million. However, the company struggled under this new ownership and was taken private again in 1986.
In 1990, Knoll was acquired by Westinghouse for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition led to further restructuring and eventually resulted in Knoll being sold to Warburg Pincus Ventures in 1996 for $565 million. Following this transition, Knoll went public again in 1997 but faced challenges due to economic downturns, which affected the office furniture industry.
The early 2000s were marked by economic challenges that impacted the entire office furniture sector. Despite these difficulties, Knoll continued to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions. In 2004, after recovering from previous setbacks, Knoll went public for a third time.
A significant milestone occurred in April 2021 when Herman Miller announced its acquisition of Knoll for $1.8 billion. This merger aimed to create a more robust entity within the design furniture market and was finalised later that year. As part of this integration, the company was rebranded as MillerKnoll.
Interesting Facts About Knoll
- Knoll was founded in 1938 by Hans Knoll in New York City, with the mission to create modern furniture that combined beauty and functionality. The company initially focused on importing European designs but quickly shifted to domestic production due to wartime restrictions.
- After the death of Hans Knoll in 1955, his wife, Florence Knoll, took over the company. She was instrumental in expanding the company’s vision and operations. She went on to establish the Knoll Planning Unit, which integrated architecture and furniture design to create cohesive spaces for clients.
- Knoll has collaborated with some of the most influential designers and architects of the 20th century. These include Eero Saarinen, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Harry Bertoia, and Frank Gehry. These partnerships led to the creation of timeless pieces like the Womb Chair, Tulip Chair, and Barcelona Chair.
- Over 40 Knoll designs are part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. This recognition underscores the brand’s significance in the history of modern design.
- In recent years, Knoll has focused on sustainable design practices. It reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility alongside its dedication to modern aesthetics. The company aims to create products that meet both contemporary needs as well as consider their impact on future generations.
- In April 2021, Knoll was acquired by Herman Miller in a deal valued at $1.8 billion. This merger aimed to strengthen the positions of both companies in the global market for office furniture and design solutions.
- In 2011, Knoll received the National Design Award for Corporate and Institutional Achievement from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. The award highlighted the impact of Knoll on design and innovation within the industry.
- While headquartered in East Greenville, Pennsylvania, Knoll also has manufacturing facilities in Grand Rapids and Muskegon (Michigan), Toronto (Canada), and Italy (Foligno and Graffignana). This showcases its international reach and production capabilities.
- Knoll’s philosophy centres around “Modern Always.” According to it, modern design is not just a style but a functional approach that adapts to changing work environments and lifestyles.
- The aesthetic of Knoll furniture has permeated popular culture and is often featured in television shows like Mad Men. It symbolises the mid-century influence of modernism on contemporary design sensibilities.
Finally
The evolution of the Knoll logo shows the brand’s adaptability and commitment to modern design principles. The logo had a minimalist beginning and acquired its current contemporary iteration. Each logo iteration reflects broader trends in design. At the same time, it remained true to Knoll’s core values of beauty and functionality. With Knoll continuing to innovate within the furniture industry, its logo is likely to evolve further. In the future, the logo is likely to embody both tradition and progress in modern design.