Eames Research Paper

Karen Pavelka’s Materials in Libraries, Archives, and Museums class introduced students to the basic concepts of materials science, object permanence and stability, and the agents of deterioration.

We wrote papers on a topic of our choosing, in which we researched specific materials and their inherent vices.

I chose to write about a famous design philosophy from the mid-century creative couple, Charles and Ray Eames. They believed good design, “is the simple thing of getting…the best to the greatest number of people for the least.” Using the LCW and Shell Chairs as case studies, I wanted to investigate if their philosophy was sound, from a materials perspective. I engaged in intense research of the chairs’ components, molded plywood and fiberglass reinforced plastic, respectively, to make a justified conclusion.

I worked closely with the Herman Miller corporate archives and consulted the United States Patent and Trademark Office to complete my paper.

Research Paper Link