For Devile, the brief was to design “a monobloc aluminium chair that embraces the complexity of aluminium craftsmanship. The result should be visually impressive and design-driven, with a circular sustainability profile and an outward perception of durability.”
The spark for this project started in September 2021, when my family and I went to a very traditional and popular brasserie in the suburbs of Brussels. The restaurant is called “Maison Istas.” I have always loved the atmosphere of this place, as well as the simplicity of the table settings and their wooden chairs.
I thought this could be a strong starting point: reinterpreting the classic bistro chair through the use of aluminium felt both relevant and interesting.
Like the wooden chairs it takes inspiration from, Deville is composed of several elements assembled with screws. This makes it easy to dismantle, which in turn facilitates both recyclability and repair.
Deville appears simple, but when you look closer, I can hardly believe how close the final result is to that initial intention. I truly believe the chair responds exactly to the request and to the way it was expressed by HAY. Achieving this level of refinement has been a very long journey.
Deville is crafted from at least 60% post-consumer recycled aluminum and combines several manufacturing processes, including casting and bending.
Named after Henri Étienne Sainte-Claire Deville, the first French chemist to discover a method for producing aluminum on an industrial scale.
The name also carries a double-meaning: ‘In French, Deville sounds like ‘de ville’, which means ‘from the city’ or ‘for the city’.’ A nod to the cityscape that inspired the design in the first place.
Defined by generous proportions and softly curved frames, the Deville collection balances durability with an open, welcoming character - an invitation to sit, linger, and enjoy time outside. It includes stackable chairs, armchairs and tables in a variety of colours
Aluminium and steel