Gerd Lange

1931 Wuppertal



Gerd Lange studied design at the "Werkkunstschule" (now Hochschule for Gestaltung) in Offenbach until 1956. In 1961 Gerd Lange opened a design studio in Kapsweyer, Rhineland-Pfalz. Gerd Lange designed the light, stackable "SM 400" plastic chair with a tubular steel frame and attached polyamide seat in 1967. Made by Drabert in Minden, the "SM 400" has received numerous awards and is a bestseller.
In 1973 Gerd Lange designed (for Thonet) the "Flex 2000" chair, a first since plastic is combined with wood. The legs of the "SM 400" are of solid beech, the slats are veneer, and the seat is of molded polypropylene. Gerd Lange also designs lighting; in 1969 he designed (for Kartell) the oval sconce "4035", made of plastic. For Wogg, a Swiss firm, Gerd Lange designed "Wogg 1" shelving system of postforming plastic in 1983.