Propaganda Republic and the Cure for Common Stuff

Propaganda Republic assumes two things: 1. We are all inspired by the stuff around us, and 2. They can surround us with better stuff. If their better stuff includes more products like the ERGO 01, they may be on to something I can really be inspired by. And not just my plain old, old stuff inspiration, but a new, better, more imaginative inspiration fueled by the promise of great design, back support and options for recycling.

The ERGO 01 is a chaise lounge split in two- a body support and separate ottoman. PR says the split accommodated production in two materials-standard Aluminum or high tensile Cromoly Steel. I think it makes the lounge a lot easier to get into in and out of. No more ungainly spread eagle, one leg on either side, hoist yourself with stomach muscles moves--this lounge delivers on relaxation from sitting down to standing up.

(On an expensive lark, "a design exercise to show off what we can do, and an exercise in the use of new technology, design methods and manufacturing techniques within environmental restrictions," PR also produced a lounge in carbon fibre. But manufacturing that option en masse is the only way that the design is economically feasible, says PR's Isla McMillan. "To make it ourselves on a small scale? Economically impossible! Unless there are a few people out there with $70k to spend on a chaise lounge!")

As is, in aluminum with black anodised finish or steel, finished in a durable black epoxy powder coat, the ERGO 01 retails for about £1,500 GBP.

If the ERGO component of the name didn't tip you off, this minimalist masterpiece has been designed with straps of elasticated mesh, the stretchy mebrane-like material like the Pellicle fabric Herman Miller uses for the Aeron chair, and expert attention to back health and support. Gerard Locke, the owner of Propaganda Republic, collaborated on this project with the ergonomics development team of Galen Cranz, Professor of Architecture at  UC Berkeley and Dr. Neelam Misra, Fellow of Pain Management at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York.   

They brought their environmental concerns into the mix too. The ERGO 01 are recycled and recyclable in each of the material options  and, it doesn't need to be taken apart to be recycle ready.

I'm already inspired.

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