Something about the Nature of Architecture: The History of the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library

Furniture

The original Thonet Brentwood armchairs selected for the library did not hold up to heavy use over the years and were replaced by the MG5 Chair designed by Matteo Grassi.

Thonet Bentwood Le Corbusier armchair

MG5 Marcel Breuer by Matteo Grassi

The reading tables, millwork benches, and sofas were restored from Rudolph's original design.

Yale University, Art & Architecture Building (Paul Rudolph Hall), 1960s

Reading room millwork bench located on the first floor 

One of the most popular furniture elements in the library are the Eero Saarinen "womb chairs" which were not part of the original design but added during the renovation. The chairs were upholstered in a red version of Cato, a fabric designed by Florence Knoll that was chosen specifically for heavy texture echoing the "corduroy" element on the walls. 

Eero Saarinen lounging in a Knoll "Womb" chair

Womb chairs (2023)