ProductsChairsLounge chairsSofasOffice chairsChaises longuesStools & benchesSculpturesConference chairsAirport seatingStorage spaceMicro architectureDining tablesCafé tablesCoffee & side tablesDesksOffice furniture systemsConference systemsLightingClocksDecorative objectsCoat racks & wall shelvesTrays & vesselsAlexander Girard Antonio CitterioCharles & Ray Eames Barber OsgerbyGeorge NelsonHella JongeriusIsamu NoguchiJasper MorrisonJean ProuvéKonstantin GrcicRonan & Erwan BouroullecVerner PantonPanter&TourronCare & repairCare productsManufacturer warrantyNewBestsellerQuickly availableGift finderOffice chair finderLounge chair finderColour & materialAnagram SofaVitra CushionsInspirationsLiving roomDining roomHome OfficeChildren's roomOutdoorHome StoriesAugmented RealityColours & materialsWorkspaceFocusMeetingWorkshopClub OfficeCitizen OfficeStudio OfficeDynamic SpacesHospitalityAirportsEducationCo-WorkingHealthcareOur ClientsA case for classicsOffice chairsDancing OfficeHome StoriesAugmented Reality - bring Vitra products into your homeA case for classicsColour & materialAn open house A leading space for a leading art collegeHigh comfort of low energyAn office landscape - without walls or partitionsServicesCare & repairCare productsManufacturer warrantyFAQ and contactInstructionsInstructions for earlier productsConsulting & Planning StudioConsulting & planning in the VitraHausOutdoor care instructionsRepair, maintenance, overhaul at the Vitra Circle Store Campus ProfessionalsCAD dataProduct factsheetsCertificatesBrochuresSustainability reportInstructionsEcology informationpConPlanning examplesColour & Material LibraryCertificates and standardsTo the dealer loginOur ClientsAnagram SofaMikadoTyde 2 on castorsACXDancing OfficeOffice chairsMagazineStoriesConversationsExhibitionsDesignerProject VitraJust Do It!EVER GREENWhy the Eames La Fonda Chair was designedWhen a Sofa is more than just a Sofa: Anagram100% virgin wool – 100% recyclableAn archive is like a time capsuleVitraHaus Loft - A conversation with Sabine MarcelisWalking the talkA 1000 m2 piece of furnitureFrom a toy to an objectA studio visit with Tsuyoshi TaneThe Eames Collection at the Vitra Design MuseumAbout the partnership between Eames and VitraVitra CampusExhibitionsGuided tours & workshopsFood and drinkShoppingActivities for familiesArchitectureYour eventPlan your visitVitra Campus appCampus EventsNewsVitraHausVitra Design MuseumVitra SchaudepotVitra Circle Store CampusOudolf GartenAbout VitraSustainabilityJobs & CareersDesign processThe Original is by VitraHistory - Project Vitra
A second life
The Fiberglass Chairs at the University of Bern
In September 2023, the University of Bern had 92 used Eames Fiberglass Chairs refurbished in collaboration with Vitra dealer Büro Bischof Bern AG and Oberli AG, a long-standing Vitra service partner in Bern. These had been utilised for many years in various public areas of the university before undergoing comprehensive restoration, which involved cleaning and polishing the bases, renewing the seat shells and replacing the glides. The chairs are now back in shape and ready for the decades to come.
Demonstrating the school's commitment to sustainable development, the green-coloured chairs are now used by the University of Bern in the vegan 'Bakery Bakery' eatery, which was recently added to the canteen offerings. The black Eames Fiberglass Chairs are in turn currently employed in the university's study and dining areas.
Refurbishing long-used Eames Fiberglass Chairs instead of buying new ones is an excellent example of sustainability in action. Highly durable chairs is what makes this possible: those at the University of Bern date from 1967 to 1990. Vitra strives to achieve such a high level of quality in each of its products to ensure that they remain up to date and in active use for decades – thanks to premium materials and lasting functionality as well as timeless aesthetics.
Read more about topics such as circular economy, recyclability and upcycling in our glossary.
Publication Date: 18.01.2024
Images: © Vitra