Another problem-solving design from Charles and Ray

Charles and Ray Eames designed their tandem sling seating for Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in 1962 to address the need for comfortable, attractive, and sturdy public seating. Tasked with designing, producing, and installing the product in only one year, they based the design on the sling system developed for their Eames Aluminum Group Chairs.

A modernized design

Brian Alexander—a self-described “observationalist” who spends a lot of time “getting to know the behaviors of everything”—has taken his examination of how people spend their time in airports and designed a power module to enhance the Eames’ original design and the overall airport experience. He also designed a new table that’s a fourth of the seat width, which not only provides travelers with storage and power, but offers facility managers an increase in occupancy rates. 

Three connected black sling seating with integrated power source that includes USB-C port, USB-A port, and A/C power outlet.

“Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design.”

More about Charles & Ray Eames

Product Designers Ray and Charles Eames