lean
Desk

red dot: best of the best
red dot award: product design 2008

True essence
The author Thomas Mann loved to be portrayed sitting at his writing desk. After all, here he sat every day, so this piece of furniture was an expression of his person and his creativity. “lean” is a desk that offers its user great leeway for interpretation. Extraordinary clarity is expressed in its form and by its name, which confirms the understatement and the philosophy that the design embodies. The concept of designer Richard Wassmann was to reduce the desk to its essence without compromising function or stability. The form, achieved by applying innovative technology, is thus reduced to the desktop and four legs. The frame is made of powder-coated steel and consists of two trestles screwed to the top at each end. The design is an interplay of form and material, producing an inspiring desk with flowing lines. By avoiding any form of decoration, this free-standing desk displays intriguing visual lightness – it almost seems to float. Also the functional essence of the desk is discreet, yet present. The desktop, a panel of black 4-mm phenolic resin, is finished with bonded steel edging, and a choice of surface finishes is offered. To equip the desk for everyday use, various office accessories can be attached to the edging. Thus the desk easily blends into many individually designed interiors. With its sleek and refined appearance, “lean” subtly redefines the lines the desk.