The brand name comes from the word millimeter. It symbols the level of detailing and Samuli’s approach to design: eliminate everything unnecessary without losing the functionality or ergonomics.
“Of course the starting point is ergonomics. I'll try to remove all pointless features from my items and keep the focus in function. If something can be straight, it should be straight. And almost every time it can.”
“Despite the clean lines and sharp edges there is an element of surprise in my chairs: they are really comfortable. The ergonomics is bang on”
Johan Samuli Pöllänen
Interior architect and founder of mllmtr
Johan Samuli Pöllänen
Mr Pöllänen is an interior architect and furniture designer. He studied in University of Arts and Design Helsinki (part of Aalto university today).
After three years of studying in 2004 Samuli founded his company Johan Samuli Pöllänen Oy and started consulting interior architecture companies specialized in public spaces.
Samuli has done mainly commercial spaces such as department stores, restaurants, airports, cruise ships and super yachts.
What is design?
To put it simply design is problem solving. You are given a messy bundle of requirements, restrictions and regulations that you need to solve into a functional end result.
The problems may vary depending on task, but the thought process remains the same: Finding the best compromise in the swamp of contributing factors.
Good design makes life easier. The best design is something you probably won’t even notice.
Does the world really need another chair?
This is a question every designer must consider. Why would I produce a new chair when the world is full of them?
Functionality
We need to define the basics of a good product. First it has to fulfill the given task. It needs to function.
Chair is intended for sitting, so the ergonomics must be exactly right. As a designer you must have accurate knowledge of the correct seating heights or backrest angles.
Sustainability
Just as important as functionality is sustainability.
Furniture is meant to be used so durability is the key. The longer the lifespan the lower the environmental impact. Today we mainly focus on the level of recycling or the amount of carbon emissions. Of course, it is good to use the cleanest possible energy sources, but if the product lasts for decades, the impact of the production is reduced close to zero.
By designing products that are built to last, we can help reduce waste and create a more sustainable future.
Is it all about the looks?
Nice looking things are always nicer. But this is not important so it’s not interesting.
Better world with better products.
Unfortunately, only a few of the existing chairs meet this criteria. An even bigger shame is that the chairs designed and produced today are even worse.
All in All, there are many reasons why designing and manufacturing a new chair could be worthwhile.