The planning unit at the Knoll Showroom, Madison Avenue, 1951

Physical Details: Photographic print : 1 item : b&w ; 20 x 24 cm.

Creator: unidentified photographer

Description: Shows a room with rows of cubicles, each with a drafting table.
On verso is a handwritten paragraph in Florence Knoll Bassett's hand: The planning unit began when I joined Hans Knoll at 601 Madison. As the projects grew three or four designers were hired. In spite of the size of some of the projects like Connecticut General, the group never exceeded six to eight designers. We somehow managed to get the job done and on time. I don't think I could have worked with a larger group. Heino Orro, Joe Whited and Lou Butler were with the P.U. until I resigned in 1965. Peter Andes, also a P.U. member called it "Shu U." Us other young designers were siphoned off by architectural firms who began to start their own interior design divisions. S.O.M. New York was the first after our collaboration when I was hired by Frazer Wilde of Connecticut General to do the interiors. He said he wanted an "independent voice."

Forms part of: Florence Knoll Bassett papers, 1932-2000

Rights Statement: Current copyright status is undetermined

Citation: The planning unit at the Knoll Showroom, Madison Avenue, 1951 / unidentified photographer. Florence Knoll Bassett papers, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.

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Digital ID: 12960

Subjects:

• Interior design

View all Image Gallery items from the Florence Knoll Bassett papers