Pair of Platner benches, designed by Warren Platner, USA, produced by Knoll International, 1960s

Warren Platner (1919–2006), an American architect and designer, is celebrated as a key figure in 20th-century modernism, whose work seamlessly blends technical innovation with sculptural aesthetics. Trained at Cornell University, Platner collaborated with luminaries such as Eero Saarinen and IM Pei before launching his iconic collection for Knoll International in 1966. The Platner series, encompassing chairs, tables, and stools, is distinguished by its use of radially arranged chrome-plated steel rods, creating fluid forms that marry industrial precision with artisanal elegance. Platner's visionary approach redefined modern furniture, endowing it with an architectural and timeless quality. Founded in 1938 by Hans and Florence Knoll, Knoll International is one of the world's most prestigious design furniture manufacturers, synonymous with excellence and innovation. Based in the United States, Knoll has collaborated with leading 20th-century designers, including Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer, and Eero Saarinen, producing pieces that shaped the modernist aesthetic. The Platner collection, introduced in the 1960s, exemplifies Knoll's commitment to material experimentation and craftsmanship, reinforcing its status as a global benchmark for designer furniture.