all i can do is laugh.  

DWR could not resist maki...
DWR could not resist making a knockoff that they can sell for 600 dollars, when they can make them for less than 100. yes it is a big joke. but who really wants it?????? and why?

you are right Lloyd. The...
you are right Lloyd. The sad fact is though, people will buy it. DWR made it because people requested it im sure. When I worked there everyone wanted the LCW in wenge lol...a chocolate stain if you will. I really hope HM never makes one.

.
I think the LCM in any variant woods/colors is in line with the Eames aesthetic.Eames had calico ash and analine red.What is very wrong, the altering of well thought out forms.

wrong
reminds me of this:

Very odd, indeed
I didn't see this horrible thing when i was at their new York showroom.
The website shows is 'not available at this time", so whatever they're up to is anyone's guess. Herman Miller (apparently) isn't upset enough to pull their stuff away from DWR, either.

How
I just received their latest catalog and noticed that glaring in my face. How DWR can attempt to sell a knock-off Nelson bench for practically the same price as the Herman Miller version boggles the mind.
They may be in trouble though since it is shown as not available on the web site.
I was just about to post a similar thread regarding the Risom pieces vs. the Nelson knock-offs. "DWR Design Studio" is full of paradoxes.

haha yes claus, you are...
haha yes claus, you are right...altering dimensions is a key element to a knock off...maybe knock off places should market their altered items as making the piece better usable. haha
I'd say the fact that it is no longer avaiable means HM noticed it, cause last night when i posted it said "available 8-26-09"

Ugh
I'm afraid my defense of DWR can only be half-hearted this time in that their description of it doesn't claim that it's actually a Nelson design, just that it's based on a Nelson design... okay screw it - it just sucks. I really like this company but boy are they making it difficult.
"American Modern Dining Bench
The American Modern Dining Bench (2009) is based on George Nelson?s iconic design for a Platform Bench that he created in 1946. Still true to Nelson?s straightforward design aesthetic, we?ve created this Bench out of walnut and beech (Nelson?s design is available only in maple). We?ve also raised the seat height to make this Bench a more practical solution for use with a dining table. In addition to dining, the American Modern Bench can be used in an entryway, in a living room and even as a coffee table. Available 8/6/09"

Honestly, Lucifer...
What on earth is there to like about DWR?

Um
Guys, realize, it's not about "design" anymore. DWR needs to turn a profit, stop the bleeding, and higher margin, lower priced alternatives may make sense for them.
DWR is basically in the mindset that their brand is strong enough to compete against the Herman Millers, etc of the world

"that deaf dumb and blind kid............
....shore makes a mean faux-bench !"
those people over at dwr are so out of touch and clueless it hurts..... are they really arrogant and/or stupid enough to think they can get away with this ?
pitiful.

At the end of the day, the...
At the end of the day, the people who know the difference between a real Nelson, Herman Miller bench and DWR's version are likely not the people doing the majority of the shopping at DWR.
So can they get away with it?
I think so....the only people who can possibly stop them is Herman Miller by exerting their muscle.
The average DWR consumer may actually even prefer the altered dimensions of the bench (I sure as hell don't) The lower price will undoubtedly drive sales as many folks will be just as happy to have a DWR product as they are to have the HM original. I guess, only time will tell.

Price
Is the same, pretty much (with tax and shipping from DWR).
And using a bench for dining purposes is rather impractical, in my opinion.

I just assumed it was less...
I just assumed it was less expensive.....they truly are out of their minds over there.