When we think about ‘seating’, we often think of an object: something tactile and physical. Yet when we think about ‘sitting’, we think about an organic action, comfort, and relaxation. Haworth’s Fern chair reworks traditional design with a focus on sitting, rather than seating.
June 20th, 2016
German design studio, ITO Design, collaborated with Haworth to create the new, innovative Fern chair – an unconventionally designed chair that emphasises visual aesthetics and ergonomic performance.
On first impression, the most striking difference between the Fern chair and conventional workspace chairs is the lack of obviously visible suspension architecture. Instead of multiple levers jutting out from under the seat base, the shape of the Fern chair is seamless and clean, with all of its thoroughly researched support features integrated into the body of the chair itself.
In the devising of the Fern chair, Haworth and ITO Design concentrated on the idea that with the development of the versatile modern workspace, there was a need for seating that was adaptable to a variety of different environments, and provided structure and support, with only the latter being felt. Keeping these ideas in mind, they devised the idea of inverting traditional seating design: the Fern chair’s dimensional suspension is concealed, like an endoskeleton, resulting in a graceful profile that suits countless workspace environments.
As the Fern chair’s name suggests, the chair’s structure and design playfully references plants and organic nature. The centered structure of the chair is comprised of an innovative suspension system called Stem, and the central loop spine supports an array of ‘Fronds’ fanning out of the spine. Each Frond has been calibrated to provide support to different areas of the back, resulting in total back support from the thoracic, to the lumbar, and the pelvic areas. Imitating the Frond design of the back of the Fern chair, the chair’s seat also has fronds that provide built-in flexibility and ergonomic comfort.
Haworth’s Fern chair promises to herald a new way of thinking about seating in the workplace environment, with its innovative structure, and dedication to the comfort of ‘sitting’ working harmoniously with Haworth’s dedication to aesthetic design and ergonomic performance in seating.
Haworth
ap.haworth.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
As well as considering the materials and processes used to manufacture furniture solutions, companies like Workspace are shifting their focus to the entire lifespan of products.
In this brand new exhibition, GH Commercial’s custom carpet solutions help local artists create joyful installations that each tell a unique story.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Caring for our mental health is paramount these days and architecture and design can lead the way as Hassell shows in its latest project in Queensland.
Lacquered in warm timber tones and complemented by high-quality furniture and fixtures, the new HQ for Salta Properties is a home away from home.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Despite designing one of history’s most coveted side tables, Eileen Gray’s popularity faced significant gaps due to the challenges encountered by female designers in the early 20th century.
Pedrali’s new headquarters is more than a dynamic, modern workplace. It is a space in which the Italian company can display its wares in the best possible light.
Ahead of the 2024 edition in Perth, renowned international architecture practice, OMA, launches its PRINCIPLES collection pushing the boundaries of modularity in office furniture.
Designed to drive positive change, promote sustainable practices and cultivate inclusive communities, the recent launch of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Design will champion the role of urban design in shaping the nation’s identity.