Defined by a distinctiveness and clarity of form is the Graph chair from Wilkhahn – a conference chair which epitomises flexible comfort and evokes a new kind of workplace chair
August 29th, 2012
Graph is a swivelling conference chair that comes with a four-star base, die-cast aluminium or chrome armrests, a metal seat and back frame, and two backrest heights. All the components that bring an office chair together, right?
Markus Jehs and Jürgen Laub
Yet Graph is one-of-a-kind in its concept and design: its development has engendered a new design and engineering approach which progressively re-interprets the classical values of a conference chair.
Industrial designers Markus Jehs and Jürgen Laub, who conceived the Graph for Wilkhahn, describe the conference chair as being the “perfect balance between aesthetics and engineering.”
The graphical quality of its shape is the first eye-catcher, with its organic seat shell which has been cut through horizontally and vertically, then modified and re-assembled. The result is a fluid yet streamlined form that offers superlative comfort.
Likening Graph to a Porsche 911’s unique combination of form and function, Laub says, “There’s the feeling when you sit in it, the haptics and the smell of fine leather – we were able to achieve this in Graph too.”
“In this respect, Graph can really be compared with a stylish car. After all, in conference rooms it’s about comfort and a feeling of assurance, but also about status and self-confidence,” says Jehs.
The horizontally, vertically cut seat shell eliminates the need for a crossover point between seat and back. This form also changes the structure, so the armrests become the central connecting nodes. It’s an open frame approach, which not only allows seat and backrest to be connected in, but creates a modular structure that make future models easy to create.
Expert engineering created a seamless appearance with concealed force- and form-fit connectors, and surfaces carefully treated in a natural or bright chromium-plated finish.
“In Graph’s case, we were always able to find a solution that provided a perfect balance between aesthetics and engineering,” says Jehs and Laub. “In the end the result is exactly what we dreamt at the beginning.”
Wilkhahn
wilkhahn.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!
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
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.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Neither design nor architecture happens in a vacuum. In times of dynamic progress, technological advancement and rapid regulatory changes, every design professional relies on the specialised expertise of a wider team – particularly the skilful craftsmen and manufacturers who help make their unique ideas a reality.
Aston Low Lounge byJean Marie Massaud for Arper, Italy The sleekdynamic line of the new Aston seating collection by Arper Italy is designed forboth corporate and domestic use. Available as a low lounge armchair with lowtable and footstool (pictured), or as a standard height armchair on glides withan optional swivel return, or on a 5-way […]
Sitting lightly in the landscape overlooking the Gippsland lakes, about half way along the eastern coast of Victoria, Metung Hot Springs takes full advantage of the unique geographical connection between the mountains and sea at the confluence of three alpine rivers.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Continuing our new series on the design enthusiasts who work in all sorts of different roles across the industry, we speak to Rogerseller’s Claire Drummond.
London-based Carmody Groarke and Paris-based TVK have been announced as winners of a milestone competition for the new Bibliothèque nationale de France conservation centre.