Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/218643
Take A Seat C ERGONOMIC CHAIRS UNDERGO A FRESH NEW LOOK by Laurie Jones Contract seating manufacturers continue to reach for the ultimate in comfort and ergonomics with their 2013/2014 offerings. At the NeoCon 2013 show in Chicago, Teknion Corporation launched its new seating collection that included the Spectrum Lounge Series and Fractals Seating Group, by designers Jeffrey Bernett and Nicholas Dodziuk of CDS (Consultants for Design Strategy). "The Spectrum Lounge Series features sofa elements that produce the ability to divide space and define zones in configurations that run for an infinite span and create interesting conversation islands," says Bernett. "Armrests wide enough to support tablets and laptops flip to reveal a hard surface underside that acts as a miniature work surface." While Spectrum incorporates specifiable fabric zones that span from elegant monochrome to distinctive and bold colour blocking, the Fractals Seating Group is designed to support new organic planning in contemporary settings. "Comprised of a lounge chair, settee and ottoman/bench, the seating elements work together to create collaborative zones or other mini-environments in multiple cluster configurations," says Bernett. A higher-back option on the sofa and lounge chair more clearly delineates space and creates a greater sense of privacy. SIMO Corporation launched its Cubby line in the summer of 2013, which features high-back seating that offers acoustic dampening. "Cubby seats create a semi-private environment for impromptu meetings or general conversation," says Gary Scitthelm, president. "One of our clients has 20 Cubbies on one floor. These are easily reconfigurable to create face-to-face visual and somewhat acoustic privacy for a less formal meeting than a boardroom table." Scitthelm says collaboration takes place in many different ways and in different settings. With that in mind, the SIMO Stilts line still stands the test of time with its ability to be reconfigured to suit any need. "Pricing for Stilts Seating p46-49Seating_Fire.indd 47 offers the best value product with the highest degree of flexibility," says Scitthelm. For collaborative spaces, a side tablet can be added to Stilts chairs for workspace. Stilts seats can also be used to line the walls of a boardroom office to create additional seating for large meetings. In an effort to shake up seating design, Zuo Modern has worked closely with its design team and factories to bring a fresh look to office chairs. "The office chair category has been stale these past few years amongst almost all suppliers," says Michael Revah, CEO at Zuo Modern, Canada. "The designs have been repetitive and small variations are all that differentiated the many manufactures. This year, we have decided to go back to the drawing board to bring some new shapes and sizes. We have designed all the seats to be more ergonomic than in the past, providing proper posture and support." Revah says Zuo Modern has put a strong emphasis on the armrests. "The chair arm is always an important aspect of the office chair. It is generally overlooked and standardized across all models. This year, we are introducing some clean, minimal armrests combined with upholstered padding to add comfort." The Global Group introduced a number of new seating options for 2013, including the Arti chair that features a patented flexible back support system. "This system achieves ideal comfort by conforming to the individual spine shape of each user," says Rick Galbraith, VP of sales. "Arti supports the human body with its adjustable seat, armrest and backrest positioning. The glass-filled nylon seat frame can be moved forward and backward to suit any leg length." Available with a mesh back in five fashionable colours, Arti has four-way Above: the Arti chair from Global. Below: Envita from Teknion. adjustable aluminum armrest pads that offer comfort and mobility. This healthy back chair can support users through periods of prolonged sitting. "Arti minimizes the possibility of resultant aches and pains with a chair back that freely moves with the user, providing excellent back support," says Galbraith. "The back rest is linked together by internal steel cables and highly-graded steel springs that play a vital role in ensuring maximum strength and flexibility." BioFit Engineered Products announced the debut of its all-new bimos by BioFit seating collection at NeoCon 2013, marking a step forward in the company's design direction. Specifically, the Sintec and Fin chairs incorporate design elements from German seating manufacturer bimos and the proven ergonomic performance of BioFit. Above: The Arti chair from The Global Group. Below: Envita lounge chairs from Teknion. december 2013 /47 13-11-15 3:46 PM