DESIGN /
PRODUCT
January 13, 2015
Vitra | The appeal of the versatile "Physix" office chair
Vitra
Embodying the Designer's Ideal Interaction of "Rigidity and Flexibility"
An All-Round Chair for the Modern Office
Alberto Meda, a master of Italian design, and Vitra have developed "Physix," an all-round chair for the modern office. "Design is the interaction between rigid and flexible elements. And its form emerges during the design process."—What kind of development process led to the realization of flexibility and stability, as symbolized by Meda's words?
Text by OPENERS DESIGN
Utilizing the Latest Technology and Materials for Flexibility and Stability
Designer Alberto Meda and Vitra have developed the "Physix," an all-round chair for the diversifying modern office. This state-of-the-art chair fuses three elements: a "flexible frame structure," a "stretchable knit cover," and a "stable mechanism," achieved through a structure where a single piece of fabric is stretched between two side frames to form the seat shell.
The side frames of the Physix are designed to flex gently with the sitter's body. The two aluminum brackets at the back work in conjunction with springs beneath the seat to recline the seat. Furthermore, Vitra succeeded in developing a stretch knit with elasticity and high resilience to form the seat shell in three dimensions. By stretching this knit between the side frames, the seat and back are formed as a single integrated unit. This knit, being a transparent mesh, lends a light impression to the chair while also considering harmony when combined with other furniture.
The structure of the Physix, which supports every movement such as leaning back, turning, and sitting, also has the effect of minimizing the body's movements simultaneously. It is truly a mechanism that embodies the "interaction of rigid and flexible elements." Its high-quality form, lightness, and easily adjustable functionality are sure to meet the demands of diverse office scenes.




