GRAPH – Wilkhahn’s well awarded conference chair

Graph Conference Chair was designed by Markus Jehs and Jürgen Laub for Wilkhahn. The goal was to devise an innovative and exclusive range of conference chairs.  Traditional features were translated into a cutting-edge form, with superb comfort and a flexible range of movement minus any mechanics. The result is quality furniture that looks attractive and inviting and scores highly on haptics and functional aspects. In addition to many other top, international design prizes, Graph has now received the German Design Award 2013, another particularly sought-after accolade.

The initial designs had already caused quite a stir across the globe in the industry. Produced on an industrial scale since March 2012, the range has not just impressed architects and customers, but also judging panels at the most important design institutes. Graph has garnered the Interior Innovation Award at imm in Cologne, followed by the iF product design award, the red dot design award 2012 and a nomination for the German Design Award. Across the globe, Graph has won the Australian Good Design Award and in London it was nominated product of the year by the British magazine “Mix Interiors” and given the Mixology 12 Award as the best piece of furniture. Shortly before Orgatec, it was announced that Graph will also receive the German Design Award from the renowned German Design Council.

Graph is available in two backrest heights, with leather or fabric covers and with bright chromium-plated or natural polished frames and armrests
Photo by Wilkhahn

Taken apart and re-assembled
The design’s key concept was to cut through a seat shell horizontally and vertically and then reassemble it. This principle is based on deconstructivism and resulted in a seating body in several parts that appears lightweight and whose contours still convey the reassuring shape of a homogeneous, unitary seat shell. At the same time, the armrests became the central connecting points between the seat and backrest shells, creating a modular product structure that makes other model designs possible.

Comfortable range of motion without mechanics
Equally ingenious as the form is the concept of flexibly supporting the seat. At the front it is placed on a Y-shaped bearer with powerful, consistently elastic connectors and at the back it is borne by a central leaf spring. Without any mechanics at all, this generates three-dimensional elasticity in the bearer – a novelty in a swivel chair of this kind. The upholstery itself offers exceptional comfort with a leaf-sprung metal frame, is fully padded and with extra fine foam cushioning. The luxurious upholstery, combined with three-dimensional suspension, turns Graph into an outstanding conference chair when it comes to comfort.

High quality down to the last detail
The chair is superbly crafted down to the last detail. The fusion of a fluid form and a clear, streamlined look is also what sets apart the elegant foot section and the Y-shaped bearer made of die-cast aluminium with its precisely matching radii and surfaces. The modelled armrests, made of die-cast aluminium, are also pleasant in terms of haptics too. And the engineers developed a concealed, force- and form-fit connector to ensure that no screws were visible – even at a closer look. The die-cast aluminium components have been exquisitely polished and are optionally available in a natural or bright chromium-plated finish. Only particularly high-quality textiles from the fabric collection or leather are used for the covers. The precise seams, with surrounding cushioning, underscore the slim, clear contour, while the horizontal stitched seam divides up the backrest.

New: on castors and with large glides
The Graph conference chair will be showcased at Orgatec with castors for the first time (seating height 45 cm). The dimensions of the adapted four-star base, combined with the shape of the seat, ensure the chair will not tip over. The twin-wheel swivel castors can be used on all types of flooring. To match the surfaces of the frame, they have matt or bright-chromium plated decorative rings.

For further information visit: www.wilkhahn.com

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