MultiGeneration by Knoll® Hybrid Base Ergonomic Side Chair

MultiGeneration by Knoll® encourages collaboration with a responsive, open design that supports multiple postures and a diversity of people in shared, team and large group environments. MultiGeneration facilitates natural movement, allowing us to focus, interact and communicate more effectively.

Hybrid base

The unique hybrid chair design combines comfort and mobility. A buoyant, cantilevered form meets a 4-leg construction with the option of casters. The Dynamic Seat Structure creates an active ride for enhanced performance and comfort.

Open design

The full, curved back allows for upper body movement and supports the lower back for upright, interactive postures, while a gently contoured seat with rounded corners and a cantilevered arm design lets you shift positions easily. The arms feature contoured arm pads to lean against when side sitting.

Passive flex

The flexing shell of the seat provides comfort and promotes natural movement without the need for a mechanism.

Performance back

The back of the chair, while visually simple, is designed for performance. The perforated back makes the chair more breathable than typical shell chairs. The rolled top edge serves as an armrest for side sitting and a handle for easy transport.

Knoll Formway Design MultiGeneration Product Development Archival Image

Product story

“We fidget to focus.” This, according to Formway Senior designer, was the central thesis that informed MultiGeneration by Knoll®. Contrary to popular assumption, foot-tapping, pen-twirling and position-shifting actually help people stay engaged.

Therefore, MultiGeneration is designed to allow for and encourage movement, while still providing adequate support. The shape and material of the shell give the chair a buoyancy that prevents the user from feeling “locked in” while the arm and leg positions allow for 270 degrees of movement.

The optional hybrid base for MultiGeneration is a unique design solution that combines the comfort of a cantilever form with a sturdy four-leg construction, giving the option of mobility from casters and freeing up the front corners for various postures. Cantilevered chairs have dynamic frames that respond to a user’s weight, but typically they cannot accommodate casters, which are desirable in a multipurpose chair, nor do they have front leg structures that can limit the user’s leg movement. Four-leg chairs are sturdy and allow for casters, but they don’t have a dynamic frame. Formway selected the most desirable attributes of the traditional base types to create the MultiGeneration hybrid base, a melding of cantilever and four-leg constructions.

MultiGeneration serves the functional purposes of a side chair, with the consideration and ergonomics of a standalone seating solution.

Formway

Founded in 1956, New Zealand-based Formway has been designing furniture for more than five decades. In 1979 the company redefined itself, developing a new identity and philosophy that focused on team-based design and extensive research. Formway’s designs are informed by insight gained through the observation and consideration of human behavior. Their user-centered approach marries a rigorous design process, an aesthetic sensitivity, and a passion for the environment.

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Additional Info

Construction and Details

OPEN DESIGN Allows for 270° sitting, perfect for collaborative, group environments
PASSIVE FLEX Encourages natural movement, helping with energy and focus
PERFORATED BACK Provides airflow and coordinates with Generation by Knoll® family of chairs
ROLLED TOP EDGE Serves armrest when side sitting, or handle for transporting
DYNAMIC SEAT STRUCTURE Features a composite spring that increases comfort and movement
HYBRID BASE Combines the comfort of a cantilever form with a sturdy 4-leg construction, giving the option of mobility from casters and freeing up the front corners for various postures
OPTIONAL SEAT PAD