Inspired by the evolution we're currently witnessing within home and office environments, Herman Miller once again teamed up with Berlin-based design firm Studio 7.5 to revisit one of the most innovative and top selling office chair designs of the past decade, the Mirra Chair. Studio 7.5 developed a more agile and adaptive chair by taking a micro lens to the average office worker's sedentary work style alongside a more macro approach, which looked at the chair's larger role in an increasingly mobile and collaborative work place. The second iteration may share a name and general profile with its predecessor, but little else is the same—the Mirra 2 has been completely redesigned from the castors up. "It's difficult to start a mission like that—to revisit your own design. You have given your best already the first time," explains Claudia Plikat, one part of the design quartet behind Studio 7.5. Speaking on the brief to redesign the Mirra Chair, Pikat tells us this time around the team aimed to create an even more dynamic chair by making the smartest use of today's tools and materials.
"If you dig deeper into it of course you will see you could do better. And 10 years is a good time for technology moving forward, so there are things possible that were not possible ten years ago." The most noticeable change between the Mirra Chair and new Mirra 2 is the overall reduction in size. Studio 7.5's new version boasts a substantially smaller core, now produced and assembled entirely in-house at Herman Miller, more adjustable arms and an expansive back. The Mirra 2 is more refined and much more elegant—at least as elegant as an office chair can be. To reinforce and improve flex, the back support's ratio of hole to material has been inverted, reducing the plastic and improving air flow. "This whole principle only works because of the fabric and the plastic—a reinforced fabric you could call it," explains Plikat. The two materials are not bonded, but molded against one another to be free to contour to any number of unique back shapes. "It's really a new kind of construction."
All improvements come together to reduce the weight by 25%—nearly 18 pounds, or as Roland Zwick of Studio 7.5 points out, nearly a whole Setu Chair (another notable design by the studio for Herman Miller). Not only is the drastic reduction beneficial to the sitter's form, but the decrease in materials means less consumption and more efficient shipping. This conscious approach even extends to design aspects most would miss. "We decided if you wanted to have [Mirra 2's aluminum base] polished it's only polished on the top surface because this can be done completely automatically, so no manual labor is involved. It's a very dirty and toxic job, and we don't want anybody to have to work in such an environment," explained Zwick. While the specifics behind the design overhaul could span pages, you'll need to sit in the Mirra 2 to experience the change for yourself. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to do so at Herman Miller's Milan HQ during 2013 Salone del Mobile. For all others interested, the Mirra 2 chair will be available summer 2013 from Herman Miller directly.
Studio image courtesy of Herman Miller, all others by Graham HiemstraBad Backs is licensed to sell the HermanMiller® Chair range in NSW, VIC & WA. Mirra 2® is the brand new office chair design from market leader Herman Miller. Based on the original Mirra® Design, the Mirra 2 is leaner, lighter and sleaker and has been designed to move and flex with every movement you make. Effortless comfort, fit and ergonomic support. The Mirra 2 automatically shapes itself to you. The flexible, elastic Butterfly back supports the complete spine and conforms to size, posture, and movements. The AireWeave™ 2 seat-suspension material, FlexFront™ adjustable seat depth, and redesigned Harmonic™ tilt are just some of the features on this chair. Unique Back Support The new Mirra 2 Butterfly Back is the result of creative design by merging a fabric layer with polymer veins to create a unique structure that supports and moves with the user, and keeps you in healthy alignment.
A Balanced Ride - Naturally. The Mirra 2's reinvented Harmonic tilt and creates a smooth and balanced feel as you move from one position to another regardless of your size or frame. Pivot points are at the user's hip, knee, and ankle for easy, natural motion, and the backrest and seat move in proper relation for the correct support in all seated positions. Seat Comfort Mirra 2's breathable AireWeave seat-suspension material conforms to each sitter's shape and size and distributes pressure evenly. Sleek Contemporary Design Redesigned by Studio 7.5 in Berlin, Germany, Mirra 2 brings a fresh modern contemporary look to the original Mirra. Environmentally Friendly The Mirra 2 chair is over 25% lighter than the original Mirra, and has a carbon footprint 25% smaller. This helps Herman Miller reach its goal of sustainable design. It's made of a minimal number of parts and is easily disassembled for recycling. The Mirra 2 Chair is up to 93 percent recyclable based on availability of recycling facilities.
Mirra 2 is comprised of 46-percent recycled materials. The recycled content breaks down by 21-percent post-consumer and 25-percent pre-consumer content. Level® Certification - Mirra 2 is certified level 3. The level mark attests that Mirra 2, the Herman Miller GreenHouse, and Herman Miller, have been evaluated against themulti-attribute criteria of the ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard. Cradle to Cradle Certified - CM Mirra 2 is Cradle to Cradle Certified CM Silver. This means that Mirra has been evaluated for its material health, and is designed for material reuse in a closed loop system, such as recycling or composting. It is assembled using 100% renewable energy. GREENGUARD® Certified - The Mirra 2 Chair has achieved GREENGUARD® Gold certification. GREENGUARD Certified products are certified to GREENGUARD standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air during product usage. Material Content - The Mirra 2 Chair’s components are constructed from plastic, aluminum, steel, epoxy, fabric, and foam.
Adjusting Your Mirra 2 Chair: NOTE: All sizes are approximate Like all Herman Miller products, the Mirra chair is durable for long-term performance and value. As a statement of our confidence in its quality, Mirra is covered by the Herman Miller Warranty-a straightforward promise that we stand behind that quality 100 percent. The 12-year, 3-shift warranty covers all standard elements and includes labour on all warranty work. Mirra meets Herman Miller's rigorous standards for sustainable design. It contains no PVC. It's 96% recycleable and is made of 42% recycled content. It is easy to dissassemble for local recycling. Its Latitude upholstery is foam-free and 100% recycleable. Beyond adhering to Herman Miller standards, Mirra also meets those of the industry. It is McDonough Braungart Cradle to Cradle certified and GREENGUARD certified and may contribute to LEED credits. We appreciate that you want to shop with confidence online. And so Bad Backs wishes to confirm the importance we place on your privacy, security, our returns policy and customer service support.