Herman Miller, the multi-billion-dollar high-end furniture giant famous for its $800 Aeron chairs, is stepping into a brand new market: the affordable one. The new Sayl chair is available for the low, low price of $399. That's relatively close to the price of a chair at Staples — and you won't find anything with such notable design credentials near that price point in the task-chair market. According to Sayl designer Yves Behar, creating a chair with fancy pants looks and ergonomics, while keeping costs at a bare minimum, was one of the biggest challenges of his career. "I practiced for more than a decade and waited to tackle the work chair," says Behar. "And it is only after turning 40 that I feel ready for such an epic design challenge." What's so hard about building a chair? Behar's sprawling team started by trying to eliminate as many materials as possible from the construction, in a process he dubbed "eco-dematerialization." The idea being that the fewer parts and less material, the lower the cost would be (and the lighter the carbon footprint as well).
The chair's biggest breakthrough was inspired by the Golden Gate bridge, and its suspension system. The back of the Sayl has no large supports; indeed, it doesn't even have a plastic frame on the outside edge. Instead, the back is simply made of a single urethane sheet, drawn tight from the seat pan to the top of a Y-shaped frame. The back thus has no hard edges, and conforms to your shape. The urethane sheet itself has varying densities all along its length — so that you get a softer feel around the shoulders and edges, but stiffer support around the spine. To further boost the chair's green bona fides, it's manufactured on three continents to cut shipping costs; packaged in a half-sized box, is undergoing Cradle-to-Cradle certification, and comes with a 12-year warranty. Behar waxes almost poetic about the work: "There is an amusing parallel between the Sayl's physical lack of frame around its suspension back, and my belief that we humans are increasingly benefiting from "unframed" expressions of our potential, taking on bigger challenges and to going beyond work or social expectations."
And you can sit on it. Never miss a story. I'd also like to receive special Fast Company offersBefore it was Herman Miller, it was Michigan Star Furniture Company and D.J. De Pree had been working there for 4 years as a clerk, after its opening in 1905. In an effort to aid his son-in-law to buy the company, West Michigan businessman, Herman Miller bought Michigan Star Furniture Company in 1923. Subsequently, the company was renamed Herman Miller and within due time the Herman Miller brand name became synonymous with modern furniture as the company grew and employed well known designers such as: George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames; under who the company would produce pieces that would become some of the world's most iconic and well known designs. Since the company's re-branding, collaborations with designers like Isamu Noguchi, Alexander Girard, Robert Propst, Bill Stumpf, Don Chadwick, Ayse Birsel, Studio 7.5, Yves Behar, Doug Ball, and etc have aided with the company's growth;
turning Herman Miller into one of the most influential brands in today's design market. Herman Miller furniture is well recognized around the world for elevating the design of any commercial or residential setting. As a leading brand that boasts modern and mid-century modern designs, Herman Miller has effectively put itself on the map as a key and notable brand that continues to stay at the forefront of producing great designs that will not only maintain relevance but quality as well. From pioneering ergonomic office furniture to stewarding environmental leadership in business strategy and manufacturing processes, Herman Miller's commitment to quality and the world around us continues to be a factor in driving their design solutions for the modern home and workspace. And with proven, all-around reputable pieces, it is without a doubt that any authentic Herman Miller furniture will guarantees lasting excellence throughout the decades to come. See more from Herman MillerSave hundreds with winter closeouts on Open Box items from Herman Miller and Steelcase.
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Over 175,000 Aerons SoldInspired by suspension bridges—structures that deliver the most using the least material—Sayl’s 3D Intelligent back lets you stretch and move, striking a healthy balance between support and freedom. The elastomer strands vary in thickness and tension to provide greater support along the spine where you need it most, and less everywhere else so you are free to move. Britannia StudyLink Offices - Hong Kong Wink Offices - Manhattan Flocabulary Offices - Brooklyn PillPack Offices - Somerville Indeed Offices - Tokyo Pinterest Offices - Chicago MedHelp Offices - San Francisco Northeastern University Offices - Boston Bain & Company - São Paulo Sky Offices - Leeds Bain & Company Offices - Rio de Janeiro Asurion Offices - Hong Kong SGS Offices - Hull Indeed Offices - Austin Wipro Digital Offices - London Cossette Offices - Vancouver Dentsu Aegis Network Offices - Shanghai Social Tables Offices - Washington DC
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