Metrik

Contemporary interpretation of a cantilever chair

Bad Münder, Oktober 2016. Wilkhahn’s new Metrik cantilever chair stands apart for its sculptural shape and contours which bring modern automotive design to mind. Polygonal shapes and rounded edges are part of a distinctive body which is defined by form-fit assembly of the tubular steel frame and seat component. The seat and the tubular frame are the same colour to underscore the integrated design. As a result, the chair has a seamless look. The sculptural shape of the inside of the chair with its integrated seat cushion offers superior comfort which can be further enhanced by extra cushioning at the back. The distinct but nevertheless understated design and the range of colourways mean that Metrik can be combined with various table concepts and office chairs.

Since the famous designs by Mart Stam, Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the cantilever chair has been one of the most exceptionally attractive types of seating. Consequently there is a whole range of designs today where seats and backrests are attached to a load-bearing tubular steel structure, or in which unitary seat shells are suspended. The new Wilkhahn cantilever chair breaks with this typical design principle because the seat merges into the tubular steel frame. The thickness of the seat body varies in order to achieve the ideal combination of flexibility and strength, while keeping the object as lightweight as possible. The chair’s lines, volume and surfaces form a distinctive shape in which the armrests are integrated. The fluid form continues with a virtually invisible gap in the tubular steel frame. As a result, the ergonomically shaped, elastic plastic body can be combined with the advantages of a sprung tubular steel shell without the change in materials being noticeable.

The mix of curves, surfaces and edges produces a remarkable form which mirrors parametrically generated shapes in architecture or modern vehicle body design. It’s no surprise that the whiteID design team primarily works in transportation design. Metrik’s seat body is a virtual invitation to touch it and experience the fluid flow of its shape and the different materials personally. The inside of the seat section delivers superb seated comfort. The integrated seat cushion is breathable and the slight curve of the backrest provides lumbar support. The extra padding in the back underscores that the hard shell has a soft centre. Consequently, this spacious seat almost feels like an armchair.

The cushion covers come in different textures and colours and the through-dyed polyamide seat sections and frames are also available in a total of six colours. The spectrum covers black, white and grey to grey-beige and orange-red to blue-grey. The bright chrome-plated frame can be combined with all the colours. Up to six Metrik cantilever chairs can be stacked on top of one another in this version.