Design for Health
Text by DETAIL - Zeitschrift für Architektur + Baudetail
München, Germany
23.01.18
Scandinavia is a design trendsetter. The puristic appearance of products from Norway, Sweden and Denmark is the result of relaxed understatement and a clear design language. The Norwegian company Flokk is the market leader in the design, development and production of workplace furniture in Europe.
It all began with the idea that the design of a chair forms the basis for physical well-being. The Norwegian Peter Opsvik believed that long periods of sitting should not hinder the natural need for exercise. Instead, a chair could promote a healthy upright posture and at the same time motivate dynamic processes. Opsvik was inspired by the position adopted by horse riders, who are able to keep their upper body in balance even after hours of riding, thanks to the shape of the saddle. This shape has given rise to the HÅG Capisco with its eye-catching design and ergonomic function.
The shape of the HÅG Capisco’s backrest and seat supports the body in many sitting positions. It also reacts to shifts in weight. Numerous colour variations and contrasts as well as various surfaces and materials provide a wide spectrum for a personal HÅG Capisco. Flokk manufactures the chair without using any harmful chemicals or adhesives. The low weight, small number of selected components and high-quality material enable a long service-life. In addition, each model is made of 43 % recycled material. 95 % of the chair itself can also be recycled. The HÅG Capisco was the first working chair in the world to receive the “Nordic Swan” eco-label. It is produced in Røros. Some of the company’s workers represent the third generation in their families to be manually producing individual chairs for Flokk.
Flokk’s second flagship product is the RBM Noor, a colourful series of canteen and conference chairs. With its light, cheerful appearance, it is intended to arouse liveliness and imagination, and inspire shared moments and constructive thinking. The RBM Noor is the result of a creative adventure, and bears the signature of three Scandinavian design agencies: Form us with love from Sweden, StokkeAustad from Norway and Susanne Grønlund from Denmark.
The round seat shell of the RBM Noor was developed on the basis of human body contours, with the surface adapting itself to the user. The polypropylene seats are available in five colours, and the 3D veneer in clear lacquered or dark stained oak. The chairs can be optionally ordered with upholstery. The tubular steel sled-type frames are available in different colours and with polished or powder-coated surface structures. The same applies to the armrests. The RBM Noor is available with legs in clear lacquered and dark stained ash-wood or a black, white or polished aluminium footbase.