Connor Renwick: Wilkhahn Breaks Down the Design Process of its AT Task Chair

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Wilkhahn Breaks Down the Design Process of its AT Task Chair

For this month’s Deconstruction, we tapped German-based manufacturer Wilkhahn, known for their innovative and dynamic office and contract furniture, including their award-winning AT task chair. The AT 187 range is equipped with the brand’s patented Trimension® technology with “free-to-move” capabilities that encourage well-being, health, creativity, and productivity. Read on to learn the extensive design process behind Wlkhahn’s AT 187 range and how it came to fruition.

With four decades of experience developing dynamic seating, Wilkhahn created the intuitive and innovative AT 187 Range to encourage movement and enhance health, creativity, and performance.

From a design standpoint, Wilkhahn wanted to produce a task chair as a smart tool for everyone, while also creating a real item of furniture to go with all sorts of modern workplace interiors.

Early design sketches show the different ideations for the AT 187 Range adjustment handles and levers.

With a truly functional design and fluid lines, the AT 187 Range offers a comfortable seating solution that maintains the body’s center of gravity.

The overarching, integrative design concept covers all components from the star base to the synchro-adjustment mechanism, the backrest frame, the shell and all other details.

The research-backed chair is powered by Wilkhahn’s patented Trimension® technology, which combines the auto-centering suspension of the seat, backrest shell and 3D movement capabilities with a synchronous adjustment system – users simply sit down, adjust the seating height and the chair does the rest. The three-dimensional stimulation of the joints, spine and muscles prevents backache and joint problems, boosts well-being and promotes concentration. The auto-centering mechanism of the seat shell also ensures that the body maintains its center of gravity, regardless of the posture adapted or the movement made.

The distance between the curve of the backrest shell and the frame ensures that movement is possible, while the chair’s silhouette offers a lightweight and streamlined look.

All adjustment components are integrated and come in grey with icons to make altering the chair settings easy and intuitive.

The AT’s exterior includes all of the weight-bearing elements such as the star base, backrest frame and synchro-adjustment mechanism. The chair’s interior is the soft shell that embraces users, offering comfort and assurance.

The self-centering suspension of the seat shell ensures the body maintains its center of gravity, regardless of the posture adopted or the movement made.

The backrest bearer, with its tilt capability, comes with automatic weight adjustment.

Fluid lines with precise transition points lend the frame a seamless look. The five-star base is standard, allowing for coordination throughout the collection while also offering customizability.

The various upholstery options — including a wide selection of leather, fabrics and colors — provide a wealth of design possibilities for any environment. Choosing white for the seat and backrest shell increases the design options for different environments and delivers a fresh look.

The AT’s variety of models, customizable features, and modern aesthetic sets a new standard in office chairs; all crossover points have been carefully pinned down to the last detail so the frame’s structure appears seamless.

The final version of the AT 187/7 (Medium-height backrest) task chair.

The final version of the AT 187/7 (Medium-height backrest) task chair with a fabric-covered shell. The various fabric and leather upholstery options offer infinite design possibilities.

The final version of the AT 187/8 (High backrest) task chair.

The final version of the AT 187/9 (High backrest with a headrest and neck rest) task chair.

The final version of the AT 187/9 (High backrest with a headrest and neck rest) task chair in an office.

The final version of the AT 187/7 (Medium-height backrest) task chair in a workspace.

The final version of the AT 187/1 (Medium-height backrest) Counter Stool in a workspace.

Ideal for modern and dynamic office spaces, the AT 187/72 (Medium-height backrest) task chair ESP (elevated seating position) increases sitting-standing options, which is especially helpful for those with adjustable desks.