Humanscale Freedom Office Chair with Headrest

About the Designer
Niels Diffrient

Niels Diffrient's designs are grounded in philosophy of form flowing from function. His work has spanned generations, consistently looking past trends to reinvent tools we use for daily living.<br/>With an academic foundation in aeronautical engineering and degree from Cranbrook Academy, Diffrient channels his knowledge of fine arts, engineering and architecture into design practice of passion and integrity. His highly functional designs are aesthetically timeless.<br/>In his early work with studios of Eero Saarinen, Marco Zanuso, and Henry Dreyfus, to his current work with Humanscale, Diffrient's visionary talent has been widely recognized. Included in his many honors are 2003 National Design Award from Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum and 1999 Chrysler Design Award. Most recently he has focused primarily on design for office environment, particularly seating, where he has won many industry awards.

The Freedom chair is designed to give the maximum ergonomic benefit to the sitter with a minimum number of manually-adjusted controls. Once the chair is fitted, no further adjustment is required. The idea is that movement, which is essential for a healthy body, shouldn't be constricted by locking mechanisms and manual controls. In other words, sitting comfortably isn't something you should have to think about.

Features

• Self-adjusting recline
• Intelligent counter-balance recline mechanism automatically provides the right amount of support through the full range of recline motion, regardless of user size and weight
• No tension springs to adjust
• No recline locks to set or release
• During recline, the angle between torso and legs opens up for better body function
• User maintains near constant eye level during recline
• Revolutionary armrests move in tandem to eliminate the dangers of uneven arm positioning
• Natural lift and release action for immediate repositioning without buttons or locks
• 6"" Range of vertical motion to accommodate all users and tasks
• Can be positioned below thigh-level for close table or desk work
• Attached to backrest so arms stay in same relation to body during recline
• Technogel® armpad for superb comfort

Dynamic Headrest

• Position-sensitive headrest moves into place when you recline and out of the way when you sit upright
• 5"" Vertical adjustment to fit all users
• Moves in the natural arc of head/neck for perfect support through range of recline
• Contoured to cradle the head and neck in comfort

Dual Pivot Backrest

• Extra motion of the backrest during recline automatically adjusts to the changing needs of the spine
• Provides up to 1"" additional lumbar support when needed

Contoured Cushions

• Carefully sculpted to match body contours
• Increased contact area reduces pressure points
• Modular for easy replacement

Body Fit

• Size adjustable to fit over 95% of the population
• Headrest: 5"" vertical adjustment range
• Seat Height: 5 1/3"" adjustment range
• Seat Depth: 3"" adjustment range
• Backrest / Lumbar Support Height: 3"" adjustment range

Cylinder

• Provides seat height range that accommodates 90% of the population (standard height)

Awards

• ""Best of NeoCon Canada"" Gold award 1999
• Design Journal 1999 Platinum ""Award for Design Excellence""
• Buildings Magazine ""Top 100 Products"" 2002, Editors' Choice
• FX International Interior Design Awards 2000, winner
• Industrie Forum ""iF Design Award"", 2000
• 1999 ID Annual Design Review "" Design Distinction Award""

Reviews

""For the last few years, the gold standard in office seating has been set by the Freedom chair by Humanscale.""

- New York Times, October 3, 2002

""Elegantly and effortlessly, the Freedom chair is changing the way people sit and the way people think about furniture.""

- Buildings, December 2002

""Five Stars! Worth every cent, the Freedom task chair removes at least the physical discomfort of your workday.""

- Business 2.0, June 26, 2001

Specifications

• Seat dimensions: 21"" W x 16.3"" - 19.3"" D
• Backrest height: 18"" - 21""
• Base diameter: 25""
• Overall dimensions: 33.5"" - 41.5"" H x 27"" W x 25"" D