Sphere by Okamura

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    three chairs in gray, teal and blue in front of a grayscale background
    teal chair in front of a white background a light that transmits the chairs shadow
    blue chair facing a sunlit window and away from a workstation
    people standing around a gray chair
    one yellow chair and a blue chair facing it
    Description

    Sphere is a task chair designed for the current Hybrid and Activity-Based work environment. In a time where many people are not sitting in the same desk chair for 8 hours, 5 days a week, we cannot expect the users to adjust the chair each time they sit in a different chair. Sphere, with its 3D Physical Fit Shell, conforms to the body of the user without adjustment while still providing all the adjustments intuitively for the people that desire to fine tune.

    The design of Sphere stems from its inside, the innovative 3D Physical Fit Shell. This feature, developed through a detailed kinematic process, adjusts to each user’s unique body contours. When not sitting, the backrest and seat are narrow, but they open up when seated, providing widespread support regardless of body size or shape. The shell’s fins are interlinked, creating a customized back shape for each individual. Numerous prototypes were created to find the perfect balance between flexibility and durability. As a result, body pressure is dispersed evenly, as clearly shown in the pressure map.

    This unique shell is upholstered in a selection of fabrics, designed to blend effortlessly into various interior styles. The result is Sphere’s distinct spherical design with soft curves. This adaptable aesthetic makes Sphere suitable for different locations within Activity Based Working environments, from touchdown spots, huddle spaces, to individual task areas.

    For fine-tuning, Sphere is equipped with full adjustments from seat depth and reclining tension to 4D adjustable arms. The seat depth can be smoothly adjusted without moving your body or changing posture, while the reclining tension mechanism is based on Okamura’s proprietary ankle-tilt mechanism, providing ideal back posture and support whether upright or reclined. With Sphere, designers don’t need to compromise between aesthetics and functionality.

    Sphere offers three choices of body and base colors – black, dark gray, and white. Two types of fabric, Re:net and Interlock, are available as standard, each with an array of colors. If users prefer a fixed armrest, Sphere provides a sleek, smooth-fitting design that provides a comfortable angled surface for using a digital device.

    Quality is assured through Okamura’s strictly controlled, vertically integrated production process where each component is designed, engineered, and manufactured by Okamura. All chairs go through human inspection visually and functionally, ensuring only perfect items reach the user. Sphere is tested for ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

    Sustainability Statement

    Sustainability is a central pillar of Sphere’s design. While a complex task chair typically comprises numerous components and hardware, Sphere is meticulously designed to allow for efficient disassembly into homogeneous materials, facilitating effective recycling. As a result, Sphere is 89% recyclable at the end of its lifecycle.

    Its featured upholstery fabric, Okamura’s original “Re:net”, is crafted from 100% recycled materials, including plastic bottles and fishing nets salvaged from Japan’s ocean. Re:net, a Red Dot Design Award winner, is celebrated not only for its sustainable properties, but also for its softness, stretch, and nuanced colors.

    Sphere has achieved BIFMA’s LEVEL 2 and Indoor Advantage Gold certification. From supply chain operations to production and logistics, environmental measures are rigorously implemented within the organization, which has been ISO14001 certified since 2000. Okamura pledges to halve carbon emissions by 2030, with production and logistic facilities transitioning from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources like hydroelectricity and solar power.

    Okamura’s dedication to sustainability is clearly manifested in the eco-friendly design and durable materials of the Sphere chair.

    Health and Wellness Attributes

    Sitting healthy during work is vital for the employee’s health and wellbeing. In today’s hybrid, activity-based work environment, where individuals don’t have their own fixed desk, many often neglect chair adjustments. In addition, regrettably, more companies are now opting for scaled-down seating solutions with reduced ergonomic functionality and adjustability to fit various body sizes. Yet, depending on the role, individuals might spend several continuous hours seated in one location. Sphere, with its 3D Physical Fit Shell that adapts to the user’s body without adjustments, and offers intuitive full adjustability when needed, delivers an ergonomic and comfortable sitting experience, from brief touch-down use to full-day task work.

    Key Features

    – 3D Physical Fit
    – Seat Depth Adjustment
    – Ankle-Tilt Synchro Reclining
    – Multi-Density Cushion for the seat
    – 4D Adjustable Arms
    – Fixed Arms designed for digital device use
    – Headrest and Hanger option
    – Chair color variation

    Buyer Information
    Price
    Starts from $1200 List with Arms
    Buyer Information
    Where it is manufactured?
    Japan
    Buyer Information
    Lead Time
    12-14 weeks
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    Alexis Ramos is a Content Creator and UX Consultant at Work Design Magazine. As someone who is naturally empathetic and creative, Alexis is passionate about leveraging technology to create positive change in the world. When it comes to "work design" topics, Alexis' interests lie heavily in biophilia and user-friendly technology that help make the workplace a seamless and stress-free place to be. When she's not generating SEO-optimized, witty pieces for us, you can usually find her spending time with her rescue greyhound, Cairo.