Wilkhahn’s newest task chair, the WiChair, will be shown during Clerkenwell Design Week, where the German furniture maker will also present a retrospective of its most celebrated seating.
Created by Wilkhahn’s in‑house industrial designer Alina Schnizler, the WiChair is a compact, minimalist chair.
The WiChair relies on a patented three‑dimensional range of motion, using a single torsion‑elastic steel swing‑arm for movement, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment mechanisms.
At the base of the chair, a manual knob allows users to set the chair for a weight range of 45 kg to 120 kg. Schnizler explains that once this initial setting is made, “the material properties of the steel spring allow it to follow the user’s posture and three‑dimensional movements dynamically.”
There are no further levers or knobs required to manage the movement during use.
The design aims to support agile workspaces where simplicity is valued, and it encourages natural posture changes, mimicking the way children shift positions to stay energized.
This focus on movement aligns with Wilkhahn’s long‑standing emphasis on dynamic seating, which they have developed over time.
Environmental considerations guided the WiChair’s construction, and it consists of just 34 components, making it easy to dismantle and replace parts.
Its steel frame replaces petroleum‑based plastics, and up to 40 percent of the optional foam cushioning is recycled, reducing waste and the use of new materials.
The seat and backrest shell are made from FSC‑certified plywood, supporting responsible forest management, and visible, colour‑matched screws and an exposed spring illustrate what the designer calls “design honesty,” showing users how the chair moves.
Schnizler notes, “We focused heavily on material reduction and the use of metal and wood, which ensures both a good carbon footprint and high recyclability.”
Colour options include six frame finishes such as blush pink, mint green and soft lemon, which can be combined with three wood veneers, including oak, and a range of upholstery fabrics, providing users with choices for their ideal design and functionality.
Alongside the WiChair, Wilkhahn will display a curated show titled “A Journey of Dynamic Seating.”
The exhibition traces the brand’s evolution through four landmark series—IN, ON, AT and ME—each built around the company’s patented Trimension® technology that supports three‑dimensional sitting, allowing users to move freely.
Visitors will also be invited to take part in a WiChair Speed Challenge, assembling the chair against the clock for a chance to win one, making the experience interactive and engaging.
Comparing the WiChair to earlier Wilkhahn models shows a clear shift toward fewer parts and more visible mechanics, and this approach mirrors broader trends in office furniture that prioritize sustainability and user‑friendly design over hidden engineering, resulting in more efficient and practical solutions.
While earlier chairs often concealed springs and relied on multiple adjustment levers, the WiChair places the spring front and centre, reducing complexity and maintenance, and this change reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and improvement.
The WiChair will be displayed at Wilkhahn’s London showroom at 45 Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell, providing an opportunity for designers and end users to experience the chair’s innovative mechanics, material reduction, and playful colour choices, which can help create a balance between ergonomics and aesthetic appeal in any workspace, even a tiny kitchen or office.
