Vitra Chair Yellow Plastic material. Dimensions: L 50.9 x Depth 55,5 cm x H
78,6 cm – Seat: H 46,2 cm. A revolutionary chair, for an entirely new
seating position… Tip Ton defines a new type of chair: a forward tilting seat
that allows for an ultra-ergonomic sitting position. In 2008, British design duo
Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby were commissioned to develop a furnishing concept
for the Royal Society of Arts Academy in London. They realised that no existing
chair is suitable for learning in the 21st century: almost all the seats
intended for learning were based on outdated teaching lines – on a
transmission of knowledge to static students, supposed to learn while remaining
seated, without moving. Barber and Osgerby then drew up a list of criteria that
a modern chair intended for young students must meet: indestructible, light,
easy to manufacture, quiet, stackable, colourful and fully recyclable. And it
has to allow movement. These complex requirements demand a revolutionary
seat – for an entirely new sitting position. Sitting still is toxic to the
whole body, including the brain. Modern research on dynamic sitting is
categorical: a forward-leaning sitting position helps prevent physical problems
and promotes blood circulation – and thus the faculty of concentration.
Vitra's interest in the Barber and Osgerby project marked the start of an
intensive design process spanning more than two years. Countless technical
drawings and over 30 prototypes were made in total. Due to its intended use in
educational institutions, the Tip Ton chair has been subjected to many rigorous
tests to meet the requirements in different countries. The tool built to develop
the Tip Ton mould, made of polypropylene by the injection process, weighs more
than 20 tonnes – the seat barely 4.5 kg! The Tip Ton chair allows two
positions: in addition to the classic upright position that’s perfect for
rest, it tilts forward in a controlled manner thanks to the runners inclined by
approximately 9°. Tip Ton lets you vary the positions, straighten the pelvis
and spine, improve blood circulation in the abdominal and back muscles and
stimulate oxygenation of the brain and concentration. The user can stay in this
inclined position for a long time. Made entirely of polypropylene, this
one-piece chair without mechanical components lacks the sophisticated technology
of an office chair. Tip Ton isn’t just for school use. The dynamic double
sitting position is so natural that Tip Ton can also be used as a universal
chair in office environments and private accommodation. Tip Ton brings the
ergonomic qualities formerly reserved for office chairs into a new environment.
100% recyclable, Tip Ton can be stacked and used indoors and out.
