Generation by Knoll® Ergonomic Chair| Knoll

In the buzzing workplace of today, Generation’s innovative, elastic design gives you the flexibility and comfort you need to sit and work however you choose. Since its introduction in 2009, Generation has redefined seating by replacing the notions of how people “should” sit with the support users' need to work freely. The first chair to promote unrestrained movement, Generation is a true reflection of innovation and thoughtful design.

Frameless Flex Back

The Flex Back fuses two innovative elements — the high performance elastomer Flex Back Net and a distinctive figure 8 structure — which together support many different postures and allow for multidimensional movement throughout the workday. The curvature of the figure 8 structure combined with the specific tension, pattern and unique properties of the Net enables side-to-side flex and ensures optimal localized support for shoulders and lumbar region.

Generation by Knoll , Flex Back and Flex Top

Frameless Flex Seat

Generation by Knoll moves as you move, encouraging free expression, creativity and engagement at work. The Flex Seat offers 270 degrees of seat edge flex without a hard frame or obtrusive levers along the seat perimeter, as well as 3" of seat depth adjustment.

Dynamic Suspension™

Constructed from the same high performance elastomer as the Flex Back Net, the simple, non-mechanical Dynamic Suspension provides a weight-compensated, smooth ride — without the complexity of metal links or springs. The inherent properties of this material — flex and durability — enable an enhanced range of energizing, side-to-side movements.

Generation by Knoll moves as you move, encourgaging free expression, creativity and engagement at work

Continuous Lumbar

The Continuous Lumbar carries the lumbar support in the Flex Back through the design of the arms. The result: seamless movement from upright to perched or side sitting positions. Optional lumbar is also available.

Flex Top

The Flex Top allows the top edge of the back to fold over, providing a comfortable armrest for side sitting or other informal postures, extending your range of movement and offering comfort in any position.

Generation by Knoll: Video Operating Instructions

Product story

By watching hundreds of hours of video and conducting in-depth interviews with workers of all ages, in all disciplines, Knoll and Formway Design recognized that the basic assumption about office seating — that there are only a few optimal ways to sit while at work — was flawed.

In fact, their investigation showed that sitting upright and facing forward was just one of the ways people use their office chairs. Shifting, stretching, rotating, leaning, and reclining not only relieve boredom but are essential to our ability to stay energized and collaborate with colleagues.

Understanding that no combination of adjustment levers could make a chair equally comfortable in each of those positions, Formway sought to achieve an elastic design—the idea that a product would rearrange itself in response to a user’s movements. After years of design and development, spent considering and reconsidering every component of the chair, Formway arrived at a truly innovative design.

With a revolutionary new material for the chair’s back and a form that anticipates and allows for a multitude of body positions, Generation achieves Knoll and Formway’s mission to help workers sit how they want. It is truly the next generation of seating.

Formway

Founded in 1956, New Zealand-based Formway has been designing furniture for more than five decades. In 1979 the company redefined itself, developing a new identity and philosophy that focused on team-based design and extensive research. Formway’s designs are informed by insight gained through the observation and consideration of human behavior. Their user-centered approach marries a rigorous design process, an aesthetic sensitivity, and a passion for the environment.

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Additional Info

Construction and Details

FRAMELESS FLEX BACK Fuses two elements: high performance elastomeric Flex Back Net cradles your back and provides integral lumbar support, and figure 8 structure enables multidimensional movement
FLEX SEAT Offers 270 degrees of unobstructed seat edge flex with a buoyant two-piece cushion and nest structure
CONTINUOUS LUMBAR Carries the lumbar support from the back into the arms to support side sitting
DYNAMIC SUSPENSION™ Offers weight compensated, synchronized recline for a smooth, effortless ride
FLEX TOP Folds over as armrest for side sitting

Sustainable Design

Learn more about Generation by Knoll product certifications and materials at Ecomedes.

Dimensions

w d h* seat h* arm h*

28.5" 26" (excluding base) 39.25 - 44.5" 16.5- 21.75" 22.75-32.5"

*With standard cylinder. Low (-2") and high (+1.25") cylinders available
Above is with High Performance Arms. Please refer to Price List for information on other arm options.