Herman Miller Sayl Chair for Adults, Crepe Licorice

Creating a work chair is regarded as one of the greatest challenges in design, an endeavor that can feel daunting in every conceivable way, according to Swiss designer Yves Béhar. "There is no place to hide in a chair. Every part serves a structural or tactile purpose," he explains. For his Sayl task chair, introduced in 2010, Béhar found inspiration right in his adopted city of San Francisco. The lightness of the chair’s distinctive back showcases elements reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge's suspension system.

The name "Sayl" reflects the sailboats that navigate beneath this iconic bridge. In a clever twist, the "I" in "sail" is replaced with a "Y," a reference to the innovative Y-Tower structure that provides excellent support. The chair features a ventilated elastomer back that adapts to your movements, promoting airflow and comfort, while also allowing the occupant to enjoy a personalized experience through a four-setting tilt limiter, which adjusts both tension and range.

Sayl stands out due to its combination of affordability and conceptual sophistication. Its development spanned nearly three years, achieving Cradle to Cradle Silver certification for sustainability. This chair is designed to be durable and functional rather than disposable, boasting a composition that is 90% recyclable.

A standout feature of the Sayl is its 3D Intelligent suspension back, delivering passive PostureFit sacral support. This design helps to keep the spine in a natural S shape, allowing users to maintain a healthy posture while reducing fatigue during prolonged use.

To provide technical specifics, Sayl's dimensions are as follows: 26 inches deep, 24.5 inches wide, and 37 inches high, with a fixed seat depth of 16.5 inches. The chair weighs 38 pounds and features adjustable arm heights ranging from 6.7 to 10.8 inches, while the seat height can be modified from 15.5 to 20 inches. The weight capacity is highlighted at 350 pounds.

Some partial assembly is necessary upon delivery of the chair. Sayl's unframed 3D Intelligent back allows for stretching and movement, effectively balancing support with mobility. Béhar's design philosophy extends beyond aesthetics; the Sayl chair is produced across three continents to minimize shipping distances between factories and consumers. Additionally, the materials used contain no PVCs, and are nearly entirely recyclable, aligning with modern sustainability goals.

Visually, the unframed back and Y-Tower support create an eye-catching design that reflects both Béhar's inspiration and intent. The Eco-Dematerialized concept of the work chair demonstrates a commitment to using less material while maintaining functional ergonomic support, making it a remarkable option for any workspace.

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