Simultaneously thin and curvy: polished tubular steel elements bend, merge and diverge to create a structure marked by continuity and fluidity. A single upholstered surface forms the backrest and seat. Dauphin’s Riola, in the words of Interior Design, “has all the right curves.” This contemporary office chair seems derived from the same sensuous, sculpted forms as the controversial Him-Her Chair while managing to remain appropriate for even the most conservative work place.

Riola Chair. Designed by Martin Ballendat for Dauphin.

The classic Panton Chair (Verner Panton, 1960) serves as an icon of modern design, celebrated for its single-piece construction, cantilevered structure, and its sensuous sculpted form. Fabio Novembre’s controversial Him-Her Chair, an overt acknowledgement of the human form, was modeled after this classic piece. Although the materiality of Riola differs entirely from that of the polyethylene Him-Her Chair and the classic Panton, a quick glance at the silhouette in comparison to Dauphin’s Riola reveals uncanny similarities.

Available as a swivel chair or four-post chair, with or without arms, Riola “brings new sophistication and style to the office.” The upholstered backrest and seat are made of flexible Rib Knit fabric, “woven in all three directions creating different zones of stability and provides an exceptional level of comfort all day long.” Designed by Martin Ballendat for Dauphin, the chair is simultaneously modern and classic. The four-foot base blends into a column-like form, extending upwards obliquely and parting in two. Bending back and extending horizontally, the tubular elements run parallel to secure the upholstered seat.  The polished tubular structure then folds backwards to provide armrests. Despite the obvious differences between Riola and the Him-Her and Panton chairs, the silhouettes embrace the same continuous, cantilevered form which seems to be derived from the human body itself.

With #NeoCon09 fast approaching, you’ve recently been exposed to a plethora of seating possiblities on 3Rings.  If you’re just now prepping, check out the Weekly Wrap-Up: Fresh Inventions in Contemporary Seating. Hannes Wettstein provides a different take on the office chair with Lamina for Dietiker Switzerland Commercial and commercial seating sees many more curves with Bartoli Designs for Segis.