Orgatec 2018
Three questions to: Konstantin Grcic
Anna Moldenhauer: What is so special about "Rookie"?
Konstantin Grcic: Rookie is an unconventionally simple chair for office standards. As far as possible, it offers a pleasant level of comfort immediately. This chair is smaller and more economical than the current alternatives. Our everyday working life has changed a lot in recent years and means that many people no longer sit on a chair all day. This in turn means that chairs can be equipped with less functionality. In contrast to the overly complicated seat machines, which always have to be adjusted accordingly, Rookie can be adapted very quickly to one's own needs. This fits in with the concept of a highly flexible office in which everything is in motion and can be redesigned as required.
"Rookie" is reminiscent of the "Allstar" office chair you designed for Vitra. To what extent is "Rookie" a further development of "Allstar"?
Konstantin Grcic: Rookie is a direct continuation of my experience with Allstar. I wanted an office chair which is functional and formal even more universal, even simpler than Allstar. Rookie has no armrests, but the oval back cushion detached from the seat is a clear reference to Allstar. Rookie is suitable for contemporary office forms, Universities and other areas of application where users do not need a specific chair but can change over and over again depending on the situation. Chairs have to be simple in order to function in a flexible working environment.
To what extent were ergonomics and seating comfort a theme for you at the implementation?
Konstantin Grcic: Yes, of course, seating comfort was a very central theme in the development of Rookie. We have found simple solutions and have made certain functions. But we could only do without it. But we were only able to do this because we were very intensively concerned with the requirements of a modern work chair. The seat is rotatable, height-adjustable and spring-mounted. The technical construction of the seat upholstery meets the usual Vitra requirements. In addition, we have installed an invisible joint in the front edge of the seat, which can be used to roll the thighs comfortably when working forward (towards the table). The backrest can also be adjusted in height and absorbs the movement of the upper body resiliently. Something I learned on a trip to Silicon Valley in 2013 is that the companies there pay attention to a certain degree of functionality and robustness. They want real materials. Furniture that can be repaired or adapted. And yes, that's what I have in mind when I design furniture for Vitra. In such environments design is important, but a direct implementation of functionality is what really counts.
