There are several layers of meaning to consider in the design of a truly good line of seating, from the mid status user to the executive and conference applications. First is the overall ‘presence’, or aesthetic statement of the chair, and how well it relates to its surroundings.

With VIA’s new Duality® chair line, the concept is obvious. Unlike most of its competitors, Duality speaks loud and clear that it has an architectural presence, in contrast to many competitors who have focused on the exoskeletal framework, with mesh and thin covers.

Today’s clean office spaces with their bench workstations, and almost clinical look, are a fitting backdrop to Duality and will fit nicely into interior designs. This lean and clean aesthetic relies upon a high attention to detail in the construction and tailoring.

While placing emphasis on the rectilinear and clean forms, there is an appropriate softening of contours and edges that fit well to the body, and provide a nice degree of comfort and support. The contours of the back are in the right place, especially in the high back that provides the upper back and neck support desired in conference applications. This is aided by the height adjustable ratchet mechanism to enable the correct fit.

The aluminum arms on the exec and conference chairs, reflect shapes and styles of the 1960′s – a soft rectilinear ribbon shape.

The rear shell is split laterally and flexes gently along this joint. The Duality has a flat, linearity of style with enough contouring to fit it to the user. The lower part of the shell masks the mechanical interface and the appearance of structure to hold the back upright. In the more general task chair version, the back upright is exposed, and has been made very wide to avoid the ‘brick on a stick’ look of backrests that are separate from seats.

This line of seating exudes a premium quality – both in the visuals and the ergonomics of performance.

VIA has obviously made the assessment that their offerings needed to become leaner, tighter, and more contemporary, while maintaining their heritage of comfort and support. They have achieved this in Duality, placing them among the best as legitimate contenders for corporate customers looking for appropriate style, character, and performance.