The briefing for the wiege team of designers, led by Michael Englisch, who have been responsible for many successful Wilkhahn ranges, contained a combination of potential opposites: what was needed was a new, general purpose type of chair that could be used either on its own or combined with other Wilkhahn office chair and table ranges.

On the one hand it should continue to develop the typical optical lightness of cantilever chairs to the point of almost looking immaterial, and, on the other hand, it should have the appearance of generous, optical volume to provide spaciousness and comfort. Last but not least, although it should be clearly related to the tradition of cantilever chairs, it should exhibit a clear, innovative uniqueness.

Architectural structure
The result is a distinct " architectural chair " with a structure that is derived from bridge construction. The main element is an externally located tubular structure, with a slender diameter of 22 mm, which is supported by filigree flat, steel braces, located on the inside, and vertical tubing at the front. The ergonomically designed seat platform in black, highly resilient polypropylene upholstered with polyurethane, one-piece moulded foam, is mounted at the front on the vertical tubing using distances sleeves to create an impression of visual lightness. At the back the seat platform is attached to the side brackets of the brace. The inherent elasticity of this cantilever construction allows minimal upholstery thickness coupled with a high degree of comfort. The backrest is also a cantilever construction that is suspended between the braces. The brackets, which are attached to side recesses in the black polyurethane seat shell, create an invisible joint. The armrest pads, which overlap at the side the side, follow the shape of the frame and are extended down the front for additional comfort. Viewed from the front, the chair appears to unfold in various layers which open up towards the outside:

 firstly, the upholstered seat and the backrest areas, then the flat steel braces and the main tubular structure and finally the overlapping armrests. That makes this cantilever chair extremely spacious and inviting.
From the side, the chair has a very filigree appearance, and the overall impression is not one of solid areas but of fine lines: the slender round tube and the 6 mm brace, the minimalist, optical lightness of the seat platform and the repetition of the organic lines of the brace around the backrest viewed from the side.

Wide scope for applications in a company restaurant, meeting, training and prestigious conference environments.
Sito's construction has allowed the development of a comprehensive family of cantilever chairs with various backrest heights and upholstery options. There is a total of nine models to suit varying applications.
The "archetype" is the model with a low, non-upholstered backrest for application in company restaurants and multi-purpose areas. The model with an upholstered seat in one-piece moulded foam or the fully upholstered model with an upholstered cushion serve as inviting conference chairs at workplaces or in consultation areas.
Sito with an upholstered, medium-height backrest offers additional comfort for longer periods of sitting, for instance at seminars and conferences. In this case the upholstery is either available as a separately attached upholstered cushion or with an integral upholstered cushion (fully upholstered on a moulded plywood seat frame).

The models with a standard and medium-height backrest are optionally available as a stackable version, which can be stacked six high. The round tubular frame has an outward curvature at the base for this purpose, and the braces have a pronounced recess which allow the chairs to be stacked exactly on the stacking point of the lower chair and optically differentiates the stackable version.
Finally, there are Sito models with a high backrest for application in executives' offices and conference environments. In this case the backrest and the seat platform consist of a moulded plywood construction and are fully upholstered.
All Sito models have armrest pads in black polypropylene. Armrest pads are also available in laminated wood with beech or maple veneer for the luxurious models with fully upholstered cushions.

A multitude of finishing options
The frame finish and upholstery of Sito models may be coordinated with individual furnishing concepts. Frames are available with a finish that is either colour coated, matt chromium-plated or bright chromium-plated. The stackable models are only available with a bright chromium-plated finish for high endurance performance. Exclusive cooperation
with Kvadrat, a Danish textiles manufacturer, allows the upholstery material to be selected from seven high-quality fabrics and 34 different colours or from the entire Wilkhahn leather collection.

Enduring, easy repair, recyclable
In line with all other ranges which Wilkhahn has produced since 1990, Sito has been designed to conform to guidelines which include not only the core values of design, innovation and quality, but also give high priority to responsibility. Top quality materials and design down to the very last detail, sturdy, fine surface finish, comfort and functionality, as well the exclusion of fashionable trappings guarantee long service life. All structural joints are knock-down. Covers and upholstery can be easily exchanged by our service team. Last but not least, when the chairs reach the end of a long service life they can be easily recycled as only pure, clearly coded materials are used to produce Sito. The Sito range will be available from the first quarter 2002. The price depends on the model and finishing options selected and varies between €350-1,100.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further information.

Wilkhahn
Wilkening + Hahne GmbH+Co
Press + Public Relations
Fritz-Hahne-Straße 8
31848 Bad Münder
Germany
Tel. ++49 (0) 5042 / 999 -169
Fax      - 203
burkhard.remmers@wilkhahn.de
www.wilkhahn.com