From Concept to Comfort: The Story Behind Wilkhahn’s Intra Conference Chair

Over the past few years, the role of offices as places of collaboration and teamwork has grown.

As a result, furnishing solutions are required that meet the diverse requirements of the new generation of workers. In terms of function and design, Intra Conference Chair checks all the boxes like virtually no other conference chair. Its fluid lines, precise transition points between the high-quality materials and dynamic comfort make it a top performer in contemporary conference rooms or executive offices.

We talked to PHOENIX’s Sven Feustel and asked him what makes Intra’s design stand out.

This close-up shows the elegant armrest of a Wilkhahn Intra conference chair in polished aluminum. The high-quality leather upholstery in a warm cognac tone emphasizes the chair’s luxurious appearance and precise craftsmanship. The focus is clearly on material quality and design craftsmanship.

The modern meeting room is furnished with several Wilkhahn Intra conference chairs, shown here in dark green and gray. The chairs combine comfort with elegant, sleek lines and blend harmoniously into the high-quality interior. The large conference table with its striking base completes the professional atmosphere of the room.

The Intra conference chair combines a sense of homeliness with modern leadership style.

Interview with Sven Feustel, Principal Designer, PHOENIX

How do you develop a conference chair that meets the needs of a human-centered workplace?

Sven Feustel: Before we started to work on Intra, we looked at how office environments are changing. And wanted to know what the direction of travel is. Flexibility, agility, new management styles, homes becoming workspaces and vice versa… what does that all mean for new approaches to sitting? Our global research showed that agile work styles and conference types are becoming increasingly popular with top managers too.

What’s the core design idea behind Intra?

Sven Feustel: The longer people spend in meetings, the greater their need for more dynamic seating to keep bodies and minds in good shape. The core design idea behind Intra was to develop a chair that does exactly that. One of the key issues was how to translate these requirements into a design language that combined the functionality and comfort required in today’s and tomorrow’s world.

The upshot was Intra’s typical form where each detail is key to the whole design. Contours, stitching, surfaces and materials are all impeccably coordinated.

The bright office space features several Wilkhahn Intra Highback chairs in a warm cognac tone. Their high backrests, sleek chrome frames, and ergonomic design lend the room an exclusive, sophisticated look. The appealing combination of wood, fabric, and metal creates a welcoming, modern work environment. — Unparalleled comfort: Intra's motion-stimulating synchronous adjustment mechanism promotes dynamic seating to keep both body and mind engaged.

How did you meet Wilkhahn’s demand for healthy comfort, perfection and high quality in terms of design? And why do you believe Intra makes daily office life better?

Sven Feustel: We designed Intra with an aesthetic that blends in superbly with contemporary interiors. And, of course, it comes with all the settings and movement functions too. I think we’ve succeeded in striking a balance between seating that’s both dynamic and has a high-quality residential appeal. And I’m delighted if people like sitting on Intra. Because this is how inspiration is triggered.

Thanks for talking to us, Sven.

Intra Conference Chair at a glance

Precision-Adjustable Height: Allows for customized seating height to ensure optimal comfort and support.
Motion-Stimulating Synchronous Adjustment Mechanism: Promotes dynamic seating with automatic weight adjustment to keep both body and mind engaged.
Seamless Integration of Controls: The adjustment mechanisms and controls are elegantly integrated into the seat shell and armrests, maintaining a sleek and sophisticated design.

The blue-upholstered Intra chair has a modern and fresh look, while the color-coordinated frame adds to the design's cohesiveness. The chair is situated in a hallway with gray walls and flooring.

The mint-colored Wilkhahn Intra swivel chair stands in the center of a modern hallway and looks particularly inviting thanks to its soft upholstery. The light-colored frame blends harmoniously into the serene surroundings.

The cream-colored Intra swivel chair stands in the center of a modern hallway and looks particularly inviting thanks to its soft upholstery. The light-colored frame blends harmoniously into the serene surroundings.

This room features an Intra chair in a warm reddish-brown shade. The color-coordinated frame adds a stylish touch and enhances the harmonious overall look.

Further Information

PHOENIX Website

Intra Product Page