As affordable as it is innovative, the SAYL chair proves that a reasonably priced work chair can be well designed and include leading-edge ergonomics. Designing SAYL started with understanding that the fewest parts possible utilized in inventive ways would lead to an attainable, environmentally conscious, and functionally unique chair. By rethinking every part of the SAYL, designer Yves Béhar was able to create a better, smarter chair that sets a new reference point in its class for performance, ergonomics, quality, and appearance. Here are some of the specifics which separate the SAYL from any other reasonably priced office chair on the market.
3D Intelligent Technology
SAYL's revolutionary 3D Intelligent suspension back molds to your preference, eliminating hard edges and the need for any type of frame. The suspension back is a flexible elastomer that adapts to each person's unique shape to allow for free movement while providing exceptional comfort and support.
Eco-Dematerialised Design
Yves Béhar's large focus on environmental responsibility in design resulted in a lightweight chair that is 93 percent recyclable. The 3D ArcSpan, arm structure, and tilt mechanism are fused into a single strong, hollowed out part that also reduces the chair's weight to 37 pounds. Since the SAYL is shipped ready to assemble, purchasing is easier for you.
"The Best for the Most for the Least" A Herman Miller standard first stated by legendary designers Charles and Ray Eames was an inspiration for Yves Béhar when conceptualizing the SAYL. Making a product that is the best design for the most people at the smallest cost is the responsible way to design furniture, and the SAYL is representing this movement as an affordable, yet stylish and functional office chair.
Elegant Anywhere At a desk, around a table, or in the living room, the organic shape and complex texture of the SAYL back makes it elegant anywhere, from every angle. As well, the range of SAYL color choices let you express your individuality for a bold - or traditional, if you prefer - look.
"The Best for the Most for the Least"
Yves Béhar, who designed Herman Miller's Leaf and Ardea personal lights, wanted to create a highly affordable ergonomic work chair that would incorporate everything Herman Miller is known for—beautiful design, first-class ergonomics, elegant engineering, and respect for the environment. Béhar began by scratching a quote from Charles Eames onto his sketchpad: "The best for the most for the least." And then Béhar, who calls San Francisco home, took a look at his city's best-known landmark: the Golden Gate Bridge.
Something Unique
So there was the concept, but creating the actual chair wasn't quite that simple. SAYL wasn't designed on a computer, rather it was sketched and sketched again, and numerous prototypes were built and rejected before the design was right. He describes the process as "draw, build, break, and repeat until you arrive at something unique."
So why the name "SAYL?" Take a look at the chair from the side. See the resemblance to a full mainsail? The name reflects the sailing vessels that pass beneath the bridge that inspired the original design. Replacing the "i" in "SAIL" with a "y" is a nod to the innovative Y-Tower structure of the work chair.
Suspending a Chair
Béhar wondered, could the engineering principles of a suspension bridge be applied to a chair? It turned out that not only was it possible, but using a suspension tower to support an unframed back would reduce materials, weight, and environmental impact. The flexible elastomer suspension material could be stretched in a way that provided the greatest tension at points where support is needed and the least in areas that would allow for the most expansive range of motion.
Height
34.25-38.75"
Width
24.5"
Depth
24.5"
SAYL Nominated for Green Design Award
Treehugger has nominated the SAYL Chair by Herman Miller for the 2011 Best of Green design award. At the heart of Yves’ design is the idea of eco-dematerialization. That’s a fancy way of saying 93 percent of the chair is recyclable. Structural components are hollowed out, reducing weight and volume, and the ArcSpan, arm structure and tilt mechanism are all fused into a single strong part that further reduces the chair’s weight. Treehugger goes as far as describing the chair as the green IKEA-killer!
The SAYL Chair's adjustable features and innovative capabilities may seem complex, but when it comes to the principles of Healthy Back's SLAM methodology--which helps you find the best chair suitable for your specific needs--you need not worry about getting the right chair for you. Our customer-centric in-store or online service uses four critical features when helping you decide which size, styling, and etc. works with your body type and preferences best.
Seat Height and Depth
We measure the depth of your seat. There should be two to three inches between the front edge of the chair and the back of your calf. Adequate seat depth distributes your weight evenly over the longest possible surface area. Inadequate surface area can impede circulation, cause numbness and result in difficultly when sitting for longer periods. Proper seat height encourages you to sit back in your chair, resulting in correct body position with result to the rest of your workstation.
Lumbar Height and Depth
We measure the lumbar curve in your back to determine the depth and height of your unique body. We then fit you to the right chair.
Stand flat against a wall with your heels and your should blades touching the wall. Now place your hand behind your lower back--does it fit? If you cannot fit your hand behind you, you have a flat back and probably need a chair with very little lumbar support. If you can fit a flat hand behind you, you have a medium curve and need a medium level lumbar support. If you can fit a balled up fist behind your back, , you have a deep curve, or sway back, and need a large lumbar support.
Angles
A chair should allow you to sit with at least 90° angles in the following places: your knees, hips, and elbows. Angles of less than 90° have the detrimental effect of impeding circulation. In static seated situations, this can result in premature fatigue and discomfort. In general, more "open" postures and chairs that support you in "open" postures, will allow you to sit more comfortably for longer periods of time.
Motion
Critical to pain-free sitting is a chair that allows you to stay in motion. The more you move, the more you encourage blood flow, and the less stiff you become. Properly adjust the chair's tension control to achieve your desired level of motion. Rule of thumb: Static positions in and of themselves are a source of pain and fatigue.
Something Unique
Suspending a Chair
