The architect and designer Maarten Van Severen began designing furniture in the mid-1980s, initially also producing his designs at his workshop in Geneva. Simplicity and comfort typify his designs. He has worked with Vitra since 1995; a collaboration out of which the Van Severen Collection was borne.

Although the cantilever chair has been a success story for over eighty years, .05 is the first model whose uncompromising form and flexible comfort surpass the archetypal chair without back legs designed by Mart Stam in 1926.

The sleek, linear shape of .05 is its aesthetic hallmark, while its construction provides for a comfortable seat. Made of resilient polyurethane integral foam, the shell adapts to the body. When the sitter leans back, the upper part of the backrest yields slightly – a pleasant sensation created by the integrated leaf springs. Together with the typical flexing effect of the cantilever base, this makes .05 surprisingly comfortable – a quality that is fully appreciated only through use.

The cantilever base of .05 is made of stainless steel, making the chair suitable for outdoor use as well.

Dimensions: 33.25″ h | 16.25″ w | 19.75″ d | seat: 17.75″ h | 17.25″ d

designer: maarten van severen
producer: vitra
material: stainless steel tubular frame, polyurethane integral skin foam, back with integrated leaf springs
period: 2004