Actiu achieves two German Design Awards for its Fluit and A+S Work chairs

A+S Work, designed by Alegre Design, introduces a new technological mechanism for office seating for Actiu

Fluit is a 100% sustainable chair created from recycled materials in collaboration with Archirivolto Design

The German Design Award has recognized with two awards for Product Design Excellence the Fluit and A+S Work chairs by Actiu, a furniture manufacturer specializing in professional and contract furniture.

Fluit is a chair created entirely from recycled materials, designed by Archirivolto Design, while A+S Work, bearing the signature of Alegre Design, is an office chair featuring a new patented synchronization mechanism by the brand. This marks a turning point in the market for the design and manufacturing of chairs for workspaces.

“For us at Actiu, it is a pride to receive the validation seal from the German Design Council, one of the top international authorities on the quality of European design. Both Fluit and A+S Work have represented milestones in the company's history for their sustainability and technical innovation, respectively. At Actiu, we continue to pave the way for the future of the professional and contract furniture sector," emphasized Soledat Berbegal, board member and Brand Reputation Director at Actiu.

A+S Work

A+S Work is an office chair entirely made of thermoplastic material that introduces a new technological mechanism and has the exceptional feature of incorporating an 'All in one' syncro mechanism, combining two existing tilting systems in the same chair. This synchronization mechanism between the backrest and seat has been patented and registered by Actiu as a Utility Model in the Official Bulletin of Industrial Property (BOPI) under the design by Alegre Design.

In the design process of A+S Work, ergonomics has been carefully considered, and strict international standards have been applied to broaden the diversity of people who can use it. It is an agile and versatile solution that promotes fluidity across different environments. The seat, developed applying the highest ergonomic standards, is constructed from a thin enveloping layer of flexible foam that ensures user support in any position.

“This chair - and the new mechanism created for it - is the result of the culmination of the last 20 years of Actiu manufacturing professional chairs. In line with the brand's circular economy philosophy, the decision was made to use thermoplastics throughout the product: backrest, seat, swivel base, arms, as well as the various accessories offered by the new chair. This extends the life cycle of A+S Work, whose parts can be replaced. After many years of use, all components can be recycled," states Marcelo Alegre, founder and CEO of Alegre Design.

Fluit

Fluit is a 100% sustainable chair, designed by Archirivolto Design, that utilizes entirely recycled polypropylene plastic and fiberglass. A concept of circular and sustainable economy, it stands out for its fluidity and material sensitivity embodied in a slender and robust piece capable of adapting to various corporate and hospitality environments.

80% of the material used in the production of Fluit is certified post-consumer recycled plastic from the agri-food sector. The remaining 20% of the material is fiberglass, which reinforces the chair's strength and is also recycled. Actiu employs gas injection technology in its manufacturing, an innovative industrial process that provides a delicate and smooth finish to the touch. Additionally, in line with Actiu's philosophy, the production process of Fluit is based on the Km 0 (local sourcing) principle.

“Fluit takes inspiration from a 16th-century Dutch sailboat named Fluyt and is conceived as a versatile piece capable of blending into any environment. It is a linear chair with fluid architecture that, thanks to technology, brings lightness, aesthetics, and stability. A sinuous and static object, without any flat surfaces, that appears to initiate a movement," states Archirivolto Design.

Alegre Design

Alegre Design is an international design studio that has been working since 2001 with brands from around the world, collaborating with Actiu for over fifteen years. Alegre Design inspires change through design, contributing value and innovation to create a better future for people and businesses. From the studio, they view design as a holistic concept applied not only to style but providing realistic solutions throughout the product's life cycle: from the manufacturing process to efficiency, user interactions, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. The studio combines design thinking and agile methodologies for project management and the creation of products, experiences, and services.

Archirivolto Design

Founded in 1983 in Colle di Val d'Elsa, Italy, Archirivolto Design is the result of the collaboration between designers Marco Pocci and Claudio Dondoli. Over more than three decades, the studio has specialized in seating design, ranging from sofas to stools and chairs for workspaces and communal environments. Their designs incorporate different materials, with a particular emphasis on plastic. Their work spans from market research to idea and design development, prototyping, and technical support for industrial manufacturers.

German Design Awards

The German Design Awards (Designpreis der Bundesrepublik Deutschland) are design prizes awarded by the German Ministry of Economy and Technology. Established in 1969, they recognize outstanding achievements in different areas of design and communication. The winners of these awards are chosen by the German Design Council.