“I knew that creating a work chair is one of design’s greatest challenges, an intimidating project in every possible way,” says Swiss designer Yves Béhar. “There is no place to hide in a chair. Every part serves a structural or tactile purpose.” Béhar didn’t have to look far from his adopted home of San Francisco for the inspiration of his Sayl Chair (2010). The geometry of the suspension system on the Golden Gate Bridge can be seen in the airiness of the Sayl’s signature back. The name reflects the sailboats that pass beneath the famous bridge, and replacing the “i” in “sail” with a “y” is a nod to the chair’s innovative Y-Tower™ structure. Low-cost but high-concept, the Sayl was almost three years in the making and has achieved the prestigious Cradle to Cradle Silver certification. Although 90% recyclable, the Sayl is no throwaway: It comes with a 12-year warranty and is shipped as two pieces in a single box that’s half the chair’s size for minimal transportation impact. Sayl is available with fixed or adjustable seat and arms. To assemble, simply lock the chair into the base – no tools required. Made in U.S.A.

• Four-setting tilt limiter for adjusting tension and range.
• Fixed seat depth (16") or adjustable seat depth (16"–18").
• Fixed or adjustable arms (latter move 4" vertically, 1.5" horizontally and 2" front to back with arm pads that pivot 11 degrees inward and outward).

Elastomer; steel; foam; 100%-recycled polyester seat.