"Good design is not only about beautiful shapes," says Jesús Gasca of Stua (Solo Tengo Un Amor: I have only one love), the furniture company he founded 30 years ago. "It always has to be clever in the solution of functional questions." To find both, look no further than the Globus (1994) – a chair with beauty and brains. The elliptical hole in the back serves multiple purposes beyond its unique design: It allows for additional ventilation, alleviates pressure on the spine and can be used as a handle when moving the chair. The curving backrest and waterfall seat edge also ensure lasting comfort. Globus has already become a design classic, used worldwide in homes and public spaces, including the Time Warner headquarters in New York and Santiago Calatrava's pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Made in Spain.

• Now available in new colors (the first ones in 10 years) that were chosen by Stua fans worldwide, who voted for their favorite hues.

DWR Exclusive in the U.S.