The Infinity circular office chair has won a Red Dot Design Award, one of the most prestigious international design awards. For the Dutch brand NO-EM and designer Robert Bronwasser, this award is a wonderful recognition of their collaboration.
The new generation of office chairs
“As an industrial designer, I’m always looking for ways to combine beauty, functionality, and sustainability. When NO-EM asked me to design a circular office chair, I saw it as an opportunity to put my vision of design into practice: a chair that’s not only comfortable but also makes a positive contribution to the world.”
Circular thinking: more than just recycling
Timelessness is central to Robert Bronwasser’s design philosophy. Products must be durable, able to evolve, and adaptable rather than replaceable. In this context, circularity goes beyond mere recycling: it begins with a design that is flexible, repairable, and future-proof.
In collaboration with NO-EM, we opted for a chair constructed from recycled monomaterial, combined with a modular design that is easy to disassemble, repair, and adapt. Because parts can be replaced or renewed, the product’s lifespan is significantly extended, and unnecessary waste is prevented.
With a minimalist design and a limited number of parts, a chair has been developed that is not only fully circular but will also remain relevant and usable for generations to come.
From sketch to chair
The design process began with sketches that blended aesthetics and functionality. The goal was to create a chair that not only offers comfort but also makes a clear statement about sustainability. Thanks to its modular design, users can customize the chair to suit their personal style and needs, making it suitable for a wide range of work environments.
Modularity: Adapting to Changing Needs
NO-EM understands that workplace needs change over time. That is why the Infinity was designed with modularity in mind. Whether it’s conference chairs, office chairs, or other configurations, the chair can be easily adapted to new requirements and applications. This ensures that the design remains relevant not only today but also in the future.
Accessible and comfortable design
Many office chairs have a distinctly technical look. Robert Bronwasser, on the other hand, wanted to design a chair that looks inviting and comfortable—more like an armchair that blends naturally into the interior.
“That’s why I deliberately designed the most visible side of the chair—the back—to be understated and inviting. This creates a harmonious whole that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.”
The Infinity office chair was launched last year and showcased at Design District, Dutch Design Week, the Workspace Design Show, and Milan Design Week.
For more information: no-em.com
