30 years ago, designers Klaus Franck and Werner Sauer at Wilkhahn wrote ergonomic history with the FS-Line, a chair that gave users their natural mobility back.

Today, the FS-Line is considered a design classic and can be found in the offices of business executives and political leaders across the globe. 40 variations of the chair – from swivel to meeting room options, and from cantilever to executive and conference chair ranges – have been produced, and millions have been sold worldwide.

Franck and Sauer’s idea was really quite simple: the chair would feature a highly flexible seat shell that responds automatically to any change in posture. While the technical term for this was ‘automatic synchro-adjustment’, the catchphrase ‘sitting without a driving licence’ soon took off.

Here’s how it works: 3 swivel axes are designed to allow the seat, backrest and armrests to follow any movement and change in posture. The combination of flexible swing plates and an extremely elastic shell provides support and options for adjustments in any posture. The mechanism is also fully automatic and includes sideways torsion elasticity for the backrest.

To mark the chair’s 30th year, Wilkhahn has launched a youthful new addition called FS Management. It follows the traditional form of the classic model, but sports a refreshed and unrestrained character. The chair is available as office or conference versions in 2 backrest heights and features bright chromium-plated frames and robust leather for high comfort and durability.

It’s also worth noting that the FS-Line’s modular shell and frame structure makes repair and maintenance simple, and each chair can be upgraded with little effort. What all this essentially means is that users can well expect the FS-Line of chairs to keep them company for decades to come.

Available at Wilkhahn.