Bascule
Design: Studio Œ, 2026 Developed by Vitra in Switzerland
The lounge chair Bascule pairs the relaxed aesthetic of a loosely fitted fabric cover with an innovative Vitra seat mechanism that automatically adjusts to the user's weight, allowing a smooth transition from sitting to reclining and back again. Developed in collaboration with Lisa Ertel and Anne-Sophie Oberkrome of Studio Œ, Bascule is an expression of their material-driven ethos: honest, repairable and long-lasting – a soft, familiar armchair defined by intuitive comfort and effortless ease.
The name Vitra is virtually synonymous with lounge chair expertise, largely due to the Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames – in production at Vitra since 1956 and now an icon of its kind. Together with other classics and contemporary designs, it features prominently in a portfolio that seemingly leaves nothing to be desired. And yet, Vitra has recently developed the Bascule lounge chair in collaboration with Studio Œ.
The starting point was a novel mechanism devised by Vitra's engineers. Bascule – which means "seesaw" in French and alludes to the seat mechanism's mode of function – has a range of motion extending from an upright angle to a deeply reclined, almost horizontal position.
Christian Grosen, Chief Design Officer at Vitra, explains: "The suspended mechanism concealed in the armrests responds fluidly to shifts in the sitter's weight and supports every position, regardless of body size. This automatic weight adjustment produces a gentle rocking effect. "
The chair follows the body without perceptible resistance, while the cover accompanies this movement. Vitra's idea of using this mechanism for a new lounge chair that simultaneously questions conventional standards in upholstery construction was met with enthusiasm by Lisa Ertel and Anne-Sophie Oberkrome, who together form Studio Œ.
They designed a generously cut cover for Bascule that envelops the chair's structure like a jacket, giving the chair its distinctive silhouette. Anne-Sophie Oberkrome comments: "For us, the comparison with a jacket couldn't be more fitting – a favourite jacket you love to slip on, one that is soft, familiar and simply comfortable. "
Tailoring techniques from the world of fashion – originally developed for ease of dressing and freedom of movement – have been translated into the chair's design. The fabric was draped directly onto the working model to observe how it behaves in different positions. "It always got exciting whenmovement came into play, " Lisa Ertel recalls, reflecting on the development process. "As soon as the chair moved, you could see how the fabrics responded – where they stretched taut, where they fell loosely and where folds formed."
Different fabrics produce varying fold patterns and surface textures, transforming Bascule's character from calm and composed to lively and richly structured. Fabrics can be chosen in a single colour or in combinations of two different hues for the inner and outer faces – just like a jacket.
In the words of Studio Œ: "A chair with a future treats its materials honestly. In upholstered furniture especially, it is essential to challenge standards such as conventional polyurethane foam and glued components – in favour of sustainable, recyclable solutions whose elements c an be easily separated and returned to the circular economy. "
Bascule avoids adhesives and relies on separable materials with the highest possible proportion of recyclable content. Its cushions are made from recycled fibres or V-Foam, developed by Vitra in collaboration with BASF as the world's first economically recyclable polyurethane foam. All components can be repaired or exchanged if needed, and the cover is easily removable for cleaning or replacement.
Bascule is available with either a four-star aluminium swivel base or a wooden base, and comes in a highback version with an integrated height-adjustable neck cushion or as a lowback model – all variants are equipped with the same mechanism. The ottoman and bench can be used as matching footrests, allowing users to lie back and put their feet up in an almost horizontal position to enjoy Bascule's outstanding comfort. Thanks to this range of variants and configuration options, the chair is extremely versatile and suited to multiple contexts – from living rooms to business lounges.
www.vitra.com