November 28, 2005—Steelcase Inc., a global office environments manufacturer, has been selected as a recipient of the 2005 Design for Asia Award, an international design competition sponsored by the Hong Kong Design Centre, that awards companies for designs that reflect, or have an impact on, the Asian lifestyle.
Steelcase received this distinction for the Think chair—a smart, simple and environmentally sustainable seating product, the company says.
Created in collaboration with designer Glen Oliver Low, McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry and the Institute for Product Development in Copenhagen, the Think chair conforms to the highest environmental standards and raises the bar in cradle-to-cradle design and life-cycle thinking, says Steelcase.
The Think chair provides ultimate support for a full range of postures, allowing users to stay focused without distraction or fatigue. Combined with an elegant and innovative design, the Think chair also adheres to the toughest environmental standards, including Japan’s “Green Purchasing Law,” which was designed to increase the percentage of materials and parts that have a reduced environmental impact and have the ability to be completely recycled (cradle- to-grave development process), notes the company.
The Design for Asia Award is dedicated to promoting design excellence and seeks to raise awareness that good design is an important factor for business success. Judged on the design’s excellence, its impact and influence within Asia and on Asian lifestyles, and the commercial success of the design, Steelcase’s Think chair was chosen from over 500 entries (including apparel and accessories, communication, interior/spatial, and product designs) from North America, Europe and Asia.
For more information, visit the Steelcase Web site.
