Soft Pad Management Armchair on Castors

Archetype Forms Soft Pad Management Armchair Construction:

• Upholstery: Custom selection of premium Italian aniline leather, suede, or other upholstery from Archetype Forms
• Backrest & Seat: Sewn-on cushions over a stretched sling
• Cushion Padding: High-density polyurethane foam
• Frame:
  • Armrest Design: Integrated armrests provide additional support and comfort during extended periods of use, making it ideal for office settings and focused work environments.
  • Die-cast aluminum in chrome, finished, or powder-coated custom selection
• Seat Mechanism:
  • Adjustable backward tilt, lockable
  • Tilt tension adjustment
  • Pneumatic continuous seat height adjustment
• Base: Five-star swivel die-cast aluminum in chrome, polished, matte, or powder-coated custom selection
• Base Options:
  • Glides: Hard feet for carpet; optional felt for hard floors
  • Castors: Hard wheels for carpet; optional soft for hard floors
• Management Height Design: Features a lower backrest compared to the executive model, offering tailored support for the mid-back, ideal for active workspaces and task-oriented seating.

History and Design Significance:

Originally introduced in 1969, the Soft Pad Management Armchair was an evolution of Charles & Ray Eames’ groundbreaking Aluminum Group chairs from 1958. The Soft Pad series retains the Aluminum Group’s innovative suspension system, with its stretched sling of fabric or leather between aluminum ribs, but adds padded cushions for increased comfort. This approach provides a more luxurious seating option without sacrificing the minimalist aesthetic of the original design.

The management-height armchair was designed to provide greater support with its higher backrest while incorporating features such as tilt functionality, pneumatic height adjustment, and castors for adaptability in modern workspaces. The armchair’s individually sewn, padded cushions are fixed to the one-piece sling, maintaining a firm yet flexible “sitting pocket” that conforms to the body for prolonged comfort.

The Soft Pad series adheres to the Eameses’ philosophy of exploring how new materials and construction methods could redefine modern furniture. By blending comfort, adaptability, and functional design, the Soft Pad Management Armchair became an enduring classic, included in the permanent collections of museums such as MoMA and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: Faithful reproduction of the original Soft Pad Management Armchair by Charles & Ray Eames, introduced in 1969 as part of their evolution from the Aluminum Group chairs.
• Enhanced Comfort: High-density foam padding sewn onto the suspended sling provides long-term comfort while retaining a clean, minimalist appearance.
• Management Height Design: Lower backrest provides focused support for the mid-back, making it ideal for task-driven environments and workspaces where mobility and flexibility are key.
• Custom Options: Upholstery, finishes, and base customizations available to suit a variety of interiors.
• Tilt & Height Adjustability: Adjustable backward tilt, lockable tilt, and pneumatic height adjustment for personalized comfort.
• Mobility Options: Available on castors for mobility or with glides for fixed placement.

Shop the Soft Pad Management Armchair by Archetype Forms, based on Charles & Ray Eames’ 1969 design, online in Canada and the USA. For alternative models, explore the Soft Pad Executive Armchair, the complete Soft Pad Office Chair series or the Aluminum Group Chairs.

The Archetype Forms Soft Pad Management Armchair is a faithful reproduction of the original Charles & Ray Eames Soft Pad Group Management Armchair, Models EA 217 & EA 434., with castors and management-height backrest. This item is not manufactured by or affiliated with the original designer(s), manufacturer(s), or associated parties.