Elysium – The Chair that Neutralizes Gravity

E·ly·si·um (ɪˈlɪzɪəm) n. 1 Greek mythology a place or state of perfect happiness to which certain favoured heroes were conveyed by the gods 2 a state or place of perfect bliss

Science

The unique feeling of being held in Elysium is the result of careful layering of ergonomically engineered structures. Central to the design is an advanced carbon fibre skeleton that engages perfectly with human form.

Traditional upholstery springs are fused to the carbon fibre at precise tensions and in precise locations to focus support on specific anthropometric sites. Over this, a variety of high resilient and viscoelastic foams deliver the optimum combination of support, pressure relief and haptic response.

The patented frictionless technology in Elysium works as a virtual cam to move the body with absolute ease. It translates the rotational movement of the body into a linear horizontal motion path for the body’s centre of gravity. This ensures the body is always in balance and is why Elysium is the only chair in the world that gives a weightless experience.

In the upright position gravity exerts force down the body. The spine is loaded from the weight of the upper body, the heart has to work to return blood from the lower legs and there is a tendency for the skeleton to slide forwards, which is resisted by shear forces in the muscle and skin.

In the most reclined position the situation is reversed. Gravity assists the return of blood from the lower legs, the spine rehydrates and increases in length, and there is a tendency for the skeleton to slide backwards. This state of negative gravity offers biomechanical benefits that have the potential to relieve pain.

At approximately half way between these two states (25°) the body passes through a point of zero gravity where pressure is evenly distributed and shear approaches zero. This results in sensory attenuation which is the principal of Floatation Therapy.

The body is placed in a state of equilibrium where all joints are flexed to balance muscular and ligamentous tension. This posture has been observed in people in weightless environments where the absence of gravity results in neutral joint angles.

Unique support to the lower back cradles the pelvis which in turn aligns and reduces stress in the lowest joints of the spine. Direct support to the spine is avoided since this increases stress in the joints where the spine connects to the pelvis.

Elysium represents new thinking in ergonomics. It extends typical ergonomics in seating design beyond static and dynamic anthropometric factors towards more complex biomechanical sensory systems. As a result, each individual discovers their own intimate experience where for some comfort transcends to an altered state of consciousness. At DavidHugh we call this Post-Optimal Ergonomics.

Experiences

The Elysium chair has two modes of use

Positional

Experience the lightest recline action available in a chair with a locking function

Floatation

Touch a lever to access continuous frictionless balance controlled by gesture

Craftsmanship

All Elysium chairs are handmade at our Cambridge workshop where advanced engineering blends perfectly with fine craftsmanship

Specification

Elysium chairs are made to order

Machine cut aluminium and stainless steel

Ergonomically engineered carbon fibre

Anatomically moulded viscoelastic foam

Finest Italian and Scandinavian leather

Customisation Options:

Extended, gel-filled, aluminium armrests

Gold or Rose Gold Plating

Pure aniline leather