What is the philosophy behind the Setu chair by Studio 7.5?

The Setu chair was conceived by observing real behaviour in changing work environments. Rather than starting from a fixed set of assumptions, Studio 7.5 designed Setu to adapt to how people move, where they sit, and how furniture interacts with its surroundings.

What is the role of the kinematic spine in the Setu chair?

The kinematic spine is a flexible backbone that bends with your movements. It enables natural motion without needing complex tilt mechanisms, helping the chair provide support dynamically.

How does Setu address sustainability and material efficiency?

Studio 7.5 emphasised reducing excess material in Setu’s design—eliminating unnecessary components and using only what’s essential for function and comfort. The chair’s design incorporates environmental mindfulness from the start, rather than treating it as an afterthought.

How did prototyping shape the Setu design process?

The design process for Setu was highly iterative and hands-on. Studio 7.5 created more than 35 full prototypes, gathering feedback through observations and experiments to refine the chair’s form, comfort, and performance.

What visual and material refinements distinguish Setu from other chairs?

Setu’s evolving aesthetic includes innovations like dipped-in-colour finishes and updated suspension materials. These additions give it a sculptural, warmer look, while maintaining its expressive and functional silhouette.

Design Story: Setu by Studio 7.5

The Setu chair, created by the Berlin-based design practice Studio 7.5, is a response to the evolving nature of how we work and live. Unlike many task chairs which begin with a fixed idea, the Setu’s concept was shaped by observing real behaviour and changing work environments.

Setu: A Small Chair with a Big Impact

The designers paid attention to how people move, where they work, and how furniture interacts with its setting and let those observations guide the design.

A minimal yet flexible structure – The chair features a kinematic spine—a streamlined, flexible backbone that bends and flexes with the user’s movements. It allows for natural motion without relying on complex mechanical tilt systems.

Material efficiency and environmental mindfulness

Studio 7.5 designed Setu in a way that emphasises reducing excess. They stripped away unnecessary elements and used only as much material as essential for function and comfort. The environmental aspect is built in—not just a feature added later.

What Sets the Setu Apart from Other Chairs?

Instant comfort without adjustment

One of the central ideas behind Setu is that comfort should be immediate. From the moment you sit down, the chair is meant to support you—no fiddling, no lengthy adjustments. This comes from the understanding that many environments require quick adaptability and simplicity.

Prototyping & hands-on feedback

The design process was iterative and tactile. Hundreds of observations, experiments, and feedback loops shaped the form. Studio 7.5 created more than 35 fully functional prototypes before finalizing critical decisions. Real, human feedback was key—“if a chair is uncomfortable, everybody can tell.”

Colour, texture and aesthetic evolution

The visual identity of Setu has also been refined over time. Drawing on experience from designing other chairs (like the Cosm and Zeph), Studio 7.5 introduced dipped-in-colour finishes and updated suspension materials. These bring a more sculptural, warmer, and visually expressive feel to the chair’s silhouette.

Ergonomic Support Meets Modern Simplicity

The Setu chair blends simplicity with ergonomic support, making it perfect for collaborative spaces, flexible offices, and environments where people move and share seating frequently.

Its innovative suspension seat and back use flexible, skin-like materials that promote airflow and reduce pressure, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Lightweight yet durable, Setu’s streamlined design uses fewer materials without sacrificing strength, delivering a chair that is both practical and resilient for modern workspaces.

Buy the Setu at Office Chairs UK

As an official supplier of the Setu Chair, here at Office Chairs UK we offer a whole range of colours and finishes – every option you need to compliment your workspace aesthetically.