Liberty Mesh Chair

Liberty Mesh’s intelligent mechanism-free recline uses the laws of physics and the users weight to automatically provide the perfect amount of support through the full range of recline. Without manual controls to adjust, posture can be changed effortlessly throughout the day.

Like Humanscale’s Diffrient World Chairs, Liberty Mesh uses Humanscale’s revolutionary Form-Sensing Mesh Technology and mechanism-free recline for perfect support and unprecedented comfort. With advanced features, including automatic, weight-sensitive recline, arm rests that are attached to the back of the chair for constant support and an innovative tri-panel mesh backrest, Liberty Mesh combines performance, simplicity and beauty.

Liberty Mesh’s back is formed by combining three panels of non-stretch mesh material in the same way a tailor combines multiple pieces of fabric to create a shirt. Its contours are made to custom fit and support each individual sitter throughout the day.

Liberty Mesh was engineered to automatically adjust to whoever sits in it, instantly accommodating each user regardless of size and weight. Because it has no manual adjustments and features Humanscale’s weight-sensitive recline, the chair allows the user to move easily and without restrictions.

Niels Diffrient's designs are grounded in the philosophy that form follows function. His work has spanned generations, consistently looking past trends to reinvent the tools we use for daily living.

With an academic foundation in design and architecture and a degree from Cranbrook Academy, Diffrient channels his knowledge of engineering, architecture, and human factors into the creation of highly functional and aesthetically timeless designs.

From his early work with the studios of Eero Saarinen, Marco Zanuso, and Henry Dreyfuss to his current work with Humanscale, Diffrient's visionary talent has been widely recognized. Included among his many honors are the 2002 National Design Award from the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, and the 1999 Chrysler Design Award. In recent years, Diffrient had focused his energies on designs for the office environment, particularly seating — a category in which he has pioneered numerous breakthroughs, from pneumatic cylinders for seat height adjustment to weight-activated automatic recline.

"I’ve always insisted that the back adjust to the person and we have this unique Form Sensing Mesh that will accommodate any body shape and give you appropriate back support. Whether you’re short, tall, wide, narrow, the back will accommodate you." Niels Diffrient, Designer.

Inspired to create a minimal but functional mesh task chair with curved lines and a contemporary aesthetic, Niels Diffrient designed Liberty. As with the Diffrient World chair, Liberty features an innovative tri-panel non-stretch mesh backrest, which Diffrient said was based on the concept of a tailored men’s shirt. He worked closely with textile designer Elizabeth Whelan to create a mesh that was strong and supportive but still flexible.