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Words by: HÅG April 02, 2025

Flokk is reintroducing HÅG as a standalone brand, bringing the iconic Capisco chair to a new generation of designers while honoring its legacy as a global symbol of ergonomic excellence.

Office chairs that purport to have the best ergonomic support are a dime a dozen these days. Few rival the HÅG Capisco. Designed by noted Norwegian designer Peter Opsvik in 1984, the distinctive design takes on an idiosyncratic contour inspired by the balanced posture of a horseback rider. This was no superfluous, aesthetic choice borne out of self expression or Postmodernist flex but rather one conducive with the need for the human body to shift while seated for a long time.

(Image above: HÅG Capisco)

Peter Opsvik

The notion that one needs to stand or constantly get up during the course of a workday is— according to the producer—a misnomer; more a result of poor ergonomics and inflexibility engineered into most office chairs rather than a physical need. The Capisco seamlessly accommodates movement as one consciously or subconsciously shifts posture. The saddle-seat form can be ‘mounted’ in various ways: the more traditional sling position or, when turned around on its swivel base, a brace bearing, supporting the front of the body. Opsvik’s  proposition—debuted to the world just over four decades ago—continues to be a typological game changer. 

HÅG Capisco

Peter Opsvik has attempted to overcome our stereotypical sitting habits with his unconventional seating solutions Flokk, the conglomerate that owns HÅG, stipulates on its website. “His work shows how the norms of sitting nicely and sitting still can be broken. The best sitting posture is, after a while, always the next.”

Today, Capisco continues to be produced by the Norwegian brand but now reflects its deep commitment to rigorous sustainability standards. Produced with 95% recycled polypropylene, primarily sourced from consumer plastic waste, the design received the Nordic Swan Ecolabel in 2010 and earned the title of Europe’s Best Recycled Plastic Product in 2015. It contains no glue or harmful substances. Better suited for a second life or repurposing in a different form, its minimal components can be easily disassembled.

HÅG Capisco Separate Parts

“HÅG is a brand rooted in innovation, sustainability, and Scandinavian design—and many in the U.S. already know and love Capisco,” says Randi Pastrovic, Chief Creative Officer, Flokk US. “We’re excited to reintroduce this icon to a wider audience and reaffirm its relevance in today’s evolving workplaces. It perfectly reflects our commitment to movement, well-being, and design that stands the test of time.”

Several versions of the chair will be on view as part of the ICFF 2025 Library showcase and given away.

Image Courtesy of HÅG

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