Jorge Pensi designs KABI chair for Akaba

Designer Jorge Pensi has created the KABI chair collection for Basque company Akaba. The word ‘kabi’ means ‘nest’ in Basque and is intended to reflect all the comfort the word conveys.

An exercise in design, Jorge Pensi’s KABI chair collection seeks to extract the greatest number of sensations from the fewest possible resources. The series revolves around a single shell in polypropylene, designed to stand the test of time, and with a subtle chair-back flexibility for maximum comfort, allowing users to find their ideal body position. Available in a wide range of colours, the shell can be upholstered (either fully or seat only) in either fabric or leather. The KABI family already has several members which range from a basic chair, with or without arms – ideal for hospitality – to versions with swivel aluminium bases or multi-laminated wooden legs, more suitable for the office or hotel interiors.

Argentinian designer Jorge Pensi has pursued his whole career in Spain. In 1985, he founded his own studio in Barcelona, specialising in furniture, lighting, visual image and event installation. He has received numerous accolades, including the Spanish National Design Award in 1997. His many designs for Akaba include the GORKA  bench and seating system – unveiled in 1993 and held in high esteem as a modern classic in today’s market – and the BRANKA seating system created in 2006.

Spanish company Akaba was founded in 1986. The gradual transformation of their products began in the 1990s, when they retained their differentiating design factor and steered their market towards installations, where they have met with general acclaim. Their seating and other furniture can be found in installations all over the world. One of their latest projects was the restoration of the old Tabakalera building in San Sebastian in northern Spain. The former tobacco factory was converted into the International Centre for Contemporary Culture.