Abstract: A seating shell comprises a seat having a plurality of arcuate slots formed therethrough to define a plurality of closely spaced webs extending and suspended between semi-rigid side borders of the seat. The widths of a substantial number of the webs, from front to back, progressively decrease to provide varied degrees of flex and a gradual transition of such flex when a seating load is imposed on the seat. The seating shell may have a backrest integrally formed with the seat. The backrest also has a plurality of webs formed thereon to provide a flexible back support.