tp bennett designs a fresh new spot for Aviva at EightyFen
A transparent, community-focused office design represents a milestone in the organisation's commitment to creating positive workspaces.
25/07/2024
3 min read
Designing with purpose: seven problem-solving products
From modular furniture to a ‘dancing office’, we curate a selection of products offering modern-day solutions to modern-day problems.
17/04/2024
5 min read
CoLab by Pearson Lloyd x Senator
To quote legendary tech innovator Steve Jobs, “Design is not just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it works.” With the world of work ever changing and both commercial and public sector spaces becoming increasingly flexible and multi-use, this careful combination of aesthetics and future-proof functionality has arguably never been more important. Below, we round up a selection of forward-thinking products that offer modern-day solutions to modern-day problems.
Mute OmniRoom: ‘plug-and-play’ pre-designed hubs
A comfortable plug-and-play office system that lends itself to hybrid workspaces, OmniRoom was launched by office acoustics specialist Mute in 2023 in answer to a demand for more adaptable architecture in hybrid working environments. The system uses Mute’s patented ‘click-in system’ and technological innovations that have been widely recognised throughout the industry, winning several awards and nominations – including a trophy at last year’s Mixology23 Awards.
From office pods to lounge spaces and collaboration zones, Mute has since expanded an essential part of the OmniRoom system. This means that only are these hubs easier, cheaper and more ‘earth-friendly’ than fixed constructions, but designers can also choose from a selection of close to 100 readymade modular ‘Rooms’ for any workspace concept.
Vitra’s Dancing Office by Stephan Hürlemann
Originally developed by Hürlemann in 2017 when planning the PwC Experience Center in Zürich, the Dancing Office from Vitra consists of mobile partition panels and modular elements (or ‘Dancing Walls’), which embody the principles of agile working into office architecture. Arguably ahead of its time, this system was introduced as businesses were starting to adjust to increasingly unpredictable developments within the workspace.
Hürlemann created the system of easily manoeuvrable elements as a response to this growth and structural change, something the Swiss design studio refers to as the ‘choreography of work’– ultimately, learning to be as flexible as possible so users can quickly adapt and reconfigure their surroundings. In addition to fixed, static office areas, with the ‘Dancing Office’ Hürlemann argued that these configurations also require free spaces, undefined zones or ‘dance floors’ that can be modified, using mobile, often modular furniture.
CoLab by Pearson Lloyd x Senator
CoLab: pioneering the next-generation of learning and work
Following two years of research into contemporary learning and teaching methods, Pearson Lloyd launched CoLab in partnership with UK furniture manufacturer, Senator. Also working alongside the Trent Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT) at Nottingham Trent University, Pearson Lloyd explored a concept in higher education referred to as the ‘café classroom’, reflecting a growing demand for more informal, multi-modal, multi-posture and tech-enabled learning spaces.
Encouraging peer-to-peer collaboration, easy flexibility and the most efficient use of space, the CoLab collection supports multiple postures and also boasts an integrated power-distribution system through the central seating spine – meaning a mains connection is always in reach to charge mobile devices. The range also follows circular design principles, with its exposed fixings and no composite materials promoting ease of assembly, on-site repairs or replacement and end-of-life recycling.
Connection ONE: a modular solution for infinite possibilities
A member of the Flokk family, Connection’s innovative ONE range responds to a growing demand for modular design and the creation of future-proofed spaces. As the name suggests, the flexible modular furniture range is centred around a single core module, supported by a series of simple components to create building blocks, conceptualised to deliver maximum customisation and spatial configurations for inspiring, multi-functional spaces.
The power of ONE lies in the simplicity of its individual components as well as their assembly, supporting a level of flexibility and customisation ideal for a host of workplace, residential or hospitality environments. The unique combination of modular elements builds up like a jigsaw puzzle, offering architects and designers a multitude of functionalities and allowing the specifier to consistently adapt, evolve and ensure that their furniture develops alongside their space.
Canyon
Highland
Caspian
Autex Acoustics combines nature with neurodiversity
Acknowledging the need to cater towards a diverse modern workforce, Autex Acoustics – developer and manufacturer of non-woven architectural textiles – specialise in crafting premium acoustic environments. Carefully considered acoustics are an important factor for employees with sensory differences, who may be more sensitive to noise in the workplace.
Autex also incorporates biophilic design into its acoustic surfaces, which is often credited with boosting employees’ mental and physical wellbeing. For instance, at the end of 2023 four new colourways were added to existing product ranges, each reflecting the earth’s natural wonders. From deep and mysterious oceans to verdant highlands, sunbaked canyons and ancient geothermal terraces, all four additions lends a subtle interpretation of the natural world. Each colour is available for all of Autex Acoustic’s products, including Cube, Vertiface, Composition, Frontier, Lanes and the carbon-neutral Vertiface Quietspace Panel, the latter of which is made from a minimum of 60% recycled PET plastic.
Form Us With Love x Forming Function: the Nomad collection
Describing power outlets as ‘the most neglected yet essential objects in use’, Swedish design agency Form Us With Love launched a collection of portable and scalable set of flexible power outlets in collaboration with Stockholm-based technical design brand, Forming Function. Both brands saw the need for well-thought out technical accessories in the modern workplace, considering the market lacking in to contemporary design and aesthetics – with current solutions often hidden away or contributing to ‘cable chaos’. The Nomad collection was therefore created as an aesthetic alternative to the extension cable, and is designed to be seen: with portable lamps crafted in complementary and matching shades that can be plugged seamlessly into each outlet.
Narbutas’ ergonomic Q-Active desk
A modern take on the sit-stand desk, Narbutas’ Q-Active speaks to today’s increasingly agile workspaces in its active and ergonomic design, taking only nine minutes to set up. Adjustable, standing or even treadmill desks are all growing in popularity, both in response to hybrid or remote policies as well as an increased focus on employee wellbeing across the board. The Q-Active collection therefore speaks to this desire for customisable office furniture that caters to individuals’ needs, with Narbutas citing how standing can increase alertness, energy levels and productivity.
The height of the desk can be adjusted using simple buttons, meaning users can choose the most comfortable desk height for their individual preference and save two custom positions for future use. As well as offering bespoke comfort and ergonomics, the Q-Active sit-stand desk is also 99% recyclable, with modular parts that are screwed together rather than glued, making them easy to separate and sort at the end of its life cycle.
