Tag Archives: Workspace

Japanese-Inspired Minimal Workspace Is The Flexible Meeting Space Modern Offices Need

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Employees have slowly but surely made their way back to corporate offices, and it is certainly a transitionary phase where they learn to adapt and settle down in an office space once again. In such a situation, it’s important to add well-designed furniture designs that help them feel comfortable, space, and motivated in their workplace. And adding the right furniture designs can greatly contribute to creating an office that is conducive to motivation and productivity. And an interesting addition to modern offices would be Okamura’s Lives Post + Beam workspace.

Designer: Okamura

Designed by Japanese furniture brand Okamura, the Lives Post + Beam workspace is designed to be a flexible + versatile workspace for corporate and commercial offices. The focal point of the workspace is that it includes a frame with sliding wall panels. What’s interesting is that the various wall panels are customizable, so users can customize the square frames with fixed or moveable panels that can be attached to the top rail. The panels are available in whiteboards, sound-absorbing felt panels, or wire mesh panels. This allows companies to create contemporary work spaces that are tailored to the personal needs and requirements of their employees, allowing them to boost their productivity, and provide an optimum output.

“Lives Post + Beam is the ultimate solution for businesses and organizations looking to create an environment that fosters communication, collaboration, and innovation. Its seamless blend of form and function will revolutionize the way people interact and work together in shared spaces,” said the brand.  The Lives Post + Beam is available in twenty colors and is designed to provide a flexible office meeting space that can be either closed for private meetings or opened up to create a collaborative and conducive environment.

The aesthetics of the Live Post + Beam are quite minimal, and Japanese-influenced. The form of the workplace is simple, clean, and precise, with utmost emphasis being laid on functionality and practicality. The Live Post + Beam is a generous and space-consuming design since it intends to provide employees with a fully-equipped and well-endowed working space, where they can quite literally find everything they need! Multiple Live Post + Beam workspaces could be added to the various floors of a commercial office, installing flexible and free-flowing meeting spaces on each story.

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Stretch Desk is a minimalist desk with a spinning leather bookstand that let’s you customize your workspace

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I spend a substantial amount of my day on my desk, typing away to glory. Most of the time I also end up eating my meals on it! And binge-watching on Netflix as well. And I’m sure that’s the case with most of us, since working from home became the new norm, and our home offices became our new hang-out spots. But having a great desk is really important! Simply a ‘good’ desk won’t do either. A great desk helps us work comfortably and effectively. It puts us in the right mindset, helping us achieve our daily productivity goals and checkmark all the tasks on our to-do list! Not only should our desks be clean, but they should also sport an ergonomic and functional design! And good looks are an added bonus. And finding a desk that does all of the above can be a Herculean task. And one such stunning and functional desk design I recently came across is the Stretch Desk.

Designer: João Teixeira

Designed by João Teixeira, this minimal wooden desk is called the Stretch Desk, and quite rightfully so. The Stretch Desk is a quintessential example of Teixeira’s work which is always minimal, clean, and well-designed with interesting little details. His nuanced designs are a huge success on Instagram, and the Stretch Desk is no exception. The desk features a spinning leather bookstand that swivels through a pivot point, allowing the depth of the stand to be changed according to your personal need and requirement.

The playful leather bookstand is what gives the desk its name, and also enables you to customize your workspace – from creating more surface area to work on to adding more storage space. The swiveling pivot point is located on both sides for convenience, so you can easily switch up the stand’s depth to give you a boost of productivity while working. You can flatten it to create a larger and more generous workspace, or you could unroll it and create extra storage space. The various wooden elements and intricate details of the desk add a rather nuanced and well-crafted feel to it.

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Olson Kundig designs a small railroad-inspired workspace/retreat extending from an existing home in Seattle

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Designed by Olson Kundig Architects, the Maxon Studio is a private workspace designed to function as a sidekick to a pre-existing house. The workspace and the home are tucked away in the forests of a rural area outside Seattle. It is a two-story steel tower, that has been mounted on a fifteen-foot-gauge railroad track and is designed to be a seamless and effortless extension of the main house, while also functioning as an independent structure.

Designer: Olson Kundig Architects

Designed to be a workspace, and a retreat to relax and unwind in, the Maxon Studio features the same materiality and views as the main home. While the main house is horizontal, the studio is vertical, creating an interesting yet cohesive contrast between the two structures. The architects drew inspiration from the local region’s rail industry legacy, and the excavation site’s discovery of steel cables and railroad spikes while they were constructing the main house. Mimicking a traditional caboose, the lower storey of the studio functions as a primary workspace with a built-in desk, and multiple shelves for storage and display.

The workspace is surrounded by a steel-clad wall which allows visually stimulating materials to be easily replaced, to create different themes and assignments. The upper level can be accessed via a steel ladder and serves as a zen retreat to restore yourself and explore your creativity. ‘This level functions much like a cupola on a train’s caboose, a high vantage point to look out across the landscape,” said the architects.

What makes the Maxon Studio even more interesting is that it has wheels, making it a portable workspace! This also signifies the influence of train and railway design on the structure. The door of the studio has been painted in the DuPont paint color of the striping on Great Northern trains. The interiors have been clad in wood, and authentic wooden railroad ties repurposed from a Great Northern Railroad relay line have been used. The studio also includes a stabilizing bar to ensure the tower doesn’t tip during an earthquake – this was inspired by Japanese high-speed railways. The studio’s control panel was also originally installed in the Burlington Northern locomotive.

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This flexible office booth is inspired by a chameleon & is perfect for contemporary offices

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Designed by the Romanian brand Askia Furniture, the Kameleon Office Booth is a pod that takes major inspiration from a Chameleon. The pod is designed to adapt and merge with diverse offices and workspaces, just the way a chameleon does in nature! Askia Furniture believes that offices today are constantly changing and upgrading, and hence require modern solutions that are flexible and functional – and they believe the Kameleon Office Booth could be one!

Designer: Askia Furniture

“Office booths have become very useful products in the office space, but due to their predefined shape and finishes, they can’t be so easily integrated in the design of the office and architects tend to frequently neglect them. We wanted to change that and offer them a product which can fuse seamlessly just about anywhere like a chameleon does in nature,” said chief designer Dragos Motica.

The adaptable pod comes in different sizes and features a panel-based system which makes it impressively customizable. This system ensures that different colored elements can be attached or detached from the pod, allowing users to set it up according to their personal preferences. These elements can be removed from the structural frame at any time. This patented system is what provides the office booth with its ‘Chameleon’ quality, as its switchable exterior panels allow it to have different visual aesthetics at different times!

The interior of the pod includes sound-proof felt panels. These are attached to the inside of the pod using magnets and can be removed quite easily as well. The office booth is also recyclable since it’s built from wood and chipboard. The glass frames are made from aluminum and steel. Besides being recyclable, it’s also flat-packed when shipped, and can be assembled in less than forty minutes, by two people using four Allen keys.

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Sensory pods helps neuro-divergent people deal with challenging situations

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For those who have neuro-divergent conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc, the school and work environment can sometimes be a challenge especially if there are situations that can trigger negative reactions. Those who are in therapy probably have some coping techniques but it also helps if the environment itself can be a refuge for moments when they need to calm down or destress. Acoustic pod manufacturer Nook has designed pods that are specifically to address the needs of these neurodiverse individuals and make the space more inclusive.

Designer: Nook

Nook Pods are now given some enhancements to turn them into Sensory Nooks, an encapsulated space that will help neuro-diverse individuals deal with mood changes, challenging behavior, and sudden anxiety attacks that may trigger socially exclusive situations. These additions to the pods will help bring a “psychologically safe space” where they can temporarily escape from in order to calm down or get through a challenging situation they may be experiencing in the workplace, school, or even in public spaces.

Some of the additions in these Sensory Nooks include colour spectrum lighting that can be adjusted to the user’s preference and an LED picture light panel. There’s also a twinkling fiber optic tactile wall carpet that can help reduce anxiety and internal mirrors that can help reduce the strain of eye contact. There are also vibrating seats that can help with those who are suffering from fidgeting episodes. These features can help either calm or stimulate those who have sensory integration disabilities like Autism, Dyslexia, and Dementia.

Of course there are some places and situations that may need something specific and Nook is able to customize their Sensory Pods according to what you need. This is of course something that will help make spaces more inclusive although it probably costs more than your usual pod or working space. But at least it’s a step in the right direction, albeit a more expensive step.

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This gigantic bi-level toolbox is actually a workstation in disguise

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When the world seemingly went crazy, and everyone was suddenly forced to work at home, we became more acutely aware of how precious and how little space we actually have at our disposal. Few people had an extra table to use as a workstation; fewer had extra rooms to convert into makeshift offices. Space-saving modular furniture became quite popular in the past two years or so, especially ones that could transform into different configurations to serve different purposes. That demand and interest gave rise to quite a few interesting designs and mechanisms that made that possible, including one cabinet that takes its inspiration from the humble toolbox to present a storage solution and workspace that can fold out of the way when not in use.

Designer: Benjamin Thut

Most homeowners are probably familiar with toolboxes, but one that’s popular among craftsmen is the bi-level toolbox. Thanks to a somewhat ingenious design that is now a bit commonplace, the box is able to store even more tools and parts than a regular box. The top half splits open to reveal layers of containers, making it almost an incredible feat to fit everything inside a compact storage unit.

Utilizing the same design principle, the Tool cabinet 490 implements space-staving storage that could solve many of the problems homeowners now have in keeping work and personal life separated. Rather than lying flat on the ground, the cabinet is like a bi-level toolbox standing on one of its ends, blown up to life-size proportions.

The mechanism remains the same, though, with the doors of the cabinet moving sideways to reveal two layers of compartments flanking the main body. Instead of containers, however, you have shelves of different sizes to hold books, files, and other items you might need to keep within arm’s reach. Thanks to the bi-level design, you don’t have to worry about these items getting in the way when you fold down the cabinet.

The main section of the Tool cabinet can serve different purposes, depending on how the cabinet is being used. It can be a workstation with a fold-out table that can be closed down at the end of the day. Or it can be a typical cabinet, with the central section reserved for hanging clothes and shelves for folded clothing and accessories.

Whether it’s at home or even in the office, the Tool cabinet 490 can be an efficient way to save space without sacrificing functionality or storage capacity. It even has wheels that make it possible to roll the entire contraption to any location, turning it into an agile and flexible solution for floor space problems. Its industrial and utilitarian aesthetics might indeed clash with some motifs, but those really pressed for space might not mind that too much if they can have a portable and multi-functional workspace hiding in plain sight.

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This WFH solution incorporates hidden storage spaces and a flip-down desk for all your working needs

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Beaktor is a workspace furniture solution with an integrated flip-down desk designed for the new era of remote working and WFH.

The remote workspace solutions to come out of recent years have made working from home look real nice. Once you have a corner of the home to call your own and get some work done, next comes the fun part–home-reno. While the temptation to gut your storage closet and transform it into a small workspace is real, it’s not the only way to get some work done at home.

Designer: Beaktor x Ernesto Velasco

Some of the most versatile WFH solutions actually don’t even look like offices. Designed by Ernesto Velasco, Beaktor is a new home office design that appears like a slim wooden easel with an integrated flip-down deskspace to fold back up once the workday is done.

Designed for this new normal of working from home, Beaktor is designed to bring the workspace anywhere—from the basement to wherever the WiFi’s stronger. “Beaktor is a workspace created for a new era to help people and organizations transition to an inspiring and sustainable remote working experience, from home or anywhere,” Velasco explains, “Its industrial design is based on two elements: the frame, comprised of a thick ash wood, and a flip-down central unit that reveals a work surface, and acoustic pegboard panel, and storage compartment.”

Velasco hoped to design a remote workspace that keeps a minimalist look to fit into most modern homes while keeping a compact overall size. Finding flexibility in concealing the workspace’s main function, Velasco integrated a flip-down deskspace into Beaktor’s wooden frame. Much like how an art easel flips open to reveal an internal storage space where painters can keep all of their supplies, Beaktor’s primary function is revealed once its desk space is flipped open.

Velasco also incorporated lighting, USB charging ports, power sockets, and an original kit of accessories that allow users to position their second screens into the build of Beaktor to ensure that users have everything they might need to get through the workdays–all’s that’s missing is a bathroom. At long last, when the workday ends, Beaktor closes and its front display reveals BeakArt, a magnetic display surface that projects pieces of art like screensavers.

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This prefabricated steel structure is a multipurpose communal hub that can be flat packed like IKEA furniture

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The Hithe is a prefabricated, demountable structure located in London’s Rotherhithe community designed to support local businesses while bridging the city’s communities with modern changes.

Meaningful social infrastructure typically challenges the existing schema of neighborhoods while providing innovative solutions to modern problems like urbanization and climate change. These issues generally lead to gentrification, which is rapidly changing cities across the globe, prompting city architects and planners to draw attempts of bridging the gap created between existing communities and new developments. Rotherhithe, a historic riverside district of London, faces the ongoing threat of gentrification and urbanization.

Designer: IF_DO Architecture

New social infrastructure is rising in the London neighborhood, providing residents with a meeting hub that could function as the very bridge that maintains the neighborhood’s identity while connecting it with imminent modern changes. The Hithe is a new, fully demountable, and re-locatable multipurpose structure designed by IF_DO Architects to bring the community of Rotherhithe together.

Described by IF_DO architects as, “A community hub, in a neighborhood undergoing rapid change,” The Hithe is a 200sqm is located on Albion Street, the neighborhood social hub. Prefabricated by design, the structure consists of five modules that were constructed offsite and then assembled on Albion.

Comprised of ten micro studios, The Hithe is designed to provide city residents with a common space for work, social, and commercial purposes. Constructed from a combination of lightweight steel and a timber frame, The Hithe was propped up on the site’s preexisting foundation to eliminate the need for any new concrete elements.

Inside, the micro studios are configured around the structure’s ground floor central gathering space that ties the kitchen and outside yard to the site’s north side, providing two larger workspaces on the first floor. In an effort to reduce the need for built-in circulation spaces, each of the ten micro studios is accessible from the building’s exterior.

Conceived as a communal hub, The Hithe building is “One that both supports local businesses, by providing them with the type of space that they need and enables local people to forge meaningful long-term connections, by providing a place for them to come together to work, socialize and play.”

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This multifunctional WFH unit combines a library with integrated desks to feed our curiosity while we work

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Curiosity-Go-Round is a cylindrical, miniature library that also functions as a workspace with integrated desks and tables.

As we adjust our routines to fit our work-from-home lifestyles, the furniture that gets us through the workday adjusts alongside us. Since WFH orders were first put in place, designers have found versatility in making integrative and modular home furniture.

Designer: Creative Project Base x Keigo Kobayashi

Taking the multifunctional and immersive spirit of WFH furniture to its maximalist end, architect Keigo Kobayashi was called on by the Creative Project Base team to create a bookcase that combines elements of a traditional workspace with integrated storage units to form a bookworm’s private working oasis called Curiosity-Go-Round. Before Curiosity-Go-Round reached completion, Japan-based company Creative Project Base told Kobayashi, “I want you to make a bookshelf that can hold all the books you have now…I want to make it a place where you can come up with ideas by yourself.”

The unconventional, miniature library stands alone as its own unit with embedded desks that engross workers in the shelves of books, as well as a central cavity that functions as a private retreat from the demands of the workday. Working amidst shelves of books can bring some calm so workers can focus and lose track of time for a moment. On different ends of Curiosity-Go-Round, the convex shelves curve to provide spacious tables for collaborative or solo work. The overall unit rises like a wonky cylinder with an open internal center that leaves room to explore the unit’s bookshelves.

By transforming the traditional office space into a zany bookworm’s retreat, work begins to feel more creative, collaborative, and manageable. Once Curiosity-Go-Round was completed, Creative Project Base describes, “After completion, many people visited, picked up books, read, talked, came up with ideas, and many creative [undertakings] became more [dynamic]. Everyone goes around, goes inside, [and] tickles their curiosity to the fullest…”

Primarily functioning as a standalone library, the internal volume is left open for people to enter and explore the bookshelves. 

Curiosity-Go-Round is designed to flow freely between the floor and ceiling. 

Integrated desks jut from the central volume to provide table space for working. 

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This multifunctional desk features entertainment and work modules to help you switch off from work mode

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The Layout desk is a multifunctional workspace that comes with various entertainment and work modules to blur the line between WFH and play.

WFH has transformed our desks into micro versions of our homes. Blurring the line between work and play, spending so much time at home has made our desks representative entertainment systems, craft stations, and storage bins all in addition to first functioning as our workspaces. With so many WFH-inspired desk concepts coming out, a team of designers aimed to build the Layout, a modular desk that can do it all, and then some.

Inspired by the blurring of work and play in WFH spaces, Juwon Kim, Jiwon Song, and Eunsang Lee framed Layout with a translucent, corrugated exterior finish that immediately catches the eye. Wrapped in sea green, the Layout desk is modular by design to incorporate a plethora of different work and entertainment features. The Layout desk is topped off with an upper cover that’s designed to conceal the workspace after the workday’s done.

When you’re still getting in those hours, though, the Layout desk’s upper cover folds up and functions as a partition to create some privacy and a sense of spatial boundaries for the workspace. When closed, the desk features a front display panel, similar to the Mac’s Touch Bar, where users can add widgets to play with after work. The widgets range from a music player, clock, and micro-control grid. But all the fun is also kept underneath the desk’s cover.

Different modules outfit the inside of the Layout desk, bringing a mix of practical and leisure modules. The light controller and paperclip modules, for example, operate the desk’s interior glow light and create storage space for small stationery items respectively. Phone charging and calendar modules make it easy to stay connected and on top of your schedule while working and a pencil holder creates some more storage space.

Then, the desk’s music modules take the form of a CD player and accompanying speaker for slow jam, ambient music while you work. Finally, an electronic memo pad is also worked into the desk’s modular interior, so you can always keep note of your day-to-day.

Designers: Juwon Kim, Jiwon Song, and Eunsang Lee

Layout’s team of designers took the traditional desk form and topped it off with a lid to incorporate entertainment and work modules.

The translucent, corrugated cover for the Layout desk speaks to the designers’ inspiration in blurring the line between WFH and play.

The Layout desk’s top lid draws back like an awning to provide a partition. 

Inside the desk’s storage space, an integrated glowing light keeps the workspace bright.

When closed, users can enjoy the desk’s touch bar control panel, which comes with default clock and music widgets. 

Users can add their own widgets to the control panel to optimize its usability. 

The integrated memo pad module allows users to keep notes of their daily goings-on.

The light dimmer adjusts the desk’s interior light, while a paperclip storage bin provides space to store small stationery items.