Steelcase redefines the traditional office cubicle. On Friday, I got a chance to walk through their showcase floor with a tour from one of UCD interiors alumni, Jennifer. She walked us through Steelcase's office products and the intelligence behind the design of them.
Jennifer described how the economy is now effecting how offices are built. Since there is less money to buy more space, the office cubicle is downsizing. She showed us a few designs that utilize space efficiently, yet still creating a workable area with privacy. Here is an example of a setting that uses standing height shelving which blocks these desks from the desks behind them. Steelcase also sells panels (the yellow ones in this photo) that work as non-permanent dividers. There is lots of storage space and optimal privacy when wanted.
(photo courtesy of http://www.steelcase.com/en/products/category/workspace/pages/overview.aspx)
Another product that I found very functional and appealing for an office space is the Airtouch table. This table adjusts and moves up or down to create a sitting desk or a standing table with just the clench of a small lever. The table uses pressure of air to rise up or down, therefore there are no electronics involved. Along with being able to use multi-functionally, this table also acts as a conversational bridge. If one person is working on a laptop and their colleague walks over, they can signal that they only have time for a quick and brief conversation by adjusting to a standing height. This shows the other person that they can walk up and talk for a few minutes. If you needed to show someone something you were working on, it's also good to raise the table that way the other person isn't bending over a desk. Steelcase also focused on bringing the idea of wellness for the human body at the workplace into their products. The Airtouch offers workers to change the way they are working by easily making a standing setting that suggests more movement and exercise.
(photo courtesy of http://www.steelcase.com/en/products/category/tables/adjustable/airtouch/pages/overview.aspx)
Steelcase is researching and thinking about future products for the office that better serve the people in those spaces and how to make the work inviting and better for the body.
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