Welcome to this new series on Workplace Trends. Since making the move from furniture maker to consulting on work environments, I have been pleasantly surprised by the shift in design taking place at the office of late, and more importantly the trends that are shaping the new workplace. I'll be sharing some of the things I discover along the way from cool new products, inspiring spaces, and how to make the most of the exciting changes happening at work!
As a furniture maker, I spent a lot of time
learning and understanding the workmanship, quality and aesthetics that go into
crafting a beautiful piece of furniture. With residential design influencing
the modern workplace, it’s a very exciting time for furniture design in
commercial environments. Designers are challenged to create products that are
as visually stimulating as they are durable and comfortable. One designer that
I have quickly become a fan of is Patricia
Urquiola. Born in Spain, and now living in Milan,
Patricia has a natural talent for blending the highly functional with inviting
comforts. This is indeed the case for one my favorite pieces of Patricia’s
Haworth collection; the poppy chair
The
Poppy Chair truly embraces hybrid environments, thoughtfully tagged the “here,
there and everywhere” chair. Suitable
for inviting collaborative areas to comfortable and quiet heads down work,
poppy is available with 3 bases, and in a range of beautiful colours. I have
spotted this delightful perch at reception, at collaborative work tables and as
guest seating in private offices, and it always makes work feel a little like
home.
Today’s work environments differ dramatically
from those of the past. With a greater understanding of how people work, spaces
can be designed to engage, inspire, collaborate or focus. The Poppy chair fits
seamlessly into any of these work spaces, injecting comfort, style and
character for a most productive work place.
Yours
Truly, Vitania