Switzerland – Inspired by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec’s customisable office furniture, students of the École Cantonale d’Art de Lausanne (ECAL) envisage the future work environment.
Second year Master Product Design students took the French design duo’s Workbays series as a starting point to explore the evolution of work spaces. Realised by Swiss furniture manufacturer Vitra in 2012, the self-contained micro-architectural system, which features work surfaces, seating, storage and power connections contained within polyester felt walls, enables workers to adapt their environment to suit their particular needs.
Led by Erwan Bouroullec, the students worked to create the next iteration of this series by designing a prototype workshop, fitness area, bar, garden and rest zone to be included in the office space. Reminiscent of Japanese capsule hotels, many of the zoned areas are in a pod-like structure that has been filled with original designs, ranging from miniature strip lamps to a desk wall filled with vases.
The Big Picture
- As attitudes towards work evolve, the shape of the workplace landscape is being transformed. For more on how office spaces are responding to the developing needs of workers, download our Workplace Summit report 2016
- Brands such as Herman Miller are exploring new iterations of office furniture that promote a more holistic approach to a space. For more, see our Briefing report