ORGATEC 2012
The visit to the Office Furniture trade fair ORGATEC in
October of this year was in the thirtieth year since I first visited the show.
The changes to both the content and scale reflect not only on the economy but
impact the digital world is having on the profession that life chose for me.
It was four years ago that I last visited Cologne and in
that time the fair continues to shrink in size, gone are many major names and
the flamboyant theatre of past years, the bite of the recession obvious to all.
I visited the show not with a camera but to feel the
direction that colour, material usage and form the wider industry is taking,
relating to WORKSPACE SOLUTIONS research and development. My personal focus
being in the shape and design of legs and under structures as it is relevant to the South African market. My
first impression was the superb quality of the aluminium castings, the finish of
the powder coating and chrome, tops were slim, colours in general white, black,
grey and silver and only the occasional bold hint colour that not for the sake
of the show. Of the sectional form of legs square, rectangular, round in
chrome, triangular, angled tapered, either in the flat or round together with
cast aluminium in various forms were in abundance, legs set at angles was also
a feature that was not evident four years ago, but again the quality of the
European product was so good. The eastern manufacturers in office furniture
must throw away their cameras and understand design is in the quality and absolute
attention to detail not in pricing and volume (my personal opinion possibly not
shared by the accountant class)
The quality of detailing in connecting components most
impressive, leaving me most envious as to what can be achieved when the scale
of the market warrants the investment. Height adjustable features I did not
focus on but again there were examples of well designed structures that did not
shout their main function.
There were some examples of the use of timber as the leg structural
component but none that showed signs of innovation, this is one area where I
feel the desire to explore, and will, in the course of the next six months
continue to develop in that area that I started several months ago using bamboo
as the medium, though possibly an alternative in a bleached beech speaks to me.
Another benching frame structure using small diameter steel
rod was shown on Narbutas a company from Lithuania, the design also featured a
similar structure above the work surface supporting one of the few central
overhead storage options, www.narbutas.com
their AIR range. The design solution consider was not developed or the
detailing of an interesting nature but at least it was an alternative movement
away from the pack. Again here, for a smaller niche market, I believe is an
opportunity for future development and have a concept ready to test its lateral
stability, details are already in formation, as with many things if we do not
attempt to push the envelope we develop stagnation.
Randers+Radius GRIP range had both interesting locking
detail on the central support beam and had used colours, the A frame tee
section detailing was different and refreshing.
www.randersradius.dk 
The one company that I found the most innovative was
CASTELLI to me a name from the past who spoke the language of passion in their
approach to design, they had developed a benching system with a central visible
extruded rail, the leg out of cast aluminium was angled with a hollow centre
section, whether this was a design feature using less material or not it was to
me the most interesting concept in production at the show, which coupled with
its orange powder coating was most distinctive, why designers do not introduce
more colour into legs I do not know. In the 60’s orange was a very popular colour,
my grounding began in that period and my brain does not stop accepting new
ideas, thoughts and concepts. www.castelli1877.com
their OPEN BAY range, in their photographs it is in silver which loses some of
its dynamism.
Of sound absorbent desk mounted screens one product used in
buildings could be developed further, this utilised horizontal pine slates
approximately 10 x 10mm with a 5mm gap between which could then be double faced
the space between having sound absorbent infill, the visual impact very
different from the everyday fabric screens with a much greener footprint, the
light coloured horizontal lines being in symettery to the desking lines. www.liqnotrend.com
One of my main purposes in visiting the fair was to see the
various types of monitor arms available as I would like to either supply or
specify a product that can become integrated into the central beam of the
benching or attached in some way so that all wiring and screens can be attached
prior to tops being installed. I located one product that suited my thought
pattern and have ordered samples for testing and client reaction. One of the
vertical support posts I have, requested to be modified so that on a double
bench it can serve both sides. The units also have a mechanical height
adjustment facility in addition to the swivel action, which is more cost
effective than a gas lift. The most exciting accessory to the product though is
the incorporation of beautifully designed LED lights. An exclusive agreement
has been reached with the company in question and the incorporation of the
product with my own benching systems I hope to be on view before the Christmas
shutdown.
Of sliding tops I saw but one, easily movable but having a
tendency to pivot slightly, one company I spoke to considered they may be
coming back into vogue time will tell. I
have incorporated sliding tops in my designs in the past but with the new benching
substructure I am able to incorporate this feature at marginal extra cost. The
mechanism so simple and smooth, all it requires in addition to the actual slide
mechanism is the accuracy which CNC machining can achieve.
Was the show a worthwhile visit? I achieved my primary goals
of sourcing monitor arms and LED lights. The direction I am taking the company
in relation to current product development with both WORKSPACE CLASSIC and WORKSPACE
BENCHING I am more than comfortable with. The support upper frame is cost
effective with spans up to 2400 achievable and has full cable management
facilities. The system can also be adapted for meeting or boardroom tables and
my development plan caters for up to twelve different designs enabling me to
provide exclusive packages to both new and existing clients
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