AS IDEAS DEVELOP

As any designers thoughts develop in the conceptualising of a new project, ideas not previously considered at times begin to evolve. Two features that were not part of the original concept in the new WORKSPACE benching range have become apparent.

The first thought was that although the leg detail is initially important in capturing the interest of a prospective client, the tops should float rather than be grounded by the support structure.The leg detail only becoming important when used for individual desks, meeting tables or boardroom structures.

The second feature that came to light was that the structure itself should be the carrier for all IT technology. The frame stripped of storage elements and work surfaces should not only be able to facilitate the wiring but physically carry and support all necessary equipment, this being

Vertical cable management

Horizontal cable management

Power and data connection points

Monitor arms

CPU carriers

LED Lighting

If I am able to successfully achieve the encapsulating of all these elements within the support structure then, besides having the nucleus of a new range of products to keep the factory busy, I may also assist in making the IT guys work not only easier but more efficient. An additional element would be easier access to the secondary plug and data points with the use of tops that slide, complement the design concept.

 With this extension to the WORKSPACE offering we will be working in association with allied companies who are experts in their given field.

CABLE MANAGEMENT – Stainless steel mesh is the medium I have used in previous development. It is a quality product that with innovation can be sculptured into aesthetically pleasing and functional components. With the vertical management the open mesh exposes the cables, we know they are there so why not accept the situation rather than try and hide them. The horizontal mesh cable tray further allows for the free flow of ventilation, my personal opinion is that flat steel trays assist in the transmission of heat rather than the dissipation of the heat. The use of stainless steel mesh in the design of CPU holders keeps everything within the same family stamp.

POWER AND DATA CONNECTION – In conjunction with Design 4 the power packs are situated on primary and secondary levels, daily usage access packs are situated on an angled bracket situated above the work surface, as can be seen in the attached photograph, which gives it a more ergonomically position, secondary usage packs lay inside the recessed cable tray. A full wiring service can be provided by Design 4 should it be required.

MONITOR ARMS – Previously these have been fitted to the work surface but being involved in call centres where a single screen operation is the norm I decided to investigate the possibility of a dual shared arm serviced facing operators. In association with CMS Industries we are importing a UK product that has been modified to our specification.

LED LIGHTS – This product I am very excited about, with the ability to fit a light onto the Monitor arm head it caters for my idea that all electrical and data components are part of the structure. This proposal also begins to address the question of power saving  with a product that is beautiful.

The photographs show the initial developments with the sliding top both open and in the closed department.

INSPIRATION

 Recently I received a glossy magazine that a German car manufacture sends out, with the factory closed for the summer break allowing the mind to wander, there was an article where a quotation was used which caused me to think on the concept illustrated.

 Many companies have used and still use the statement incorporating “form and function” but none get to the very essence of the quotation that was originated by Louis Sullivan who in 1896 wrote the statement as recorded below.

It is the pervading law of all things organic and inorganic

Of all things physical and metaphysical

Of all things human and all things super-human

Of all true manifestations of the head,

Of the heart, of the soul,

That the life is recognizable in its expression,

That form ever follows function.

This is the law.

Frank Lloyd Wright was his assistant at that time, later placed his own stamp on this quotation when he wrote

 “Form and Function should be one joined in a spiritual union”

I believe that in any form of creation whether in architecture or as in my case  components for office furniture without an additional element that comes from within, whether it is an internal drive or passion that drives for a different element we continue to produce just the ordinary and whilst this sells and keeps the factory in production, that which is out of the ordinary touched by that “spiritual union” is what we strive for which turns the market to a new direction that through form and function creates difference to the workspace of user. The definition of spirituality is that what relates the human spirit or soul as opposed to the material or physical things.

What is SPIRITUALITY in a creative idiom as I see it?

The basic meaning of spirituality is that it is a term which encompasses everything that we can’t see directly with our eyes, directly perceive with our other senses and know by mere reason.

Visionary perception of trends and use of new materials

An inner path enabling new discoveries

A limitless essence, being of the spirit, indicates there are no boundaries being initially a conception that lacks material form or body or substance, how we tap into the essence is possibly a gift that we receive at birth, how we accept and develop that gift is to walk with the passion within.

History and the passion of those who walked before can stand as positive role models, if we are quiet and listen.

But if anyone can tell me the source of visionary inspiration please let me know, in the meantime the walk along the alternative path is a very enjoyable one.