Introduction to Systems Furniture ID-439 Contract Design I

The Quickbourner Team Germany, 1959. Two brothers developed the concept of open office layout and brought the idea to the US in 1967. They believed that many offices hindered work productivity. Their designs promoted good communication and flow. Referred to a office landscaping. Their plans were based upon a systems analysis of work flow and communication. The layout was very free and non-rectilinear.

The Quickbourner Team People in frequent contact with each other were placed close together. Many acoustical problems were attempted to be corrected by the use of carpet, plants and acoustical ceiling tiles This new approach of “landscape” planning had a tremendous impact on the way offices were to be designed. They were flexible, efficient, open and informal. Americans, however, were slow to accept the idea because they didn’t want to give up their hardwall office, which were status symbols to the executives.

Open Office Landscaping No panels, only desks, files and bookcases.M

Robert Propst Hired by Herman Miller, Inc. in 1960 A researcher and inventor Developed Action Office I for Herman Miller and introduced it in 1964. A panel based system using a vertical approach Despite what the modern office has become, his goal was to get away from boxes and corridors. The use of the panels violated the Quickborner concept but was widely accepted as open office landscaping.

Systems Manufacturers “Grade A” Systems Manufacturers Haworth, Inc. : Unigroup, Places, Premise, Moxie, and Compose Steelcase : Series 9000, Avenir, Answer, Kick Herman Miller: Action Office, Ethospace, Resolve Allsteel: Align, Terrace, Concensys Teknion: T/O/S, Leverage, Transit, Lyft Knoll: Dividends, Equity, Morrison, Reff Kimball: Cetra, Traxx, Footprint                                                          

Types of “Systems” Non-Panel Based (Desking Systems) Panel Based (Universal connectors or handed connectors) Post and Panel Off-Modular Reconditioned – Refurbished – As-is

Non-Panel Based Systems: Haworth Race (a post and beam system)

Non-Panel Based Systems: Haworth Patterns Haworth Patterns

Haworth Patterns Haworth Patterns

Freestanding Desking System: Haworth “If”

Freestanding Desking System: Knoll Upstart

Panel Based System Monolithic Stacked or Segmented Off-modular

What is Panel Creep?

Planning with Systems Furniture

Panel Terminology Monolithic Raceway Topcap Siderail Honeycomb core Monocoque Construction Adjustable levelors/glides Carpet grippers

Panel System Top Channel Raceway

Top Cap, Side Rail and Corner Post Side rails showing “slots” to hang components into. Corner post

Variable height connectors Variable Ht. Connectors Covers exposed panel end when using two different panel heights

Heights and Widths will vary

Electrical Systems Haworth has an 8 Wire System 3 Hot, 3 Neutrals, 1 ground and 1 Isolated Ground Max 16 amps per circuit All manufacturers have a different system

Electrical Systems Lay-in Power Base Raceway Beltline Power Ported Panel Flex Connector Programmable Receptacle

Steelcase Answer

Components Steelcase Answer

Components Steelcase Answer

Components Steelcase Answer

Slider Doors – Barn Doors Steelcase Kick Steelcase Answer Steelcase Answer

Compose (Premise) Haworth Compose

Haworth Compose Compose with Slider doors

Haworth Unigroup Too

Steelcase 9000

Herman Miller Action Office

Off Modular Systems Haworth Moxie with up-mount overheads, toppers and “legs” support ends.

Haworth Moxie Moxie Stackable Legs Scrims

Collaborative/ Teaming Station

Collaborative/ Teaming Typicals