The future that Kinnarps is shaping
Designer office furniture maker Kinnarps, if you are an avid Ergonoma reader, is no stranger to you. Founded in 1942, the Swedish company has relied since the 1980s on modern furniture design. This has enabled it to win numerous national and international awards for the elegance of his creations. Elegant, an epithet that can be associated with a relatively wide range of products. From the office chair to the complete office solution.
This month of February 2021 saw the emergence of 2 major news for the group. News that are probably setting the tone for its future orientations. First, the company just announced the end of the renovation of Hewlett Packard’s office in Machelen, Belgium. A renovation that embraced sustainability and ergonomics. To the delight of the environment.
It has also just unveiled Cael, the latest addition to its range. A flexible laptop table for public spaces. It is the result of a collaboration between the Swedish brand and students from Beckmans College of Design in Stockholm. The credo? More mobility and flexibility. Zoom on these major news that are ultimately representative of the Swedish brand aspirations.
Hewlett Packard and the circular desktop environment
Kinnarps was commissioned to renovate the offices for American IT giant Hewlett Packard in Belgium. From the first exchanges, HP’s request was very clear. In this case, giving a second life to desks and conference tables. “We supplemented the existing desks and conference tables with attractive and sustainably designed chairs,” explain the project managers at Kinnarps. The second line of work requested by HP, general ergonomics. The company decided to provide individual electrically adjustable workstations and alternate them with conference furniture. Furniture that can be used for both formal and informal meetings. This makes it easy for each employee to find a quiet place for an informal meeting with a colleague or simply to isolate themselves.
To increase the durability of the installations, two main criteria have been favored. Ergonomic products with a long lifespan and circularity. Basically the idea that facilities can be reused as needed. Doing so will reduce drastically waste production. “We already think about reuse, repurposing and recycling during the design: the products can be repackaged, refreshed or easily taken apart for recycling. “. Clear and limpid explanation.
Cael, the flexible computer table created with design students
The other news from the Swedish group: the presentation of Cael. This flexible computer table, designed for public spaces, was therefore designed in partnership with students from Beckmans College of Design in Stockholm. In the briefing given to the students: concepts like flexibility, mobility or multi-functionality. But also sustainability and circularity, modern concepts, and user-friendliness. The design process was based on the semiotics of the wheel. Through a graphic expression, the students wanted to communicate the impression of movement. This model does not forget to offer great accessibility. “The table is easy to handle, mobile and suitable for people seated, lower. »State two students who participated in the project.
These two accomplishments are proving to be an indication of the future that Kinnarps is shaping up to. Sustainability and circularity, but also mobility and flexibility. A vision that seems to correspond to the latest trends and the demands of the future. The office furniture sector, until recently much criticized for its carbon footprint, is multiplying projects, each more daring than the next. For the greatest happiness of the planet.