by Brianna Crandall — July 10, 2015—Contract office furniture manufacturer Kimball Office, a brand unit of Kimball International, introduced 10 new product collections in June, along with an array of existing product line enhancements, and new concepts that tie the company’s new and existing furniture solutions to the award-winning Studio O+A’s typologies philosophy. Studio O+A designed the Kimball showroom. This year’s show also introduced the brand’s direction of partnering with interior designers to lead and guide product design and direction.
“The City is Your Office”
The Kimball Office Chicago showroom, themed “The City is Your Office,” connected to Studio O+A’s concept of typologies and showcased the versatility of the company’s vast portfolio of product to the brand’s inherent ability to provide solutions for any work environment. Designers, clients, and customers viewed it as a city-scape showcasing a layered, immersive, graphic environment that blends work with play, art with education, and urban with office.
What used to be a straightforward exercise in planning now encompasses aspects of sociology, urban planning, fine art, architecture, and psychology, notes the company. New technologies are disrupting traditional ways of interacting, and the walls of the workplace are coming down as a result. To truly “work your way,” Kimball Office continues to develop inspiring products that allow for “limitless” collaboration, personalization and connectivity, meeting the needs of this ever-changing work environment.
The 10 new product collections are highlighted below.
Canopy. Conceived by Primo Orpilla of Studio O+A and developed with the design team at Kimball Office, Canopy moves beyond conventional open plan benching to give each user a versatile work tool that changes according to the needs of the moment. While this product will fit into any open plan, it may be modified to give the user more acoustical and visual privacy as needed. And Canopy’s height adjustment capability—a discreet mechanism that allows the user to raise or lower the desk without disturbing colleagues—is both a social and an ergonomic advance.
Pairings. The Pairings collection delivers essential elements to support conversation and collaborative work across a variety of work applications. From corporate offices to higher education facilities to hospitality destinations, this product line of seating, tables, and surfaces creates adaptable lounge-based work settings that can play host to both teams and technology in comfort and style.
Splendor. With a shape that is equally expressive and welcoming, the Italian-designed (Marco Maran) Splendor combines the comfort of a warm embrace with a versatility suitable for any environment. Its captivating silhouette, subtle details and gentle curves are designed to provide comfort as well as a freedom of movement that truly increases its functionality and adaptability.
Theo. Aesthetically pleasing and crafted for elegance and versatility, Theo thrives in a wide variety of environments. From the lounge to the lobby to private offices and conference spaces, this seating line offers a refined, shell-shaped and warm wood veneer that is tailored to provide long-lasting comfort.
Kore. Kore addresses a variety of needs and offers choices. As it is based on simple yet timeless aesthetics, it blends easily into different scenarios. The product line features portable (on casters) products such as screens, white boards, storage units, etc. An impromptu conference can be set up anywhere without waiting for an “official” room to open up, according to FMLink’s publisher, who viewed the showroom.
Bloom. Casual yet sophisticated, Bloom fits comfortably in a variety of settings. United by the same base design, the lounge chair offers a tailored seat with optional contrasting fabric, while the occasional tables come in a range of shapes, heights, and materials.
Teem. Made for the places people gather, Teem keeps people connected to their technology and each other. Both sides of the wall can be equipped with monitors or marker boards, and your choice of table base and top make the space even more functional.
Abbott. With a modern design highlighted by its use of steam-bent European beech wood frame components, Abbott can be used to enhance a wide array of interior environments. Its recessed, upholstered seat provides a visually thin and clean aesthetic that can be partnered with a variety of back options to customize Abbott to meet any specification.
Nash. With its mod lines and classic finishing, Nash provides the comfort and embrace of an upholstered tub chair with the look and feel of a small-scaled club chair. Its understated elegance is as suited for the office as it is for the café or lounge.
Tucker. Available as a guest or two- and three-seat tandem, Tucker’s transitional styling is suitable for any space. Its subtle design communicates strength and durability and allows it to adapt to a number of settings—from casual to executive.
