by Shane Henson — January 13, 2012—Hospital facilities managers needing to replace their current worn, drab or unsuitable waiting room furniture can liven up the space with Steps, a transitional seating solution designed to accommodate a variety of waiting area layouts. The solution was recently released through healthcare furniture manufacturer Nemschoff. Developed by Nemschoff in collaboration with Brian Kane of Kane Design Studio, Steps offers designers a wide array of design possibilities and configurations suitable for a variety of healthcare environments.
“Solutions like Steps provide a flexible design that helps create environments that promote warmth, comfort, openness and privacy all in the same space,” said Kent Gawart, chief operating officer of Nemschoff. “Together with Herman Miller Healthcare, we will continue to provide flexible solutions that evolve with user needs to ensure healthcare facilities are prepared to meet tomorrow’s challenges today.”
To counterbalance the stress oftentimes found in the halls or waiting rooms of a healthcare environment, Steps helps transform the interior into a soothing, welcoming space through its flexible design—providing a sense of peace, serenity and possibility to patients and their visitors, say Nemschoff representatives.
As a result, Steps makes use of sections to form serpentine and in-line forms, and has the power to create boundaries within open spaces to accommodate a variety of seating areas. The solution’s extensive array of possible combinations allows for creativity and space efficiency, creating a customizable fit for any healthcare facility. Steps also includes furnishing options of varying heights—from high-back seating solutions to flat benches—to allow areas of openness and/or privacy that can be used to direct the flow of visitors.
Further adding to its design flexibility, Steps is available in a variety of performance fabrics. The Nemschoff Performance Fabric Collection embodies the convergence of residential, hospitality, and spa aesthetics with the strict requirements of healthcare. These fabrics also reflect the company’s commitment to sustainability, as Nemschoff aims for its products to be free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as waste-free within the next decade.
