by Brianna Crandall — June 30, 2014—As reported previously on FMLink, two of the new products that Palmer Hamilton/Nomad introduced at the recent Neocon show in Chicago swept the Education Solutions category of the Best of Neocon Competition. The Gold-winning Go Juice mobile charging table was described in a previous FMLink article, and the Silver-winning Hive modular upholstered collaborative system is detailed below. Palmer Hamilton also introduced the Kendo European-designed stack chair with optional tablet arms, Merge bench seating, Power up technology, and other innovative products at NeoCon.
Hive is a modular seating system designed to create flexible spaces for collaboration, communication and concentration. The modularity allows the ability to build the furnishings that best suit the user’s needs from pods to landing zones, teleconferencing, hot spaces, reception and more. In all configurations, the system is engineered to seamlessly integrate the latest technology, including fixed and freestanding smart TVs and displays, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, built-in power sources, and mobile device charging.
The system allows the furnishings to be adjusted to the height required to provide perfect visual and acoustic privacy. Screens can be added or removed in the field to adapt to a changing environment. The built-in tool rail between screens allows for the addition of work surfaces, tables, monitors, monitor arms and accessories. Most importantly, the tool rail serves as a connection to add components and furnishings. As workplace needs grow, Hive can grow along with them. Hive also provides surface options for laptops, cantilevered work surfaces, and tablet-style writing surfaces. The innovative modular system allows the user to reconfigure, move and amend the workspace.
Hive also connects “third spaces”—the public space between a primary office and the conference room or the space between a dorm and the classroom—and makes them productive, creating agile spaces that encourage collaboration, teamwork, communication and the free exchange of ideas. Hive allows users to create collaborative, private, social and teleconferencing spaces, all in a relatively small area, and its integrated internal power allows users to charge devices and give presentations.
