by Brianna Crandall — June 25, 2014—Continuing the FMLink coverage of Teknion Corporation at the NeoCon commercial interiors show two weeks ago in Chicago, in addition to the Gold- and Silver-Award-winning products covered in previous FMLink articles, the company also introduced several other innovative products, three of which are detailed below.
Thesis learning and library tables
Thesis takes a holistic approach to educational furniture by combining learning and library tables in one product line for educational and corporate applications, to address “how today’s Digital Natives will perform at work, and how the workplace will likely evolve.” Thesis can be applied to create collaborative spaces for group work or conversational applications, or pulled apart for independent learning alternatives.
Thesis Learning Tables are highly configurable, using a quick-linking device to hold tables together. A wide range of accessories helps facilitate new lifestyles and technologies brought into the classroom by students and faculty. Accessories include cup holders, a tablet/laptop/book holder, power/data cube, extra backpack hooks, modesty panel with or without wire management, and grommets.
A customizable leg—retrofitable on site—adapts to all flooring and mobility needs, including casters, levelers and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) options. The availability of chrome and the ability to have the legs and upper casting painted different colors add a distinguishing touch and enable easy branding with a university’s colors. The Learning Table is also ideal for conference and meeting areas found in today’s collaborative offices.
Thesis Library Tables are highly aesthetic and contemporary tables designed for collaborative work, heads-down study, and everything in between. A central table screen available in several finishes provides division. Tables can be configured as a carrel with various finish options. An ADA extension integrates with the standard table. Support options include legs, gables or a rectangular base that contains wire management properties. Accessories include a lamp and power/data cube, both built without movable parts to ensure strength and durability.
A new research paper on trends in higher learning, for which Teknion enlisted the thought leadership of global design firm Gensler, reportedly inspired the Thesis line. Information on Teknion’s Higher Learning research and Thesis applications can be found on the company’s Web site. Thesis is polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-free and certified to multiple environmental standards: GREENGUARD, FSC Wood, and BIFMA level e3, and contributes to LEED credits, says Teknion. Manufacturing facilities are ISO 14001 certified.
Sabrina synchro-tilt mesh task chair
Co-developed by Giugiaro Design and the Okamura Corporation, the Sabrina synchro-tilt mesh task chair’s sleek design combines classic elegance, performance and ergonomics.
“Sabrina was inspired by Giugiaro Design’s philosophy based on the structure of the human body, and symbolizes the infinite interconnection of comfort and design,” said Chris Dominik, director, product management. “Sabrina features an innovative
inner ring structure, organic frame design and mesh backrest. The iconic inner ring provides support and backwards bending while the outer frame allows torsional flexing. The ring’s streamlined shape is mirrored in the headrest and lumbar element.”
Sabrina meets today’s growing need for a 300-pound (136 kg) weight capacity. Optional extras include: a headrest with coordinating tensile structured mesh for beauty, support and comfort; coat hanger; and adjustable lumbar support. Mesh colors were selected by Teknion Textiles Creative Director Suzanne Tick. Upholstery fabrics from the Teknion Textiles collection are applicable on the seat.
Sabrina was designed for longevity and durability, and ease of disassembly and recycling at end of life. It is GREENGUARD Certified for Indoor Air Quality and has BIFMA e3 level 2 Certification. Sabrina is developed and manufactured through an ISO14001 managed operation with minimal use of environmentally hazardous substances.
Variable multi-purpose seating collection
Designed by Alessandro Piretti, the Variable multi-purpose seating line features ergonomic flexibility, clean lines and a comfortable, patented shell. Teknion says the durable, sophisticated yet budget-conscious seating line is equally at home in meeting and conference rooms, lounges and cafeterias, guest areas, auditoriums, lecture and training rooms, or casual work areas. Suzanne Tick, Teknion Textiles Creative Director, selected a dozen plastic (nylon) colors for education and corporations. Included are new, more saturated accent colors that are popular with colleges and universities.
“My goal was to design a single plastic shell with ergonomic flexibility in the backrest, a clean shape, and comfortable shell ready to be assembled to any kind of chair frame,” said Alessandro Piretti, Variable designer. “The elastic movement of the backrest comes from the combination of two factors: design geometry and the resistance of the plastic. The result is an ergonomic chair that visually is very simple, but achieving this simplicity required extensive research, and working closely with Teknion’s R&D Team. There are many single-shell chairs on the market, and many chairs with ergonomic movement of the backrest, but few, if any, combine both features like Variable.”
Variable comprises a 4-Leg Stacking Guest Chair, Bar- and Counter-Height Stacking Stools, Swivel Multi-Use Work Chairs, Swivel Stools, Conference Chairs and accessories. Over 15,000 configurations are possible. Flexible zones in the seat and backrest encourage movement and deliver optimized user comfort based on the human body’s pressure points. Variable is generously proportioned, meets a user rating of up to 300 pounds (136 kg), and is warranted for 24/7 application.
Variable is GREENGUARD Certified for Indoor Air Quality and has BIFMA e3 level 2 Certification. It is developed and manufactured through an ISO14001 managed operation with minimal use of environmentally hazardous substances, says Teknion. Sub-assemblies allow for replacement of parts—further extending the chair’s life cycle.
Teknion creates furniture that connects people, technology and spaces, holding to what the company calls a simple yet powerful principle: “Design does matter.” Teknion offices and facilities are located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Russia and Malaysia, and clients are served through a network of authorized dealers worldwide. Through 30 years of dedication to innovative and sustainable design, the company offers a diverse portfolio of award-winning office systems, office furniture, ergonomic accessories and architectural products.
See also the Teknion ad on FMLink.
