FMJ.CO.UK STORAGE FOCUS
MARCH 2020 41
an e ective way to save space and provide
greater flexibility in the workplace, while
allowing businesses to adapt the furniture
to their needs.”
Another key reason for the growing
popularity of modular storage is the
transformation of o ice interior design over
the last few years, which has led to changes
in the shape and purpose of modular
storage and shelving. New technology has
led to a reduction in the need for paper
filing, with many organisations aspiring to
become paper-free entirely while remote
and agile working has also influenced the
type of storage required, as well as the
o ice layout.
Explains Jonathan Hindle, KI’s Group
Managing Director EMEA: “Designing
agile, highly space-e icient o ices can
be greatly improved with furniture that is
adaptable and can evolve over time. It gives
customers extensive configuration options
as they move away from traditional filing
and paper storage.”
While paper filing has declined in
importance, the need for personal storage
has increased. The move away from
assigned desks means people need an
anchor in a dynamic o ice environment
to store their personal belongings and
work-related materials, laptops and
other equipment. Modular storage can be
modified to suit these new requirements
through reconfiguration and retrofitting, so
reducing costs and environmental impact
as compared to built-in storage.
DESIGN AND BUILD
Modular furniture saves
companies time and
money when
rearranging the
o ice layout.
Because it
is simple
to add
additional
units, it is
possible
to adapt
the existing
furniture
instead of
replacing it
with new items as
the business grows.
This also reduces the
environmental impact by decreasing the
frequency with which furniture is thrown
away. It also means that any furniture
purchased will serve the business over a
longer period of time and, as such, allows
the company to invest in better quality from
the outset.
As modular
storage
furniture is
made up of
numerous
smaller units,
it is easy to
rearrange.
The ability to
change the interior
design quickly enables
businesses to keep up
with the times and cater for their
changing needs. For the same reasons,
this type of furniture is ideal for flexible
workspaces and agile working.
Modular storage units work well as room
dividers, which is particularly beneficial in
open-plan o ice landscapes to separate
di erent departments or workspaces.
Storage units can help wayfinding by
defining walkways, team neighbourhoods
and di erent functions. Unlike standard
storage furniture, which is designed for
placement against a wall, this type of
storage is designed to sit in the middle of a
room and features a fully-finished back.
Says Supple: “A popular design trend
is to fit a sound-absorbency panel to the
back to improve acoustics and help reduce
the noise that is unavoidable in an openplan
o ice. As well as having a practical
application, acoustic panels are a way
for companies to personalise their o ice
furniture to their brand by choosing fabrics
in company colours. In a row of modular
storage, an e ective way to provide
accessible storage to more people and
create a dynamic look is to place the units
facing in opposite directions.”
Modular storage units work
well as room dividers, which is
particularly benefi cial in open-plan
offi ce landscapes to separate
diff erent departments or
workspaces.”