FOCUS STORAGE
42 MARCH 2020
SIMPLY INGENIOUS
Because modular units fit seamlessly side by
side, it is possible to cater for di erent needs
while maintaining a natural flow throughout
the o ice. One of the biggest benefits is how
easily parts can be added and combined to
create a system that suits the business and
employees. Drawer units, magazine shelves,
document trays and more, simply slide into
place on the shelves. The furniture can be
extended upwards to maximise the use of
floor space, whether that is adding additional
storage or indoor planters to create a more
pleasant working environment. The modular
design means these elements fit together,
allowing you to mix and match di erent pieces
throughout the o ice.
BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
Because aesthetic considerations are also
important, storage systems can be accessorised
with colourful tops, shelves, planters and more
to achieve a homely feel. This move away from
the traditional corporate aesthetic is mirrored
in the growth of so seating and breakout
areas more akin to a living room than the oldfashioned
image of a typical o ice. Residentialstyle
open shelving can contain curated
ornaments, books and plants and act as
space dividers while supporting collaborative
workspaces. For many people, personalisation
of the working environment is a valuable
way to help build a sense of engagement and
belonging to the organisation.
Says Hindle: “It is increasingly important for
organisations to provide an o ice landscape
that is rich in variety and choice for workers.
It provides a more domestic feel to the
o ice environment without compromising
on functionality, even incorporating fully
integrated work surfaces and so seating
elements.”
Modular storage and shelving can also help
those companies that have awkwardly shaped
empty spaces (such as under the stairs and
around the cores), as they can be arranged in a
way that makes the best use of the space. They
may also be considered to be aesthetically
pleasing, as their colours, layouts and
decoration can be specified according to taste.
But one of the biggest benefits of modular
shelving systems over custom-made fitted
units is that they can be moved and rearranged
as per your needs or design preferences (or
even taken with you should you move o ice).
They are also likely to be less expensive than
installing fitted units.
Modular furniture is versatile and can
be used as wall shelving, end of desk
storage, room dividers or even reception
desking. A notable example is USM’s Haller
modular furniture, which has become
something of a design icon since its inception
in 1965. Its design is simple yet ingenious;
from a few basic components, a beautiful,
practical piece of furniture is built, designed
to grow and change with its environment.
The first sizeable installation of Haller
furniture was at the Rothschild bank in Paris,
and it has since been commissioned by many
design-savvy companies. Property developer
Stanhope used USM in the redesign of its
London o ice, from the reception area to the
meeting rooms and main o ice.
In the main o ice area, home to up to 80
employees, the Haller furniture is used as end
of desk storage as well as banks of standingheight
storage units. These latter units help
to shape and define the o ice landscape and
support stand-up meetings, while providing
plenty of storage space. The units can be
accessed from both sides, creating a variety
of storage options while also acting as a room
divider.
Another example of creative modular design
is BOB by Bisley. O icially launched at Salone
di Mobile in Milan in 2019, BOB has won
widespread acclaim, including the award of
a Design Guild Mark and wins at the Mixology
South Awards and Iconic Awards.
BOB was developed in collaboration with
award-winning British designer Paul Kelley.
The design is both simple and playful: cubes
and units click together to form di erent
arrangements, allowing the user to change the
configuration at will. BOB is cra ed using highquality
plywood, its hand-finished modules
incorporating an ingenious system that uses
technology-friendly magnets to securely
lock the modules together. The units can be
unlocked with a simple twist.
A range of accessories has recently been
added, including colourful steel liners. These
slide into the individual units to divide the
space and add a dash of colour to the interior.