Workplace Resource!

Workplace Resource, located on Bristol across from South Coast Plaza is a highly design oriented project that specializes in workplace furniture. Although the space is trendy and modern, the products used in the space are the actual products they carry at Herman Miller who is the parent corporation. The space gives a sense of calm tranquility; as one exits the stairs they are greeted by a soothing wavewall encrusted with the Herman Miller logo in a soft off white beige. This piece serves as a basic idea of how the space will read, soothing and calm.

(Wavewall with Herman Miller Logo www.modulararts.com)

The reception / waiting area reinforces the sense of calm with a Goetz Sofa covered in a soft crème white and artwork adorns the opposing walls. The rich walnut veneer backing sets a nice contrast to the bright floors.

(Goetz Sofa www.hermanmiller.com)

Behind the sofa is a cluster of George Nelson bubble lamps that demarcate a circle in the wall. The lamps are placed in front of the wall but all within the imaginary circle shape, they are successful in drawing attention to the circle which is what they wanted. The circle is repeated all over the place and is representative of the Herman Miller logo influence on the space.

(Nelson Bubble Lamps www.hermanmiller.com)

The bamboo flooring from Nydree tells of the soft placid nature of the work environment and gives a peaceful naturalistic tone to the space. Behind the reception desk are large panes of 3-form lucite accompanied by another wavewall installation to reiterate the initial artwork. This time the Herman Miller logo is placed on the lucite in a laser cut aluminum.

(3 Form Lucite Wall www.3-form.com)

The kitchen / dining area is covered in a unique Chilewich woven vinyl flooring that gives the area a cozy feeling while still being able to stay professional and easy to clean. On top of this gorgeous flooring sits three beautiful HBF Bar Height Stools covered in a rich walnut veneer. They are made to look like one piece of curved wood which the stool does remarkably well (for a veneer over a substrate :D). A custom banquette upholstered in Monoco Stripe perpetuates the feel of a relaxed working environment by using trendy colors in offset contrast. The carpet used in the office area is from Collins and Aikman’s Haiku Misco collection. The tile pattern is not too busy and looks like a solid piece from afar. This is a very good choice for the office setting as it is easy to clean and maintain and the tile pattern still gives it a modern and stylish look. My favorite piece of furniture that was utilized in the space had to have been the Ethospace System. The low walls and sleek design really appealed to my creative side while the changeable panels and nifty drawers spoke to my utilitarian side. Galen was nice enough to even let me see their newest addition to their chair line, the Sayl Chair. The unique open look really took me back. I was not sure what to think in the beginning but after actually sitting in it and studying for a little longer I fell in love with it. It has got to be one of the most comfortable chairs I have ever sat in, let alone do work in. These chairs can be seen throughout the space and seem to be getting terrific reviews by the staff.

(Sayl Chair www.hermanmiller.com)

The design of the space and the materials chosen all work cohesively in creating a relaxed work environment while still promoting a productive work space. The products in their work space are all from the Herman Miller collection and work well as a showcase space for potential customers. The layout is well thought out for easy circulation and as you transition from space to space the types of office furniture change as well. Overall a very positive and inviting space to be in. Everyone was so nice and constantly asking if I needed help while I sat waiting for Callen. It is obvious that their workplace design was spot on as all of their employees were so happy and relaxed.

Bibliography:

Workplace Resource

Herman Miller

Collins and Aikman

ModularArts

Chilewich

Nydree

HBF Furniture

3Form