A NEW TYPOLOGY OF WORKBENCH

In 2015 we designed and developed a new and original typology of workbench for Swiss furniture manufacturer Vitra. We fused height-adjustable collaborative spaces with dedicated and non-dedicated workstations into a continuous, integrated cluster. This allows for fluid transitions between focused and collaborative work modes in the lightest, most efficient footprint. By the time PIER launched in 2017, we created an industry first from a functional and visual point of view.

Awards:
2018 Winner NYC x Design Award

Download:
Vitra PIER Fact Sheet here.

COMPREHENSIVE

A comprehensive and diverse set of applications can be planned with the PIER system. This includes collaborative benching, focused workstations, hotdesking, conference tables, and individual table-desks for executives. With PIER we also developed the industry first benching system that can be modified to from fixed table heights to fully adjustable table heights by only adding the motorized hight adjustment components.

Configuration example for dedicated workstations.

Configuration example for team work with integrated collaboration area.

DESIGNED FOR TRANSFORMATION

Planning with PIER enables simple transformation of workstations into meeting spaces, and vice versa. This is achieved though the direct replacement or hot-swapping of work surfaces with meeting surfaces. Overall workstation footprint modules are preserved, and base assemblies, which include height adjustable mechanisms and cabling inside a novel cable channel, remain completely intact.

USER CENTERED

By mixing individually height adjustable meeting spaces with owned and shared work places into a single cluster we designed an entirely new typology of workbench. One that celebrates human diversity, health and respects individual preferences. Easy build up sequences, flexible reconfiguration of clusters and novel, smart cable management solutions were developed and prototyped.