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Computer ArmoireSpecial NeoCon preview: computer furniture - Trend Watch
The NeoCon World's Trade Fair will be held at Chicago's Merchandise Mart from June 10-12. Mark Falanga, vice president of business development for Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI), said, "With the U.S. economy Looking more favorable now than it has for the Last year and a half, participating in NeoCon is the most financially sound choice manufacturers can make to take advantage of the improving economy. We are extremely enthusiastic about this year's NeoCon." Here is a Look at a few of the computer-related product offerings you might see at NeoCon this year. When computers were first introduced to the office environment, they were a poor match for available furnishings. But computer desks and other furniture quickly replaced awkward configurations such as monitors plopped on executive desks or CPUs balanced on typewriter stands. Improvements have continued, and today's furniture offers an appealing combination of comfort and functionality. Perhaps most noteworthy are advances in the area of ergonomics. "Increased focus on ergonomics remains the most significant trend in effective, value- oriented computer furniture," says Doug Pearl, director of case goods for Global - U.S.A "There is much more emphasis on ergonomic enhancements and worker productivity due to effective computer accessories, such as footrests, mouse arenas, and articulating keyboards." For example, Paoli's Ergosphere accessories offer a number of ergonomic solutions. They include highly adjustable monitor devices with various mounting choices as well as keyboard trays providing storage areas and wire management features. Molded in a single piece from pliable urethane, the trays readily absorb impacts and offer smooth tops and bottoms. New designs in chairs also promote worker comfort. Offerings from EckAdams include chairs especially designed for continuous tasking. They can be adjusted by degrees so that a slight change of back angle or seat tilt provides relief from static muscle tension. Options include compound curves in the backrest and seat, pneumatic seat height adjustment, and independently adjustable and lockable back and seat tilt. A wide range of chair models is also available from other companies, including Global's Azeo and Vulcan lines, which include models appropriate for working at computer workstations. In recent years, the move toward modular designs for computer furniture has become increasingly prevalent. Paoli's Rhapsody line offers "modular desking" that combines the attractiveness of maple or cherry with functionality designed to meet technology demands. The modular elements offer versatility while providing access to electrical, phone, and data connections integrated into support columns. With some furniture, the modular approach expands beyond the individual workstation. Such is the case with the Talon system offered by Tiffany Industries, a division of the Mayline Group. It combines the features of a modular workstation with those needed for components of meeting or training rooms. Designed to be affordable for small and midsize organizations, Talon offers on-demand height adjustability and is easily folded into a convenient desking and table system. Its 16 surface shapes support unlimited configurations, featuring desktop fabric screens, rolling panels, mobile storage units, and a desktop Slatwall organizing system. Dan Gray, marketing director for Mayline, says this system offers price advantages as well as a combination of on-demand height adjustability, mobility, and foldability. "We believe that the 'value-segment' of the office furniture market will lead our industry out of the current tough conditions," he says. "Talon is ideally positioned with price points up to one-third less than comparable lines from other big-name manufacturers." The xm system from Teknion also offers innovative features. A hybrid of panel systems and freestanding furniture, it combines the defined space, privacy, and advanced wire management of panels with the flexibility of freestanding furniture. A key feature is a service spine that provides several functions. Not only does the spine deliver power and data to the workstation, it also serves as the physical support for desk assemblies, divisional screens, stacking storage, transfer screens, and accessories. The result is the ability for full integration of technology while allowing users flexibility in configuring their personal space. Global's @tributes system features a curvilinear design and simple construction. The system provides 64 worksurfaces in 16 shapes that can be supported by storage pedestals or legs. Surfaces are available in 22-inch and 27-inch depths, and tapered steel monolegs offer expanded leg room. Lightweight privacy screens attach easily to worksurfaces, and accessory rails help keep work areas uncluttered. Comfort is the name of the game with the Leap WorkLounge & Ottoman from Steelcase, which combines a chair and an ottoman/table so that users can work or relax--or do both--as desired. It features a headrest and flip-up pillow, an extra-cushioned seat, and a gliding system designed for easy adjustments. An accompanying ottoman converts into a worktable. Another trend is a focus on space conservation. For both home offices and larger businesses, the need to conserve space is still a priority, and manufacturers are addressing this demand in a variety of ways. Along with the flexibility provided by modular designs, some furniture is specifically designed with limited space in mind. "With the high cost of real estate and changes in work-styles, personal spaces have gotten smaller and smaller," says Nicole Tallman, senior public relations specialist with Haworth. "Virtually no one can function without computer support, but many users are challenged by limited space. Newer furniture designs offer space-saving designs, which are surprisingly roomy at the same time." Haworth's "if" furniture system creatively addresses space. Its 6 x 6-foot application, which allows for 15 percent more user space, features a worksurface that's curved and split so that the monitor can sit further back, freeing up the desktop. An innovative keyboard pad acts as an independent, movable desktop surface and has a soft feel and organic shape. With the keyboard pad tucked away under the worksurface when not in use, users can take advantage of added space. Another example is the Skater corner desk from Bush Industries. Measuring slightly more than 42 inches wide and 42 inches deep, it fits conveniently into corners. This desk has a dark beech finish and a tough melamine surface, and a matching hutch is available. For the home office, Sauder's Cottage Home Computer Armoire with Chair offers a space-saving cabinet and a full-size office chair that can be folded up and stored inside the armoire when not in use. A knotty pine finish is accented with crown moldings and wrought-iron accents. Another Sauder offering is the economical Xwave computer desk, which includes a vertical CPU opening, a keyboard/mouse shelf, a vertical CD rack, and five adjustable shelves. Featuring a Cassava maple finish, it includes a file drawer that handles letter- or legal-size hanging files. Other contemporary designs address a variety of special needs. For training purposes, the Semi-Recessed Computer Monitor Technology Desk from BioFit Engineered Products provides line-of-sight between trainees and trainers. The desk uses a sloping shelf to lower the workstation profile nearly six inches, reducing strain and emulating the natural position used when reading a book. A user-friendly system for wire management is included, and desk inserts of various widths and heights are available.
Take a look at some of the recommended computer armoires. Other Related Articles
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