4 Awe Inspiring Office Cubicles From Around The World

 Most of us spend most of our time at work in our cubicles. Contrary to their purpose, these boring, drab and insipid boxes are creative black holes that send innovation into oblivion. These dull, box shaped workstations almost never reflect the personality of the people occupying them, and to a certain extent are responsible for killing the ardor and zeal of young vibrant employees.

This is precisely why today’s offices are moving away from old-school cubicles to newer, more modular office furniture systems. In fact, cubicles today aren’t cube-shaped at all! Cubicles are being designed in a manner that augment productivity, enhance efficiency and get the creative juices flowing.

The impact of creative cubicles that use contemporary modular office furniture extends well beyond the internal employee-productivity benefits it serves; a client visiting the office will get the message that yours is a modern office, one that defies conventional norms. Creative cubicles are like a breath of fresh air in a society beset by mindless conformity, a refreshing change from the humdrum 9-5 corporate workstations.

Here are 5 of the coolest cubicle designs from around the world —

• Google, Zurich HQ — a trendsetter of all that is ‘cool’ and modern, it’s easy to anticipate Google finding a place in this list. Located in Zurich, these bee-hive like ‘cubicles’ are designed in such a way so as to stir the creative “beans” of the employees, and stimulate innovation and collaboration. Google has been a pioneer of sorts when it comes to creative office designs, and the best part is that no two Google offices are the same.

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• The Archipod — this was specifically designed for people who wanted home offices but didn’t have the requisite space inside the house. Meant to be placed in backyards, the Archipod is a unique, eco-friendly prefab garden office made of timber floors and shingle siding. It comes with air conditioning and is insulated with fibre-glass made of recycled glass. Even calling this a cubicle would be a crime!

Image source: inc.com

• Habitable Polyhedron — this shelter-like relaxation space was designed to act as an escape route from the daily mundane routine. Harnessing natural light, this truncated-cubic octahedron shape is used as a workstation. Its symmetrical interior is cleverly designed to stir the employees’ creative beans and maximise productivity.

Image source: inc.com

• Pons and Huot — this other-worldly office was designed by French architect Christian Pottgiesser. The emphasis was laid on creating a workspace that was spacious, airy and intelligently stylish. The glass bubbles on each desk are made of transparent Plexiglas that help dampen the acoustics in the open atrium space. These domes keep out noise without restricting visibility.

Image source: pottgiesser.fr

Best Desk Gadgets And Accessories For The Workplace

We spend a major part of our day in the office and surround ourselves with things that can cheer us up. Sometimes it is the photo of a loved one and at times a special gift that brings a smile to our face.

Although technology cannot replace these emotions, it can certainly help us relax and make our modular office desk interesting and a lot more fun. Here are 5 desk gadgets that will not make your life easier, without taking up too much space.

1) Foot hammock

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Although modular office furniture is designed to make you feel comfortable sometimes you wish there was something to relax your feet on. This adjustable hammock works well with ergonomic office chairs, simply lock your chair to a comfortable position and relax your feet on this foot hammock. The best part, it’s hidden beneath your desk!

2) Solar USB charger

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If your desk is placed near the window, this charger can be of great help. It draws its charge from solar energy and then recharges USB enabled devices such as cell phones, tablets, etc. This portable little charger is perfect for those who need to charge their devices from time to time while travelling or at work.

3) Cable clips

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Turn your office space into a modern workstation with these cute clips. They manage your wires and cables and makes sure they don’t fall off every time you unplug your phone or laptop. A solution for all those who love staying organized and hate tangled wires, after all nothing looks better than a neat and organized desk.

4) Coffee warmer

 

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Calls, meetings and getting totally engrossed in work are few reasons why you never get to drink that perfectly hot cup of coffee or tea. Going all the way to the coffee machine to get a fresh cup will again eat up precious minutes in your busy day. So here’s the solution, a USB drink warmer! Enjoy a hot cuppa at any time.

5) Desk Cycle

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Sitting in the same position for a long time invites health problems like diabetes, heart disease, neck and back pain. Regular exercise and regular visits to the gym keeps these ailments at bay. Lack of time often keeps us away from exercise so how about turning your desk into a mini exercise space? This Desk cycle hides under your desk and allows you to work out while you work.

5 Iconic Furniture Designers of the 20th century

When it comes to designers, chances are you are well versed with clothing and accessory veterans like Louis Vuitton, Donatella Versace or contemporary designers like Alexander McQueen. But what about furniture and interior décor? These master craftsmen and genius designers have changed the way modern man looks at furniture. Yet, their names are only well known in certain circles, while their genius goes unacknowledged by the larger population.  

Here is a list of 5 iconic 20th century furniture designers who revolutionized that way we look at modern office furniture.

Charles and Ray Eames 

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The quintessential modernist couple designed and created furniture, buildings and other art forms including exhibitions and film. They founded and spear headed one of the most creative design offices in post World War II America and their work reflected their contagious enthusiasm for life and art. Together they created some of the most iconic furniture of the 20th Century that shaped the way people looked at objects and designs. 

One of their most famous designs is the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman. The designer couple wasn’t looking to change the world, when they set out to design a chair that had the ‘receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt’, as a birthday gift to friend. However, they did just that with this iconic chair which has since evolved into a hallmark of high end executive office furniture. 

Marcel Breuer 

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This famous Hungarian-American architect and furniture designer was one of the pioneers of the “modern” style of design. He was one the most influential designers of the 20th Century. Breuer was also a very successful architect, known for designing buildings like the UNESCO headquarters in Paris and the monastic Master Plan and Church at St John’s Abbey in Minnesota. 

Marcel Breuer’s designs have become representative of the philosophy and domestic culture of an entire era. He is best known for his work with extruded steel to create lightweight metal furniture. Inspired by the strength and flexibility of his bicycle, he applied the same material and construction principles to chair design and thus his master piece, the ‘Wassily Chair’ came to life.

Phillippe Starck

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Son of a French aeronautical engineer, Starck jump started his design career by designing the interiors of two nightclubs in Paris. Impressed by his work, the President of France, Francois Mitterand asked him to refurbish one of his private apartments.

Starck’s designs are subversive, intelligent and always interesting, making him one of the great designers of our time. The Hudson visitor chair by Starck is amongst the most iconic furniture designs of the 20th Century. It was designed by Starck for the Hudson Hotel in New York City. Each Hudson chair takes 8 hours to polish. It is included in the design collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

Jean Prouve

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Born in Nancy, France, Jean Prouve was a craftsman, designer, rchitect, manufacturer, teacher and an engineer. His career spanned over sixty years during which he produced furniture, prefabricated houses and facades. His work had a stylistic appeal that combined bold elegance with economy. 

While designing the Standard Chair, Jean Prouve took into account the fact that chairs bear the most weight on their back legs. Tabular steel piping was used in the front legs while the back legs were made from voluminous hollow sections that passed the weight to the ground.  

Jean Prouve is considered one of the most innovative architects and furniture designers of the 20th Century. His life and work has been inspirational to many. The Standard Chair reflects his artistry in every way and serves as a beacon of modern designing philosophy.

Mies Van Der Rohe 

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He was one of the most influential architects and designers of the 20th Century. Mies’ minimalistic style proved to be extremely popular with the elite and the masses. His famous aphorism, ‘less is more’ is still widely used by many. By emphasizing open spaces and revealing the material used in construction, he helped define modern architecture.

Mies was highly respected in Europe for his innovative structures which include the famous Barcelona Pavilion for which he designed his most iconic creation, The Barcelona Chair. It is one of the most recognized objects of the 20th Century and is a tribute to the marriage of design and fine craftsmanship.

Meis’ work, radiates his confidence, rationality and elegance. Beyond merely affecting our lives, his works endow them with greater significance and beauty.