A modular landmark
‘What does it mean to use a table as a piece of architecture? We wanted to explore the ability for a table to become an architecture tool, in the same way as we work with architects to configure bench seating in many of our public installations,’ Martin Halle, Creative Director, at +Halle explains. The purpose of the Nest System table is to create a sense of community around a table in a similar fashion we often gather in a break out space. Halle: ‘There is a need for public areas to combine work and everything else, the solution is a large centre table that does more than just go in a straight line, structuring a playful space for a large group of individuals.’ The traditional open office model may be struggling, but this modular table system represents something different within the public space, standing tall, like a landmark of common ground. There is a presence of particularity, of detailed experience in the table. ‘This one space provides openness with a purpose. With Nest you can plan a hub that’s centered around a table and not the sofa,’ Löfgren explains. The table is twisting, turning and moving in different directions, but the symbolism of everyone sitting together is powerful today, even if we need more space and flexibility. A few years ago you would design an office to last for five years, today, it is down to three. The turnaround speed of office furniture is excessive and not sustainable. As a matter of resilience, this table system is responsive to change, providing the ability to scale up and down, using a simple architectural configuration or modular refresh.