Height-adjustable desking that elevates the entire work environment
Herman Miller’s long heritage in pioneering work systems led us to approach designer Tim Wallace for a new height-adjustable solution which reflected desking requirements for the 21st century. He immediately saw an opportunity to create something that worked with the whole office environment. “To me the problem wasn’t in creating a single desk; there are plenty of examples of those,” says Tim. “The real challenge comes when that single desk needs to be multiplied and then fitted into a space. I saw the opportunity for a system that really benefitted the working environment, both today and in the future.”
“One of the principle objectives,” Tim continues, “was to have a system which enhanced the working environment.” Atlas Office Landscape brings together height adjustability and collaborative working. Desks can be configured to make space rather than lose it. Shared cable management and personal stowage can be built into the workspace, capitalising on the spaces between desks, or drop-in spaces can be incorporated into individual workstations.
It was also imperative that Atlas Office Landscape didn’t jar with the other furniture in an office. Tim explains: “One of the visual distractions with height-adjustable furniture is that it inhabits two spaces—both seated and standing. So, what might be hidden when you’re sitting down—cables or the underside of the desk, for example—become instantly visible as soon as you raise the desk up.”
Tim overcame this problem with a unique solution—the development of the leg block at the top of each leg, which simultaneously houses the riser mechanism while providing support for the desktop. The leg block and connected leg can also be rotated to give further layout possibilities.
“Ultimately, the flexibility of Atlas Office Landscape is its greatest strength,” concludes Tim. “Atlas isn’t constrained by structures traditionally seen in height-adjustable furniture, such as a horizontal beam. This means that rectilinear, 90-degree, and z-plan layouts are all easily achievable.”
“You must look at the problem from perspectives other than your own.”
