At Orgatec 2014 – the leading international fair for office and facility in Cologne – Communication & identity was a major theme. With this focus, Walter Knoll exhibited innovations for living and working, contract and hospitality.

When the world changes, the architecture does too. Conveying information and understanding it. Initiating, discussing and presenting. Concentrating and swapping ideas. The activities of modern office and working worlds define that change – as is apparent from lifestyle and interior design.

Walter Knoll shapes these modern worlds of living and working.

“Our products promote communication and concentration, they are personal companions and give expression to our attitude to life. At the same time, they influence the culture of both companies and organisations, and shape brand identities,” says Markus Benz, CEO and Managing Director of Walter Knoll AG & Co. KG.

At Orgatec 2014, Walter Knoll showcased new products for leadership and conferencing, new work and public seating. Behind the products exhibited are internationally acclaimed designers and architects – the design team EOOS from Vienna, the London-based design office Pearson Lloyd, as well as architect Ben van Berkel from the Netherlands.
 
 

Keypiece Communication Desk by EOOS

The Keypiece Communication Desk is the tool for the modern leader, because modern leadership is all about dialogue. Moderating, initiating, communicating – it is the spoken word that counts. Whether concentrated working or intense discussions in a group – the Communication Desk promotes the working methods of the modern world. Working, consulting, meeting, video conferencing – the design meets the demands.

The desk top looks like it is harmoniously floating on the base and container; a picture of balanced geometry. Close and confidential side by side, in discussion when opposite each other – the conical shape of the desk top makes it possible to balance proximity and distance, public and private while sitting. The common feature: the soft curves of the desk top. The Communication Desk routes the cables without them being seen. The media hub conceals modern media connections and the turntable on top closes the cable tank and makes it possible to turn the presentation screen. There is plenty of space for PC equipment and the tools of our individual daily routines in the containers – choose from the two different versions.

Whether an executive office or your workplace at home – Keypiece is a genuine bonus. Expansive and space-saving at the same time – there is no need for an additional meeting room table. For the gleaning of ideas, the organisation of activities, for freedom for thoughts and discussions.

 
 
Healey Lounge by Pearson Lloyd

This is a modern lounge chair that supports the rituals of our everyday medial life. The design – in the tradition of the seats of legendary classic cars, with functions for modern-day life. It is a mood piece.

The outer shell carries the soft upholstery – underlined by the distinctive piped quilting. It is a genuine tribute to the seats of legendary classic cars, with flowing lines that trace the shape precisely.

With the broad upholstered armrest, the Lounge is a tool for modern life – easily adjustable for comfort and as a surface for a tablet or smartphone. Healey Lounge reveals its personality whether as a soloist or in an informal get-together – lightweight, casually elegant, comfortable, on a swivel base. And you know what they say: how monotonous would life be without extravagant characters?

 

Seating Stones by UNStudio/Ben van Berkel

The extension of the unconventional seating landscapes by Ben van Berkel are perfect for informal working and lounging in an often formal world. Cheerful, free and variable, the Stones create generous seating landscapes. And inspired by nature, they fulfil our longing for naturalness and original forms of seating. Users intuitively follow the possibilities on offer: sitting or lounging around, relaxing or concentrating, on your own or in dialogue. A lively coming together of familiar Lounge Chairs, new Silent, Tub and Side Chairs as well as Poufs.

There really are no limits to the arrangements for creative spaces – in an open space office, in lounges, in an inviting entrée.

 
Kyo Lounge by Pearson Lloyd

With obviously soft padding, the Kyo Lounge is a welcome invitation. It is sumptuous sitting in a deep shell so you feel safe and protected, appealing to our sensitive side.

High-grade leather – casually upholstered, fine seam patterns and a base with soft curves are the hallmarks of quality second to none. So take a seat, lean back, relax. The headrest provides additional security so you really have a special retreat in the Kyo Lounge – not only for yourself, but for discussions, for concentration and new ideas. Perfectly suited in a lobby or lounge, in the office or at home.

 

Jaan Bench by EOOS

The new modular upholstered bench by EOOS is architectural clarity meets timeless comfort, for offices and hotels, airports and galleries, museums and shops. With its clean lines and rigid structure, this new upholstered bench is familiar and multi-award-winning.

The spacious leather surfaces over the delicate framework and the much-loved boards of the Jaan range are once again confirmed here – the ideal place for storing everyday bits and pieces. And, whether as a bench, corner or an individual configuration, there are a range of shapes to create for modern lounge seating.

Walter Knoll
walterknoll.com.au