Archive for the ‘New Cubicles’ Category

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Teknion Cubicles: Partitions Like Lyft Stand Apart

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Sometimes, an organization needs more flexibility than what’s available with traditional panel systems and cubicles. Partitions that are freestanding provide a higher level of configurability. This is especially true when there are multiple sizes and styles of panels from which to choose. Teknion’s Lyft collection has a full series of universal space dividers in varying heights and widths. These can be used to expand the number of design options available for their Transit, T/O/S, and Leverage cubicles.

Thin profile partitions are a cost effective alternative to traditional panel components. They can feature a combination of opaque and translucent materials to control light penetration. Freestanding versions can be used to augment workstations from any manufacturer to repurpose them for a new environment. The ease of installation and reconfiguration makes these dividers particularly appealing for workspaces that are remodeled frequently.

Three Styles Provide a Multitude of Options

Floor based panels can be connected to workstations on two or more sides to create individual office spaces. Or, they can be added between desks to divide areas while maintaining a more open plan. Screen heights are available from 42”-66” making these useful for both seated and standing applications. Multiple screens can be linked together at a variety of angles (up to 270 degrees) to make the most efficient use of space and support non-traditional layouts.

For a business that already has cubicles, partitions can be added to the top of existing panels. These short, semi-transparent screens add height without blocking interior light. Their 15” profile is designed to match other Teknion panel segment elements for a cohesive look.

Desktop screens can be used to outline the edges of a workspace or serve as a central spine between adjoining worksurfaces. Again, sizes are available to match the height of surrounding panels if desired. These can be added to all workstations or used selectively based on employee preference and position.

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Office Furniture Stores: San Diego Is Bursting With Choices

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

According to a quick Yellow Pages search for office furniture stores, San Diego has over 850 businesses vying for your dollars. These companies fall into a number of different categories:

Authorized Dealers – These stores typically carry new furniture from a limited number of manufacturers. They specialize in filling mid to large sized orders for companies that are setting up a new office space or refurnishing an old one. A high level of customization is typically available with these dealers. Delivery, installation, and follow up services (such as assistance ordering replacement parts) should be provided.

Retail Centers – These locations typically carry either a blend of office equipment and office furniture or mainly home furnishings with a small selection of office furniture for individuals and small businesses. Customers typically have to pick from available stock items or from a limited range of options that can be shipped in from various manufacturers. Delivery and other services may or may not be available.

All Purpose – This type of business specializes in providing new, used, and refurbished office furniture. Customers can choose new furniture from an extensive catalog or buy deeply discounted pre-owned furnishings – including models from top manufacturers. These dealers can handle all order sizes from single pieces to workstations for an entire company. When refurbishing is done on-site, customization is often possible. Full service including installation of new pieces, removal of old office furniture, space planning, and other types of assistance are readily available.

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Have You Considered A Curved Cubicle Panel?

Monday, February 14th, 2011

A flat cubicle panel is definitely the norm – whether you go for a box shaped or hexagonal “honeycomb” layout. However, there are also a few manufacturers offering panels that are gently curved to give workstations a softer contour. These can make an employee’s workspace feel more like a cocoon and less like a cage. The materials used in curved panels are typically semi-translucent which makes them a good compromise between clear and opaque options. You get privacy and ambient light penetration in the same package with curved office cubicles.

The roll down screens from Herman Miller’s Resolve collection pictured in the diagram above are just one example. Their Canvas Office Landscape design has flat panels with rounded corners for a more traditional look. You can also assemble RiZe curved cubicle panels made from polycarbonate in steel frames. Or, you might choose lightweight aluminum and PVC partitions. These can be connected end to end to create an S shaped wall and divide a large office area into smaller quadrants.

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Modular Cubicles & Walls Greener Than Built In Options

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Are modular cubicles and walls superior to fixed architectural walls and built in casework from an environmental perspective? According to Herman Miller’s whitepaper assessing the lifecycle of both systems in a healthcare setting, the answer is yes. The independent researchers used components such as HM’s Action Office and modular walls from Wall Alliance Partners for this study. So, they caution that their findings don’t necessarily apply to other brands. However, even if the exact numbers vary, the logic would appear to hold true for other high-end systems furniture models.

Key Findings

The Herman Miller report covers 3 main areas:

  1. Waste produced
  2. Energy consumed
  3. Emissions that could impact climate change

The study used several different scenarios to estimate the environmental impact of each system over a period of 12 years including the likely rate of replacement. The initial numbers upon installation show modular cubicles and walls consuming less energy and generating significantly less waste than fixed options. The architectural walls and millwork had a slight edge in emissions.

Comparison Diverges at the Decade Mark

The numbers start looking very different 10 years out. By that time (as a conservative estimate), 50% of casework and 60% of walls would require replacement/remodeling. At this point, fixed options soar in environmental impact in all three areas measured. The explanation is simple. With a built in wall, you have to tear it out and build a new one out of fresh materials. The debris from the demolished walls and millwork goes straight to the landfill.

In comparison, modular walls and casework can be reconfigured without being destroyed. Individual components can be replaced if they wear out. The rest of the system can be reused over and over no matter how often the office environment is remodeled. Plus, the renovation process is much less disruptive with furnishings that are designed with reconfiguration, expansion, and relocation in mind.

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Contemporary Office Furniture – San Diego Style

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

Are you considering outfitting an office space with contemporary office furniture? San Diego businesses that like to blend a relaxed work atmosphere with professional interior design have plenty of choices when it comes to modern office furnishings. While this style can be hard to define, there are some features that generally set contemporary pieces apart from traditional, utilitarian, and classical office furniture.

  • Genuine wood veneer in lighter shades (like cherry and maple) is a favorite for modern furnishings – especially when detailed with chrome and/or glass.
  • If non-wood laminates and fabrics are used for workstations and chairs, these may feature bright colors such as tangerine, plum, and aqua. White is often selected to serve as a base for these vibrant accents.
  • Cubicles often include frosted glass and other specialty materials that can be installed interchangeably with fabric and laminate tiles to add interest and improve functionality.
  • Chairs are streamlined – often featuring mesh rather than traditional upholstery.

What elements of contemporary office furniture design do you find most compelling? Let us know in the comments.

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How To Keep A New Cubicle Looking Good

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Once you have invested in a set of new cubicles, it won’t be long before they start looking less than pristine. Cubes used in shift work (such as call center occupations) typically see some of the greatest wear and tear since they are occupied continuously by employees who don’t really see the workstation as “theirs”. However, any new cubicle will begin to show signs of being lived in after a while.

Here are several steps you can take to keep your organization’s workstations looking new for as long as possible:

Cubicle panel frames are generally made of powder coated metal that is resistant to scratches and dents. However, it can still accumulate scuff marks. Provide a wide enough walkway between cubes to cut down on shoes bumping the edges of the panel frames in high traffic areas. Preventing cubicles from being jarred lessens the risk of damage to the connectors between panels as well.

Laminate worksurfaces are also prone to getting marked up. Provide pencil cups and tray organizers so employees can keep writing implements off the desk surface. Workers should also be asked not to put stickers or tape on metal or laminate surfaces since this can leave a tacky residue. If Maintenance does find a sticky substance, they shouldn’t try to scrape it off. Instead, they should start with a mild detergent and a damp cloth to see if that does the trick. If not, they can try alcohol or Windex. Industrial strength solvents such as Naptha can be used as a last resort but should be spot tested first.

Fabric is the most delicate material found in a new cubicle. Some manufacturers make their textiles resistant to stains, but no fabric is completely immune. Eliminating food and drink at desks to reduce the risk of staining cube fabrics is not likely to be a popular policy. So, familiarize your janitorial staff with the cleaning agents recommended for removing stains from your cubicle panels. For some brands, warm water and soap will work. For others, specialized cleaners must be applied. Using an upholstery vacuum attachment to remove surface dirt and dust every couple of weeks is usually a good idea but actual steam cleaning is too harsh.

Get a Professional Retouch

If your cubicles are older, it is possible to get them refurbished so that they look new again. This process can include replacing the fabric and laminate as well as repainting the metal frames. Broken or missing components can also be replaced. If you are satisfied with the size and shape of your existing workstations but want a new color scheme and restored functionality, refurbishing may be the cheapest option.

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Haworth Cubicles: Premise May Be A Good Place To Start

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

The Premise line of Haworth cubicles features a deceptively simple design. However, the clean lines hide the fact that this is actually a very versatile system. With stackable panel tiles, it is possible to create dividers to separate workspaces at either seated or standing height. Or, they can reach all the way to the ceiling for complete enclosure. The manufacturer encourages employers to include multiple panel heights and varied materials (such as fabric, laminate, wood, and glass) to add visual interest to the office landscape.

The structure of the 3” thick panels is designed to accommodate cabling horizontally and vertically with access at several different heights. These Haworth cubicles are also advertised as being the first to include locking storage areas as standard for all workstations. This permits employees to store personal items or sensitive work documents securely. The system also features an elevated profile so that air can flow freely under the bottom edge of the panels. Translucent canopies can be added up top for additional privacy while still permitting adequate light to reach the interior of the cubicles.

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Ideas For Cheap Office Cubicles

Friday, December 31st, 2010

If your budget is practically non-existent, even a set of deeply discounted used cubicles might be out of your grasp. In that situation, you need to get inventive and figure out a way to build your own really, really cheap office cubicles. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Cardboard

This time honored building material can be used to create not only cubicle panels but also all the other accoutrements of office life. Check out the entire office made of old boxes over at Paradine Shift. It comes complete with a chair, two flat screen monitors, and even a mini-fridge. Sure, it’s not the most functional or attractive workspace. But what it lacks in flair and actual usefulness it makes up for in affordability!

Virtual

There is a magical place where you and your employees can have as many cubicles as you could possibly desire. Sporum poster Andeavor has developed a cubicle template that allows you to create and customize workstations in an online environment. You can make one for every day of the week and showcase your interior design talent for all to see. These cheap office cubicles may exist only in the binary world of 1s and 0s. But all the great inventions in life start as ideas – don’t they?

Sheet Cube

Remember how much fun it was to create a tent or cave out of sheets when you were a kid? It’s time to bring that tradition back to life in the office environment. To outline distinct workspaces for your employees, just string some heavy duty clothesline in a grid pattern across the office space. Then, workers can bring their own favorite sheets from home and drape them over the clothesline to create instant cubicle walls. A nice cotton sheet offers just the right amount of privacy while still allowing some light through. If things get too dim in these sheet cubicles, you can always provide some flashlights.

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What Do Workers Like Best? Cubicles That Feel Roomy

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

Back in June, programmer Adam Lane’s opinion on offices vs. cubicles was discussed on this blog. Lane takes a dim view of cubes and doesn’t feel that they have much to offer employees who really need to be able to concentrate. Now, here’s a different opinion from an IT professional at The Brain of Werkkrew blog. The author argues that he has had several different cubes and enjoyed each one. Of course, he’s lucky enough to be working in some of the biggest and best cubicles on the market. A full 8×8 with 7’ high walls is a luxurious workspace that offers plenty of elbow room.

The blogger does point out that folks working in a telemarketing environment (which features the smallest cubicle sizes of any industry) may not feel such a warm glow about their workstations. The comments on the blog post are pretty funny as readers take the writer to task for what they see as gloating. There’s a lot of cube envy out there – which is something for employers to keep in mind when they buy new cubicles or revisit their office layout. Workers appreciate having a few additional square feet to call their own.

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POD Offers New Take On Office Cubicle System

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

The OfficePOD is a British invention that takes the modular nature of an office cubicle system to the next level – making it mobile for an e-commuting workforce. These “pods” are intended to give employees a high level of privacy and promote productivity. The OfficePOD company believes this is key for retaining talented employees in a trust based work environment. Basically, if you have skilled employees who don’t really need a supervisor looking over their shoulder to make sure they are working, the POD may be the right kind of perk to offer. It’s like sending a cubicle home with your employee – but easier. The POD is designed for outdoor installation, so these lucky workers get to enjoy a private office without having to set aside a room in their house for this purpose.

These units are offered as part of a flexible leasing program so that employers can expand or decrease their number of PODs on an as-needed basis. The supplier handles delivery, set up, and any ongoing assistance required for using the POD. If the employee quits or no longer needs the unit, it can be relocated easily. These unique e-commuting workstations aren’t yet marketed in the U.S., but the British invasion may occur sooner than you think. The company is already enjoying significant success and just opened a new showroom in central London.

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