The Variant Table Facilitating a social and sit-stand work space within a conventional table frame.
By Shaun Pirie [All information is copyrighted]
The Variant table is a system to address the challenges of work-life balance, caused by the encroachment of work items into the modern compact home. For this a physical furniture based product was targeted as an effective solution, which could be incorporated into a wide range of homes, due to the flexible nature of the table’s construction. This product utilises a concealed two surface electric system so the table can have two defined modes for work and social periods. This is in response to the reduction of home offices, which have disappeared from the compact home. In addition, due to findings from research into the negatives of prolonged sedentary time conducted in parallel a sit-stand system is also integrated. This will allow the user to move between a seated and standing work space to encourage physical movement, without an exposed mechanical system.
01 Project Description
Urban Living Trends
Work-Life balance
Sedentary Health Issue
(Shapton. D, 2013)
(Dr Shatkin L , 2011)
(Dr Buckley, J, 2014)
As more people work from home the barrier between the office and the home has become blurred. This combined with reducing home sizes can cause stress as it becomes hard to disconnect from work.
In the modern society people are working longer and spending more time in a sedentary seated position. This inactivity has been linked to heart disease and many other health conditions.
With the World Urban population expanding and shifting to the majority of people living in more compact urban spaces the way we utilise space comes into question. This is in the products we own not just the buildings infrastructure
02 Key Project Drivers
Social Mode Design Using inspiration drawn for the Eames aluminium group table the outer frame when closed forms a modern dinning table of which the materials and geometry can be configured to suit the market needs.
03 Social Mode
Seated Work Mode Design The design focused on a work area which can be removed and restored to the surface with all the items maintained in place. This allows for quick setup up and clear away times to maximise your work and social time.
04 Work Mode
Standing Work Mode Design Responding to the different height requirements and to maximise the use of the two actuators a sit-stand system is incorporated. Using the two Linak lifting columns the table can achieve a 1180mm standing height.
05 Standing Work mode
Adaptable Materials
Function tailoring
With the majority of the external part the material and finish can be changed to suit the environment or business outlet required
When releasing the product to the market the level of functionality can be tailored. This would allow the theory to be more widely applied
Adaptable Size and Shape
The design is highly adaptable in terms of top and leg structure which can be specified according to the retailers demand.
06 Design Flexibility
Working Prototype Design To prove the principles of the design a working prototype was constructed. Note however that in the final design the controls are fully integrated into the frame and the size of the table is expandable.
07 Working Prototype
08 Working Prototype
09 Working Prototype
For more information on the project development, project progression or to be shown the product functioning feel free to contact me using the following details: - Email: shaun.pirie33@gmail.com - LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/shaunpirie - Phone: 07979395424
References (Shapton. D, 2013) Derek Shapton, (2013), Kim’s favourite workspaces 2013 [ONLINE]. Available at: http:// www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2014/1/5/kimsfavourite-workspaces-2013.html [Accessed 05 January 15].
(Dr Shatkin L , 2011) Dr Shatkin L , (2011), Hate Being Chained To Your Desk All Day? 20 Jobs That Keep You Moving [ONLINE]. Available at: http://jobs.aol.com/ articles/2011/08/19/hate-being-chained-to-yourdesk-all-day-20-jobs-that-keep-you-m/ [Accessed 08 April 15].
(Dr Buckley, J, 2014) Don’t Just Sit There [infographic]. 2014. Don’t Just Sit There [infographic]. [ONLINE] Available at: http://dailyinfographic.com/dont-just-sit-thereinfographic. [Accessed 23 November 2014].
10 Contact Details