live project: morgan contract furniture Wiktoria Kijowska
brief
To design seating solutions for reception areas. This could be anything from a modular seating system to a break-out area within a workspace, or a more private study booth within an open-plan office etc. Explore the notion of how this seating is used in different sectors and scenarios. Does this differ from a hotel foyer to a workplace? A space for people to meet, to wait, to relax, to work on a laptop, etc? Does it need to provide for a variety of users and uses? Does it need to acknowledge different psychological and emotional states as well as providing functional outcomes?
Morgan Morgan is an English manufacturer of contract furniture. Their furniture has been used in hospitality, workplace, cruise and healthcare. “At Morgan we believe the design and manufacture of truly original, high-quality furniture is the result of passion, care, design integrity, experience, craftsmanship and an unfaltering dedication to quality. At our factory and studio in Hampshire we start the process with trees and finish with beautifully crafted chairs.�
photos from a visit to the showroom
mind maps
my own brief
To design a modular seating solution suitable to be used within hotel reception/ lobby spaces. Due to the changing use of hotel lobbies the seating should also be suitable to use in co-working spaces such as offices.
competitor analysis Magis
Vitra
Within their display at the Salone del Mobile I have found an armchair COSTUME which has been created by Stefan Diez. It has foldable arm rests allowing the user to adjust them to their own needs. In addition it comes with a smart fitted cover which means that it is removable and can be easily washed, which is ideal for hospitality environment. Magis also has Officina by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec which has a simple metal frame, with upholstered cushions to sit on. It’s simple design can fit into any environment and the design also comes in a one person seat version.
Within Vitra’s office collection, many modular pieces can be found. One of the most famous designs is the Alcove range by Bouroullec brothers. It provides the user with a table as well as high back which creates a sense of separation but not loneliness. In addition it comes in varied sizes which means that it can fit more than one person which is good if it is put in a meeting space. In addition, during a recent trip to Salone del Mobile, Vitra had a modular seating placed in the middle of their space. The seating created a wavy shape and it came with rotatable tables which meant that people sitting on any side of it could use it. It also has USB ports placed under the table which means that the user can charge their devices whilst working.
Offecct
Arper
The Lucy range is a modular seating solution for spaces with high traffic, especially working environments. It provides the user with tables ‘slotted’ in between the seats as well as hook to hang personal belongings such as bags and jackets. The flat tops of the seat as well as the backrest allows the user to use it as a table to place their laptop on. The gap between the seat and the backrest is a good design decision as it considered the hygiene aspect that is very important within contract furniture. The gap allows for any dirt or crumbs to fall off the sofa instead of being stored in between the seat and the backrest.
Within their product list, Arper has many modular seating options,however the Cila Go seat stands out. It is a seat with storage as well as a table incorporated into it. The storage is placed in under the seat and the table is rotatable which means that the user can easily sit down onto the chair. The whole structure is placed on wheels which means that the user can easily move around their work space. Kiik, is a modular seating that includes seat divisions as well as table space. Charging ports are also included in this design allowing the user to spend more time using the furniture.
trends - furniture
modular
curves
greenery
oranges
blues
yellows
hotel lobby analysis central table joining the space together
full of greenery
the same theme runs throughout
usual set up - central sofa with side chairs - but is this the mist effective set up
some flat space to place laptops/ books etc
private as well as shared seats
co - working space analysis
modular space on both sides to allow for some division
full of greenery - both live - plans and wall and furniture colours
work place often resembles another place such as a club rather than an office - this is to encourage people to stay there for longer
singular seats are always present within the design - even if they are small poofs
modular seating analysis
geometrical shapes
foam blocks joined together
bright colours
create a shape when put together
table space for working
extra compartments to place your belongings in
changing use of hotel lobbies The use of hotel lobbies has changed. It is no longer used just for the guests to check in and check out of a hotel, but instead it is used as a social hub of the hotel. Even in the most prestigious hotels, you are able to find a smaller lobby/ reception area where the main focus is put on creating a space for quick meetings. Fay and Golding architects have said:
“We move things around to create workspaces [in the lobbies. The traveller may want to be alone, but not lonely. They are working solo in lobby, but are feeling the contact, even if they have headphones on.” Hotel lobbies/ receptions have become a public space that isn’t limited to only the guests of the hotel. It can be used and it is encouraged to be used by non-guests. The public is often encouraged to visit them because of the co- working space created in the lobby or, the bars, cafés and restaurants that can be found near them. The lobby is the most important part of the hotel, followed by the guest rooms in terms of what the hotel is all about. Fiona Thompson from Richmond Design Studio said:
“Beforehand, it was a lobby and a reception – a very functional space – whereas now it is anything but that really. It can be a bar, a nightclub, a restaurant, a meeting space. It fulfils so many different functions. It’s also a valuable space when you consider that all areas of the hotel these days need to work a lot harder. If you think about it, it’s the only place that everyone goes to. Therefore, the lobby – the social hub, the heart, whatever you like to call it – has been designed in order for the hotel to utilise it in a commercial way.”
co - working spaces advantages - avoiding loneliness - can still be alone but will not be lonely - a new environment in which they can work in - space for meetings - can meet new people (networking) - work life balance - if people are self employed they are likely to go out somewhere else to do their work - work by yourself, not alone - eliminate isolation
disadvantages - distractions - if the sofa is for e.g. 3/4 people and only one is seating on it, it is unlikely that another stranger will want to sit on it WASTED SPACE - too crowded - transport to the co-working space could become an issue - constant change
3rd space The idea of a 3rd space is increasingly becoming popular. In community building, a simple definition of a third space is “the social surroundings separate from the two usual social environments of home (“first place”) and the workplace (“second place”). Examples of third places would be environments such as churches, cafes, clubs, public libraries, or parks.” This links in with my own design as I want to make my seating solution fit into those 3rd spaces (hotel lobbies and co- working environments). 3rd spaces are locations where people can exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships, which also happens in hotel lobbies. They have a number of important community-building attributes. Depending on their location, social classes and backgrounds can be “leveled-out” in ways that are unfortunately rare these days, with people feeling they are treated as social equals. Informal conversation is the main activity and most important linking function. One commentator refers to third places as the “living room” of society.
inspiration
Postmodernism - asymmetry Float sofa - Karim Rashid Memphis Modernism - symmetry Bibendum chair - Eileen Grey Charlotte Perriand
initial sketches
contract furniture - size investigation 1.
2.
3.
SH: 400mm W:720/620mm D:780mm Backrest depth: 150/160mm
SH: 465mm BH: 330mm AH: 710mm W:720/620mm D: 710mm
- Good back rest height for the seat hight - Comfortable seat size
- The backrest was too low and the seat was too hard
SH: 430mm BH: 400mm W:1450mm D:500mm without backrest SH cushion: 160/170mm LH: 260mm LD: 35mm
- Comfortable seat size as well as back rest height - The legs are too thin in proportion to seat size
4.
5.
SH: 450mm FH: 140mm BH: 490mm W:1202mm D:490mm Backrest depth: 120mm SH: 440mm AH: 640mm BH: 350mm SH cushion: 110/120mm W:720/620mm D:470mm AD: 75mm Backrest depth: 140mm - The back rest seemed too low for a comfortable seating position
6.
SH: 400mm BH: 350mm AH: 560mm (55mm) LH: 240mm AD: 160mm W:1800mm Backrest depth: 170mm
key: SH - seat height AH - arm rest height BH - back rest height SH - seat height W - width D - depth AD - arm rest depth LH - leg height LD - leg diameter
seat - size investigation To get a better understanding about seat sizes I have used already existing sofas as my test pieces. I have tried out variety of different seat sizes to find out which one or ones would be the mos appropriate for my own design.
550mm
550 mm width has the smallest sofa seat which was incorporated into a three seater sofa. It was enough space for one person if it was placed within a two or three seater, however if more people sat on it everyone’s space would be limited. However, this seat size would be too small if it was used in a single seater piece of furniture.
700mm
Another sofa seat size tested was 700mm. This was included in a two seater sofa. This provided the user with more than enough space, which could have been excessive. Within my own design this excess space could be used for an arm rest or a table.
600mm
From my research I have found out that anywhere between 500mm and 600mm is enough for one seating space, Therefore, I have tested out 600mm space. This size proved to be comfortable for the user and allowed them enough space to move around as well as place something next to them.
modelling - 1:10 initial ideas shape of the base
arm rests
My initial idea included all of the seating components to be rounded. However, the 1:10 models created highlighted an issue which was that when the curves are placed together, they don’t fully join creating an aesthetics fault as well as functional. In addition the way the back are attached create wasted space at the back of the seats.
Each of the seats could have one arm rest so that when they are placed next to each other they could act as a ‘joiner’ of all the pieces. This would also mean that when placed separately the user would have more space to move around. The arm rest top could be flat so the user can place their laptops and other work on it and use it as a table.
modular
gaps between seats
From my research I’ve found out that in majority of hotel lobbies the seating arrangement is usually a sofa,table in the middle and two arm chairs on the other side. A modular seating design would enable the designer to use these piece of furniture in that way as well as back to back which could be used in office receptions in co-working spaces.
Due to the rounded edges of each of the seats, when put together a small gap is created in between the seats. The potential clients could use this space to place lamps or hooks. However, it could also create a hygiene issue as crumbs and dirt could fall behind the sofas and cleaning them would be an issue.
modelling - 1:10 foam models arm rest
A foam model enabled me to test the size of the arm rest that could be doubled up as a table. The width of 100mm proved to be too small and therefore I have increased it to 200mm. This size fitted an A4 piece of paper, but it seems very bulky.
gaps
The foam highlighted an issue with foam and sizing. The foam hugely increased the size of back rests which meant the desired gap in between the back rests was gone. However, the gap in between the two seater and single seater remained.
modular
The varied heights of the back rests add interest to each of the pieces when placed next to each other or behind. The angular legs link back to previous collections that have been completed by Morgan.
upholstery frame types wood frame construction
- durable - lightweight - often plywood is used within their construction - softwood frame with plywood panels on top
metal frame construction
- suitable if the seat and backrest foam pile is thinner - good to use when the sofa turns into a bed
modelling - foam structure foam layers
round edges
fabric cover
dacron 20/30 mm - soft foam 35/40 mm - blue foam 15/20 mm - chipfoam 10mm - plywood The interior of the seat would consist of a thin layer of softwood, with plywood on top of it to create structure but also make it lighter. A layer of chipfoam would be placed on top of it, covered by a thicker layer of blue foam and soft foam. A layer of dacron could be added to create a softer seating space.
By bringing the soft foam all around the other foam structure, a round edge is created. It covers all of the structure and creates soft edges all around.
Once the fabric is placed on top of the foam the roundness can still be seen, however extra attention needs to be given about how the fabric is placed and whether a neat final look is created (without creases and wrinkles).
joinery methods 1.
This joining method would enable for a gap between the seat and the back rest to be created. This would be a good design aspect as it would tackle the idea of hygiene within contract environments. However as the frame will extend backwards and sideways, it might act as a wasted space that could be used for seating.
2.
This is what the inside of the sofa could look like. Both the back rests and arm rests would be slotted down to the base and then bolted/ pinned from underneath. This would give the effect of them looking like they are sinking into the seat rather than just being attached from the back.
3.
Another option would be to have an internal frame that connects both the back rests and arm rests together. This would create a more stable and stronger structure.
technology People often come to hotel lobbies to do work or host a quick meeting. Often these tasks require the user to charge their laptops or other technology.
advantages
disadvantages
possibilities
- people can charge their technology on the go which means that they are more likely to spend longer within a certain space - this would be highly beneficial for the growing popularity of hotel lobbies and their use as co-working spaces as it would encourage people to spend more time using them and therefore spend more money on things such as drinks
- technology is constantly changing and therefore what might be suitable and needed now might not be in two years time - this would mean that the product would need to be redesigned or it will no longer be sold - the positioning of charging outlets needs to be well thought out as their inclusion in the seating design might limit their final placement (they will need to be placed near a wall unless there are floor sockets) - the object with sockets would not be able to be moved due to health and safety reasons (cables in the way of people walking)
- including technology within my design but not included in the seat this design. This way the seats life span will not be limited by the technology but rather by its comfort - the technology could be added on a separate stand that can slot in or in a smaller table (similar to the design of ash tray stands from 1950s) - create the addition of technology as an option rather than a necessity
modelling - 1:10 foam, card, dowel and fabric modularity
gaps
arm rests
A more accurate scale model enabled me to see that the modular aspect of the design would work well. However, working with foam, I need to pay attention to the fact that it expands and, this resulted in varied back rest heights looking the same.
Since there are 3 separate backrests, a gap between them is created. This is a positive aspect as it tackles the idea of hygiene within contract furniture.
When round their functionality is limited; they cannot be used a table top. Therefore further improvement needs to be completed.
support
cushions
instability
The 4 thin (5mm in diameter) legs proved to not be enough to withstand the weight and length of a 3 seater sofa. Therefore a further improvement would need to be made to ensure the sofa will be safe to use and durable.
An accurate representation of the thickness of the cushions will be needed in the final model to ensure that they don’t close the gaps in between them.
The cushion in the single seater proved to be too heavy which made the seat more likely to tip over. This highlighted a key health and safety issue which needs to be resolved.
1:10 paper templates - seating sizing testing templates
final templates
This is a collection of templates that I have created throughout this project. They have helped me to figure out sizing of my seating as well as their shapes.
After I have completed all of my experimentation and test pieces, I have picked and adjusted these final shapes and sizes. I have used these templates to create my final 1:10 model.
Solidworks models arm rests
function
Circular shape of the arm rests links to the shape of the back rests and creates a flow between all of the shapes. However, a more rounded square also fits in.
A rounded square arm rest would be more functional as it would allow the user to use it as a flat surface where they could put their e.g. laptop on.
legs The legs within most of the Morgan collections are placed at a 45 degree angle to make it more durable. Therefore, within my design the position of the leg would need to change.
gap As the back rests are attached to the base of the sofa, a small gap is created at the back. This could mean it is a wasted space or it could be used an added aesthetic point when looking from above.
aesthetics Varied back rest sizes allow for the shapes to pop out when the seats are placed back to back (possibly adding extra value to the design.
modularity The arm rests act as dividers between the seats but also as the component that joins all of the seats together. Flat sides also ensure the seats can be joined together easily.
stitching methods plane seam
- open selvage - no thread is visible from the top
single top stitch
- it is the strongest stitch - the thread can blend in with the colour of the seat or stand out creating an extra aesthetic effect
double top stitch
- closed selvage with binding tape - always used in faux/ real leather
stitching - 1:10 tests joint arm & back rest
One of the ways was that this seating could be made is to saw a joint jacket for both the back rest and arm rest. I have tried this in a 1:10 scale and this didn’t prove to be an effective method as the curvaceous shape of both of these components was not visible.
back rests
A 3 part form would have given the back rests a more rectangular form which would fit in with the aesthetics of the arm rests. However, by having a 2 part form the curved shape was more visible on a small scale model.
arm rests
To ensure the rectangular form of the arm rests was portrayed a 3 part form needed to be made. I have tried to put it together using the hot glue gun, however this method deformed the shape of it. Therefore, all of the 1:10 models of the arm rests needed to be hand stitched.
colours for working environments red It represents courage, strength, and excitement. It’s a great colour to use in areas of the workplace that demand physical exertion.
green Green provides balance. It represents harmony, nature, and restoration. Green proves to be a great colour in offices that require people to work long hours, since it’s the easiest colour on the eyes (requiring no adjustment).
grey Purple is often associated with spirituality or luxury. It can promote deep contemplation or luxury, but should be used carefully, as too much (or the wrong tone) can have an opposite effect.
blue
yellow
It represents trust, logic, communication, and efficiency. Use blue as the primary colour in office areas that require focus and mental strain.
orange Orange blends the physical (red) and emotional (yellow), creating a sense of comfort. It is often associated with food and warmth, and is therefore a natural choice in kitchens. When used appropriately, it is also a fun colour, making it an option for a casual office lounge.
Yellow is the emotional colour. It represents creativity, friendliness, optimism, and confidence. Incorporate yellow when you want to stimulate positivity, creativity and happiness.
purple Purple is often associated with spirituality or luxury. It can promote deep contemplation or luxury, but should be used carefully, as too much (or the wrong tone) can have an opposite effect.
possible colour scheme
possible fabric choices found at Morgan’s showroom
Ria
Byram
Divina 3
Steelcut Trio
Safire
Highfield 3
Galaxy
final design
modular seating solution
This modular seating solution is made up of 3 different sized seats: single, double and a 3 seater. It is mainly focused around reception/lobby spaces within hotels. These environments are changing and are becoming a ‘3rd space’. This means that it is not home nor work, however people come there to do work or hold quick meetings as well as to wait while they are being checked in to the hotel. Due to the changing use of hotel lobbies, which invite not only hotel guests but also the public, this seating solution could also be used within office spaces or other co-working environments. Often people come to these ‘3rd spaces’ to get away from distractions at home or for a change of scenery to complete their work. The arm rests act as a divider between each of the seating spaces and creates a ‘closed’ space for the user. They can also double up as a flat surface on which the users can place their laptops, notebooks, drinks or other belongings. People coming to hotel lobbies might want to be alone but not lonely, therefore the arm rests dividers as well as low back rests would suit their needs. Gaps in between back rests and their round shape create a more interesting aesthetic, both when placed individually as well as when placed back to back. Varied height sizes have been incorporated into the design to add texture and different levels however, none of the back rests exceeds the height of 500mm. This is so that the users can still talk to the people around them.
possible layout options 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
where does my design fit in with Morgan In Morgan’s current collection, they do not have many modular seating solution apart from collections such as Kyoto and Valencia. As their main customers are interior designers and architects, who decide on the final layout of these furniture, I though that a modular seating solution would enable them to have the freedom to be creative and customise not only the colours and fabrics but also the seating configurations. My design only includes seating, therefore Morgan’s already existing designs of tables could go well together with it. In addition, due to the round aesthetic of my seating solution, my design would also work well when paired with some of Morgan’s existing seating products. Below are some of the products I think would go well together with my design.
Chevy
Pimlico
Valencia
Pastille
Siena
1:10 final models
evaluation
WHAT WENT WELL AND WHAT DID I LEARN? - This project enabled me to learn about the difference between manufacturing for retail vs contract. By learning the differences I was able to design a product that would be suitable in contract environments where it would be heavily used. - I have learnt about upholstery techniques, stitching methods. foam types as well as frame types. I was then able to transfer that knowledge to my own designs and make informed decisions about what aspects would best suit my design. - As my final design consists of 3 different sized sofas, I wanted to present different possible layouts that could be created using them. To best show this I needed to create CAD renders of my product which pushed me to further develop my CAD skills, one of them being in Solidworks. WHAT WERE THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND THE SOLUTIONS TO THEM? - As I had no previous knowledge about upholstery, at first it was difficult for me to design something I knew nothing about. However, after getting some help from tutors as well as completing my own research I began to understand this topic more and was able to design a product to fit in with the brief. - Creating a 1:10 scale model was also difficult because the fabric easily creased and did not go on smoothly over the foams making the model look untidy. Through completing a few test pieces I was able to learn the best methods of creating my final model to ensure that it is completed to a high quality and accurately represents my ideas. FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS To further improve my design, I could make the back rests of my sofas have a slight angle. This would add comfort to the seat and would feel more welcoming for the user to sit on it. I would also learn more about the internal upholstery frames and apply that knowledge to my own design to ensure that the frame construction is suitable for the design. In addition, I could enlarge the width of the arm rests so that the user is able to place more things on it or place their laptops more comfortably. The single seat I designed, only has one arm rest on the right hand side which could prove not useful for left handed people, therefore I would also further develop this design problem. As one of my environments of use was a co-working space, I could further investigate and develop the idea of my sofas having technology incorporated into them or creating another product such as a lamp or a table with sockets incorporated into them. After having a conversation with people from Morgan, other further developments included making sure that the varied back rests heights are clearly visible and possibly making the arm rests have a rounder front profile, to link in with the shape of the back rests. To reinforce the idea of modularity and ‘hilly’ aesthetic one seat could be created with all of the back rests on it. More arm rests could be added to divide the seats and add to the round aesthetic as well as ensure that the arm rest height is comfortable.
2019