Guidelines for a new reality

The coronavirus epidemic, as observed by Jacek Dukaj, quickened many processes which were happening earlier. Quickening can be observed on many different levels: in technological trends, lifestyle, changing of values and culture.

Each crisis is a test for innovativeness and ability to act fast. It has to be said that designers and furniture manufacturers reacted swiftly to the new reality. How can design help in these strange times?

Like in every project process, also “not crisis-mode”, it was important to define new problems and needs and then come up with solutions. Sometimes they were completely new products, other times – models which have been present in the portfolio for a long time and which have a new “5 minutes” due to the situation. The strongest rise of interest can be seen for: stations for hands disinfection, all kinds of screens and additional litter bins (preferably touch-free and closed)

R&D departments showed similar reflexes, preparing guidelines over pandemic reality and suggetions how to deal with new challenges. Definitely many questions remain open – answering them will be possible as the situation unfolds.

We present 3 most essential guidelines, according to us. They include specific suggestions and solutions (including many examples of office arrangment “before and after”):

1.

Return to Work(place): Navigating the New Normal – a Haworth publication which includes a list of questions which are worth asking when planning a return to the office and specific examples how to change office setting. All in the context of organisation culture – it’s a fundament of all project activities proposed by Haworth. There is also a version for HR departments (available here).

2.

The Road Back to the Office, A Safe Landing in a New Office Reality and a new issue of A New Destination for Shared Space are Vitra guidelines prepared with various types of space in mind. All are available here.

3.

How to adapt the workplace to Covid19 – an Actiu publication includes guidelines on adjusting work environment to new demands as well as tips for efficient home office. 

Next publications will be posted on LinkedIn.

A seperate, very useful category of materials are recommendations and guidelines regarding disinfection. Most companies prepared detailed information (for example Haworth, Framery or Kvadrat), which help cleaning teams in meeting the epidemic demands without damaging the fabrics – it’s worth looking for them on their websites.

All texts from the “Return to the office” cycle can be found in the RESEARCH category. If you need help in adjusting the office to the new environement, contact us – we will help you find the optimal solutions.