Friday, 18 May 2012
By Amy Feezor
Take a glimpse at where we’ve been this week.
1. Could you work in an outdoor office? (via Co.Design)
2. A cartoon by Charles and Ray Eames linking creativity, innovation, and data at The Atlantic.
3. 6 devices you need to update in your home office (via Apartment Therapy).
4. Details on the Getty Conservation Institute’s initiative to conserve modern architecture at The Architect’s Newspaper.
5. The Redesdale Residence designed by Space International in Los Angeles (via Contemporist).
6. “The War Against Sixties Architecture” at Design Observer.
7. The Mid-Century Mundane blog.
8. The offices of Russian IT company Yandex (check out those Setu and SAYL Chairs) featured at Office Snapshots.
9. More things to do during New York’s Design Week from Core77.
10. An interesting way to spend a little time today? Search “HermanMiller” on searchinstagram.com (or just click here).
Thursday, 17 May 2012
By Amy Feezor
Design Week NYC is again upon us — and these seven events are on our radar. Navigate your stay in the city starting with our list, and keep up with the latest on Twitter using #designweeknyc.
1. The First Annual Core77 Open
Core77 holds its first-ever exhibit focused on the ever-evolving NYC design community, showcasing the five best creative works from each of the five boroughs. Can the Bronx or Queens top Brooklyn? Find out in the Noho neighborhood. Visit: 350 Bowery at Great Jones Street, May 18 – 22, 11 am – 6 pm.
2. Noho Design District Celebration
Hosted by Sight Unseen and the Noho-Bowery Stakeholders, this Sunday-night celebration includes an installation by lighting designer Lindsey Adelman featuring items from Dusk to Dawn, her 2012 collection inspired by things that grow “on the dark side.” Visit: The Bowery Hotel, 355 Bowery, May 20, 8 – 11 pm; RSVP to NDDBoweryHotel@gmail.com.
3. Reinvention; Writing History in Aluminum
Join Design Milk and Bobby Berk Home to celebrate designers Brad Ascalon and Frederick McSwain (AM) and Neal Feay Studio as they unveil a new breed of objects, lighting, and furniture within the Bobby Berk store. Visit: Bobby Berk Home Soho, 59 Crosby Street, May 19 – 27.
4. The 24th Annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair
Now a Design Week tradition, this annual showcase lets you explore 145,000-square feet of some of the newest offerings in contemporary design. Visit: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 11th Avenue at 38th Street, May 19 – 22.
5. Raw + Unfiltered
The American Design Club asked designers one question: “If your process became Raw + Unfiltered, what kind of object would that yield?” See their responses in new work that highlights a material or process in its most natural, unfiltered state. Visit: Heller Gallery, 420 West 14th Street, May 20 – 25, 6 – 9 pm.
6. Going Viral: Blurred Borders
This lecture and panel discussion from the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIA NY) explores the impact that social media, technology, and device culture are having on today’s design process. Visit: The Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, May 21, 6 pm.
7. Herman Miller Pop-Up Shop
Stop by, say hello, and experience the new Herman Miller Collection in person. (And be sure to check out the home accessories and desktop items for sale — a popular spot in the store.) Visit: 68 Wooster Street, through July 1, open Monday through Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm, and Sunday 12 – 5 pm.
Learn about more Design Week NYC events here and here.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
By Jamie Latendresse
Affirming his affinity for modern and mid-century modern design, designer Tyler Goodro created Plastolux in 2007. With a razor-sharp focus on interiors, furniture, and architecture from the mid-20th century to the present, Tyler has compiled an impressive collection of arresting images and information on the blog. Currently the creative director at TiLite, an innovative wheelchair manufacturer, Tyler is also developing furniture designs and designing a series of lamps from cut and blasted wine bottles. We caught up with Tyler to see how music fits into his prolific work for this week’s Playlist.
What do you listen to while you work? I listen to a wide range of music — anything from Sigur Rós to Rammstein to Lana Del Rey. I guess what really matters is what I am working on or if I am “working” at all. I usually just leave it on shuffle, it is a good way to weed out the “how did that get there?” songs. Lately I have been on a remix kick; there is a lot to sift through to find the good remixes, but they are out there.
How do you listen? When I’m at home, I use headphones plugged into my Mac to block out all of the distractions and so that I don’t become a distraction to the rest of my family. (I still need to put a door on my den). At my daytime gig, I listen through a set of old Labtec speakers that still sound pretty good. There are four of us in our office and we all share the “DJ” responsibilities.
Do you have any favorite music websites/providers? My favorite places to find music are blogs and Tumblr sites. (Recently, I have been finding some really nice remixes by just searching the keyword “remix” from my Tumblr dashboard.) SoundCloud also has some pretty nice tracks. Friends and coworkers are always sharing their music finds as well.
Does music influence your work? I don’t think music directly influences my work, but I am willing to bet that subliminally it plays some role. I really can’t dive into a project without it. When I am working on something that is repetitive or doesn’t require a whole lot of thought — populating a website, for example — I like to listen to something that has a pretty good repetitive beat and seems to keep me on task. On the other hand, if I am creating something new (branding, for example), I like to listen to music that has more of an epic or dramatic feel.
Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste? I usually find recommendations through friends’ blogs or Facebook pages. I really don’t find myself actively seeking new music; it just happens to be wherever I am looking for inspiration in one form or another. It is hard to say who influences my musical tastes; as of late, it has been my kids. I have a 10-year-old, a 7-year-old, and one coming in June. They are really starting to get into music and I often find myself asking, “Would my kids listen to that or is that suitable for my kids to listen to?” I also think that what influences me changes — it comes and goes with what is happening in my life.
What song or artist best represents the work you create? That is tough question. I think that could change from time to time as well. It would need to be a creator, someone who can take ideas and thoughts and make a great piece with them. Lately I have really liked the work of Pogo. He takes bits and pieces and assembles them to make a great song — complex yet simple.
Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist: I have always loved the Eames Soft Pad Lounge Chair and Ottoman (tilt swivel, four cushions, arms, white base and frame with black leather). It has a tech feel while being a comfortable lounge chair — epic.
TYLER’S PLAYLIST:
1. Dead Hearts, Stars
2. Juke Joint Jezebel, KMFDM
3. Fostercare, Burial
4. Glosoli, Sigur Rós (Tyler says, “this video is epic.”)
5. Expialidocious, Pogo
6. My People, The Presets
7. Young Blood, The Naked and Famous
8. Kings and Queens, 30 Seconds to Mars
9. Waiting for the End, Linkin Park
10. Comeback Kid, Sleigh Bells
Photos: Johnny Trevino, except first and last, Kim Fetrow
P.S. Check out Tyler’s post on restoring these vintage Herman Miller Eames Shell Chairs.
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
By Amy Feezor
Candy Black’s statement-making, black-walled meeting room matched with bold black Eames molded plastic armchairs got our attention — so we contacted the design boutique’s co-founder Jason Rubino for a tour of its Poole, UK headquarters. Here’s what we found.
Tell us about Candy Black: How it started, what you’re passionate about, and where you’re going. Candy Black was started out of a mutual passion for interior and graphic design between myself and Katie Culley (my fiance) and to offer these services to a clientele through a niche boutique studio. We both worked for other companies, but wanted to break away and start something new and interesting.
We formed in August of 2010 and it has been a very exciting journey ever since — from branding and interiors for Vauxhall Fashion Scout at London Fashion Week and full CMS web design and build for Graduate Fashion Week (UK) to quirky bar and restaurant projects. I think, to date, we are most proud of our latest project, a homegrown, family-run surf/ride/skate/coffee shop that we did all the concepting, strategy, branding, marketing and interior/exterior design for. The project was for Katie’s family, so they trusted us to direct the project and pretty much gave us free reign, which for a designer is always nice.
What inspires you? We draw our main inspiration from different lifestyles, as that is how we like to approach our projects — putting ourselves in the clients’/users’ shoes and visualize how they would see or interact with the work.
Tell us about your workspace. Any special considerations that affected the way it’s set up? What do you like or dislike? We completely refurbished the space, which used to be an old bakery (and had been used as accounting offices before us). We totally stripped it back and introduced the black and white palette to compliment the original floor-to-ceiling white tiles. We wanted to furnish the space with pieces based on the classics, like Eames molded plastic chairs and a 70’s sofa and industrial lighting combined with modern floating shelves and design equipment. We wanted a studio that fully embraces and showcases our passion for design. I do wish we had a little coffee/kitchen area with coffee machine and vintage fridge — I’m working on it!
Tell us about those Eames molded plastic armchairs. Why did you select them? We have four black Eames molded plastic chairs with wooden legs and a white Eames molded plastic rocking chair. (We also have four white plastic chairs with wire legs at home.) I love the way they exude design. They are a statement and an iconic piece, but always work with the space.
Photos: Courtesy of Candy Black
Monday, 14 May 2012
By Amy Feezor
Make the most of your visit to the Herman Miller Pop-Up Shop in New York City’s Soho neighborhood by stopping by some of these local favorites.
New Museum: Take a 15-minute walk from the pop-up shop to the Bowery and then spend a few hours in Manhattan’s only dedicated contemporary art museum. 235 Bowery (at Prince Street), 212-219-1222, newmuseum.org.
The Daily: Stop by for a drink at this well designed new bar and restaurant, which showcases a different cocktail and dining menu every day. 210 Elizabeth Street (between Prince and Spring Streets), 212-343-7011, thedaily-nyc.com.
The Dutch: Hitting the shop early on a weekend? Call ahead to book a table for brunch at this hotspot and order its unforgettable hot fried chicken and honey-butter biscuit combo. 131 Sullivan St (at Prince St), 212-677-6200, thedutchnyc.com.
Boqueria Soho: If you’re shopping with a group, drop into this spirited spot on Spring Street to share some tapas (and perhaps some Sangria). 171 Spring Street (between Thompson Street and West Broadway), 212-343-4255, boquerianyc.com.
Saturdays Surf: Mix up your shopping day with a stop at this buzzy store filled with summer-ready clothes and accessories, art, gifts — and one of the best espresso bars around. 31 Crosby Street (between Broome and Grand Streets), 212-966-7875, saturdaysnyc.com.
Housing Works Bookstore: If you like the style of the vintage books filling the pop-up shop, swing by this destination to find some tomes to help you replicate the look at home. 100% of the profits from its donated book, music, and movie selections help people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. 126 Crosby Street (between Houston and Prince Streets), 212-334-3324, housingworks.org.
The Herman Miller Pop-Up Shop is located at 68 Wooster Street (between Spring and Broome Streets) and is open Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm, and Sunday 12 noon to 5 pm, through July 1.
Photos: newmuseum.org; The Daily; thedutchnyc.com / Noah Fecks; boquerianyc.com; saturdaysnyc.com; housingworks.org
Friday, 11 May 2012
By Amy Feezor
1. California Home + Design’s article on forward-thinking home designs.
2. “A Modernist Dream House in Los Angeles” from The New York Times.
3. Aqua Velvet’s look back at LIFE magazine photos of the home of Charles and Ray Eames circa 1950.
4. This could make an interesting outdoor workspace (via CubeMe).
5. “How to Fake a Clean Home Office in 15 Minutes” at Apartment Therapy
6. Looking forward to New York magazine’s first Design Hunting issue (Via Curbed).
7. Could easily spread projects out and get to work in this space on Ideas to Steal (check out its Magis Chair_One collection).
8. A beautiful apartment space in Melbourne spotted at Design Milk.
9. Inspiring lessons from unconventional entrepreneurs at Co.Exist.
10. Have you stopped by the newly opened Herman Miller Pop-Up Shop in New York City? Hope to see you there…
Thursday, 10 May 2012
By Amy Feezor
In 2009, RISD graduates Theo Richardson, Charles Brill, and Alexander Williams founded Rich Brilliant Willing, a contemporary lighting and furniture design manufacturer based in New York City. Three years and several awards (and studios) later, they’re overseeing every aspect of their unique process from design to assembly to distribution. Here’s a look at their bustling Manhattan workshop.
Why did you start Rich Brilliant Willing? Where have you been; where are you going?
Alexander Williams: After graduation, we decided to share a basement studio space in the East Village as a place to bounce ideas off each other after work. We designed a small gallery space together for an art dealer that one of us was working for, and the energy in the process became addictive. We started working on some easily producible furniture objects after that. By 2008, the recession meant two of us had lost our day jobs — and it was an opportunity to spend most of our time in the studio.
Theo Richardson: Today, as we’ve evolved, I’m excited about two things: One, we’re getting better as designers via our involvement in manufacturing, and two, developing our own work, we have fewer constraints when it comes to pursuing our ideas.
What inspires you in your work?
Theo Richardson: I’m inspired about applying our efforts to affect greater change in living and working environments via larger distribution networks. We’re working on ways to make our product more accessible.
Were there any special considerations that affected the way your studio is set up? What do you like or dislike?
Charles Brill: I wish we had more space to spread out! Our space is divided between shop/building space, and an office space with a glass sliding door. We enjoy having visitors, and being central in Manhattan is important to us.
You scored a few vintage Eames molded plastic chairs for the studio. How they add to your workspace?
Charles Brill: They are great for an small office because they stack, are lightweight, and appear visually simple.
See the above featured “Delta” series lighting and more at richbrilliantwilling.com.
Wednesday, 09 May 2012
By Jamie Latendresse
Born and raised Detroiter Antonio “Shades” Agee has been know to hit a wall or two. In fact, as a graffiti artist he’s hit pretty much every kind of surface you can imagine, and then some you might not imagine. Now a 15-year arts veteran, his career has taken him everywhere from the streets to galleries to corporations, internationally. The infusion of his surroundings, influences, and personality into his artwork has drawn the attention of clients like Fiat, Chrysler, and Quicken Loans just to name a few. So what does Antonio listen to while he’s painting? The answers to that question reside within this week’s Playlist.
What do you listen to while you work? There’s usually a jam going…it depends on the day. I don’t limit myself to just one genre. You might hear A Tribe Called Quest playing right after some rockabilly track, usually surrounded by electronic music.
How do you listen? In the studio, I sync my iTunes through my TV and play it through the speakers.
Do you have any favorite music websites/providers? I usually listen to Pandora Radio. It has a wide range of music on its station select. Sometimes I also just turn on my iTunes and listen to a genius playlist.
Does music influence your work? I am a product of hip hop, I’ll say that outright. But different genres have definitely influenced me as a human being throughout my life – and that’s the only way to influence my work. My work is a direct translation of my expression, so whichever music has influenced me is definitely evident in my work. Plus, the correlation between hip hop and graffiti is pretty clear. If you look through my work and watch it progress, you can see the intention behind each spray seem to change. Chances are I was listening to something different with each one.
Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste? Nothing better than the grapevine, especially in a city like Detroit. New artists with their own slew of influences are always popping off.
What song or artist best represents the work you create? I would choose Pat Matheny “Sill Life Talking” as simply the best representation of my daily mood.
Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist: I’d have to say my Herman Miller Embody Chair is the perfect place…that chair is perfect. I love the white exoskeleton on mine, and the rest of the chair is all black. It’s really a throne, but in a modern way, really sleek and stealth-like. A lot like my work.
ANTONIO’S PLAYLIST:
1. Mea Culpa, Enigma
2. Music For A Found Harmonium, The Penguin Cafè Orchestra
3. Red Sand, Balthazar Featuring Thanos Giouletzis
4. Anni Rose, Tulku
5. Akwaba, Tya
6. Rising In Love, Govi
7. Dance (A$$), Big Sean
8. Beautiful, Stevy Mahy
9. Pokinoi, Cirque Du Soleil
10. John (feat. Rick Ross), Lil Wayne
Photos: Antonio Agee; first and sixth photos by Brian Kelly.
Tuesday, 08 May 2012
By Jamie Latendresse
Mom does it all: teacher, chef, protector, provider, superhero, and all-around guardian angel. As Mother’s Day approaches, here are six ways to give back to the woman who’s always given so much.
1. Eames Walnut Stool, Charles & Ray Eames - Like Mom, Ray Eames was one of a kind. Her background as a sculptor helped her create these versatile mid-century modern gems to accompany Charles’ chairs for the Time-Life Building in New York. Choose from three unique sculpted silhouettes in solid walnut. Get one at Herman Miller.
2. Bread Board, from Epicurean - No more crumbs on Mom’s floor! The Epicurean Bread Board’s smart design catches and contains the crumbs, leaving her counter clean. Head to the flip side for a smooth, daily food-prep surface. Choose from slate or natural, both NSF- and FSC-certified. Find it at Epicurean.
3. Bezel Case for Apple iPhone 4/4S, from Qmadix - Mom looked out for you all those years, now with the Qmadix Bezel you can protect her iPhone for her. Its ingenious slide-locking mechanism fits her phone perfectly, while its aircraft-grade aluminum tooling fits her hand perfectly. Mom (and Siri) will thank you. Slide one on at Qmadix.
4. The Market Bag, from Moop - Your mom probably carried just about everything in her bag at one time or another — from your bottle to breath mints, from tissues to toys. Now you can give her a hand with the Moop Market Bag. Made from 100% cotton rosewood corded canvas, it’s the perfect go-everywhere, do-everything bag for the lady who goes everywhere and … well, you get it. Bag one at Moop on Etsy.
5. Teardrop Vase, from Urbana Design - Mom will cry tears of joy when she sees the flowers you get her (hint, hint) in this unique teardrop vase from Derek Chen’s Urbana Design. Choose any of six different veneers and four resin colors, in three sizes. Perfect for any flora on Mother’s Day. Get one at Urbana Design.
6. Wonder Woman Cuff, Tina Frey Designs - Let’s face it, there’s only one true Wonder Woman in our lives — and that’s Mom. Beautiful and brave, she’s the ultimate superhero. Remind her of her amazing powers with Tina Frey’s handmade resin Wonder Woman Cuff. Choose from eight heroic colors, at Tina Frey Designs.
Photos: Linked to their sources within text
Monday, 07 May 2012
By Amy Feezor
With graduations commencing and Memorial Day mere weeks away, vacation time is heating back up. However, the reality for many of us is that, even when we’re off getting much-needed R&R, there are sometimes still a few tasks that need our attention back at the office.
Enter Boutique Homes. It’s a vacation-home rental site that lets you find an interesting space almost anywhere across the globe to meet your needs (work, home, and otherwise). And while we’re not recommending that you always take business with you on the road, we do encourage that you seek out the most comfortable spot to do so when it’s necessary — especially since this site lets you search its “architecturally significant rentals” by designers like Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, and Albert Frey. Take a look at a few that we found that fit the bill.
Set into the side of a wooded ridge in West Virginia, the prefab Lostrivermodern cabin by the award-winning firm resolution: 4 architecture (creators of the original dwell home) has a wall of glass extending nearly its entire length — and work and living spaces peppered with several comfortable Eames molded plastic chairs and a classic clock by George Nelson.
Work from an Eames molded plastic side chair with wood dowel base while facing a view of the High Atlas mountains in Morocco in Villa K, a contemporary house by Paris- and Marrakesh-based architecture firm Studio KO.
Work — then relax — surrounded by nature in this quiet cottage by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright in Mirror Lake, Wisconsin.
A stay in this holiday cottage by Denmark’s Søren Sarup in Aavego, Denmark might include a quick brainstorm by the fire in an Eames molded plastic armchair with wire base. After work is done, relaxation is guaranteed, especially since the home is situated in Thy National Park amidst the ocean, an estuary, lakes, and dunes.
It may be small, but time spent in this elegant and bright studio apartment in Marseille, France may be largely rewarding — it’s designed by Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, the Swiss architect better known as Le Corbusier.
Built in 1959 by famed architect (and Le Corbusier disciple) Albert Frey, this striking home is listed on the Historic Preservation List for the City of Palm Springs. It features the home’s original furnishings (including a Eames Storage Unit) along with a 30-foot waterfall and infinity pool and spa outside — the perfect place to take break after that “one last phone call” from the office.
Photos: Via Boutique Homes, all linked to their sources
Friday, 04 May 2012
By Amy Feezor
Get a glimpse at this week’s must-read list — then enjoy your weekend.
1. This colorfully inspiring home in San Antonio. (Via The Wall Street Journal)
2. A hybrid office design by Edward Ogosta Architecture at designboom.
3. The look at home offices (many separate from the main house, as in the photo of the space above featuring our Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman) in the Los Angeles Times.
4. Liked this week’s look at desktop wallpapers? Then you’ll also want to check out the 20 calming options over at Apartment Therapy.
5. You’ll soon be able to listen to a playlist on this Big Jambox wireless speaker designed by Yves Béhar.
6. “How Do You Create A Culture Of Innovation?” at Co.Design.
7. Inspired by the NeuroStar sculpture by artist Cliff Garten in the Molecular Biotechnology Building at the University of Utah. (Via Contemporist)
8. We spy a few familiar names in “The 20 Most Iconic Modern American Homes” on Ecosalon.
9. Moved by the haunting photos of abandoned spaces in Detroit featured on Core77.
10. Did you contribute to the World’s Longest Invoice?
Photo: Nicolas O.S. Marques via Los Angeles Times
Thursday, 03 May 2012
By Amy Feezor
Apartment Therapy Tech’s feature on this workspace posted on the office-space showcase site Where We Do What We Do got us spending a few more hours than expected touring home offices around the globe. Here are a few select settings that we especially appreciated.
That dreamy desktop wallpaper may be the first thing that catches your eye, but look closer and you’ll see an Eames Wire Chair hiding in the shadows of this home office belonging to Vero Escalante, an illustrator and textile designer in Buenos Aires. (Photo: Vero Escalante)
The Hamburg headquarters of web-based design studio The Future of Everything includes, among others, a white Eames molded plastic armchair. (Didn’t we tell you we were sensing a white Eames chair trend?) (Photo: The Future of Everything)
With six computer screens, an Aeron Chair, and lots of apparent bells and whistles, the attention-getting workspace of Stefan Didak feels extraordinarily space-age. (And since Stefan posted this photo, he’s moved — see his more recent launchpad-like space here.) (Photo: Stefan Didak)
This small-but-cheery private office belonging to “Soeren” (mysterious!) reveals a classic: an Eames molded plastic sidechair with a stacking base. (Photo: Soeren)
Atlanta’s Second Hand Studio includes a supportive Mirra Chair. (Photo: Second Hand Studio)
And the opening photo? It’s the Copenhagen-based home studio belonging to digital designer and owner of The Wall Company, Mathias Høst Normark. Get his streamlined look by choosing a wood dowel base on your favorite color of an Eames molded plastic side chair. (Opening Photo: Mathias Normark)
Wednesday, 02 May 2012
By Amy Feezor
There’s something satisfying about creating a great music mix for a friend (or for, say, Herman Miller’s Lifework blog). But sometimes after you’ve delivered your playlist, you think of that single perfect tune that really should have made the final cut. That said, we gave a few former Playlisters the chance to add one extra song to the lists they previously compiled for our weekly column. Take a look at what they selected. All together, it makes for an inspiring workday playlist in itself. Here’s hoping it helps your day hum along.
1. Song: Iron Galaxy by Cannibal Ox | Added by: Artist & Designer Matthew Shlian
2. Song: The Once and Future Carpenter by The Avett Brothers | Added by: Artist Amy Helfand
3. Song: Shoes by Tiga | Added by: Designer & DJ Bethany Shorb
4. Song: Peng! by Iron & Wine | Added by: Freelance Writer Joelle Alcaidinho
5. Song: Back in Our Town by Ivy (with additional music & lyrics by James Iha) | Added by: Jenna Park of Whimsy & Spice
6. Song: 20 Years by The Civil Wars | Added by: Kristin Appenbrink of RealSimple.com
7. Song: Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey | Added by: Designer & Illustrator Katie Kirk
8. Song: Down in the River to Pray by Alison Krauss | Added by: Writer Elizabeth Jenkins
9. Song: Rorschach by Loscil | Added by: Janine Vangool of UPPERCASE Magazine
10. Song: Hot Summer Night by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals | Added by: Photographer Nicole Hill Gerulat
In Featured Photo: Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair; Eames Walnut Stool; Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman; Eames Storage Unit
Tuesday, 01 May 2012
By Amy Feezor
Inspired (always) by the wit and the clean, graphic lines of the vintage Herman Miller ads featured in yesterday’s post from our sister blog Discover, we set out to find desktop wallpapers to that were created in the same spirit. Here are a few standouts.
This simple, straightforward design illustrating a quote by Charles Eames comes from the CAMP creative studio in southern California. Download it here.
The graphic design team from the watch company Fossil created this nod to vintage lettering in its series of free wallpapers on fossil.com. Download it here.
Three tones of grey make up this quiet wallpaper, aptly named “Space by Nané.” Download it here.
Maraid Design’s cosmic wallpaper offering is from the vintage book “Odhams Encyclopaedia for Children.” Download it here.
This striking wallpaper celebrates Helvetica, the font chosen for the then-new Herman Miller logo in 1960 (the look lasted for almost 40 years). Download it here.
Don your desktop with bold lines and a small burst of personality courtesy of kikki.K, an Australian stationery store. Download it here.
How could we resist? With its declaration of love for mid-century modern design icons like the Nelson Marshmallow Sofa, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, the Noguchi Table, and the Eames Molded Plastic Rocker, this wallpaper at Lush Pad admittedly wins our hearts. Download it here.
Want more desktop wallpaper ideas? Check out these other stories from Lifework:
1. Distraction-Free Desktop
2. New Desktop Wallpapers
3. Free Desktop Wallpapers
4. Pantone Desktop Wallpaper
Images: Linked to their sources
Monday, 30 April 2012
By Jamie Latendresse
Powder-coat finishes have been a part of metal components for some time at Herman Miller. Used on everything from furniture to kitchen utensils, it eliminates VOCs, eases renewal and recycling, and delivers a clean, incredibly even finish. Here’s six designs you’ll find coated in powder.
1. Arrow Hanger, Gustav Hallén Help your hats, jackets, and beach towels find their way to the wall this summer via the Arrow Hanger. Sturdy, precision-milled powder coated aluminum hooks extend and retract to hold just about anything. With five colors to choose from, it’s a nice direction to go in. Get to the point at A+R.
2. Eames Table Outdoor, Charles & Ray Eames Now this four-legged design classic can step out of doors, thanks to a choice of two powder-coat outdoor finishes and four North American quarry marbles. Add a few Aluminum Group Outdoor chairs and it’s a patio party for work or for play. Outfit your outdoors at the Herman Miller Store.
3. Indice Bookends, Hiroaki Watanbe Lay a hand to your books, magazines, and journals with this powder-coated steel, five-hue bookends set. Tabbed at ascending heights, the brightly colored dividers keep your tomes upright and bright. Get them at the MoMA store.
4. Metro Mailbox, Box Design USA Push the envelope of modern mailbox design with the Metro Front-Opening Letterbox. Made from 3mm powder-coated aluminum, it’s waterproof and has an A4 capacity. Plus choose from nine exterior acrylic colors. Find at Box Design USA.
5. 2D3D Letter Holder, Blu Dot Of course, once the mail has arrived, it must be sorted and prioritized. Enter the 2D3D letter holder. The laser-cut, powder-coated design folds out to create a three-tiered letter organizer. Perfect for a desk or a counter, in white, fire-engine red, or gun metal (if you’re feeling dangerous). Sort out one for yourself at Digs Showroom.
6. Array Bookcase, Bruno Rainaldi For the ultimate modern book stack, you can’t beat the tower of tomes the Array bookcase creates. A stylish and unique way to store books, the Array comes in powder-coated orange or silver. Each laser-cut steel shelf can hold up to nine pounds! Perfect for a tight space. Arrange for an Array at CB2.
Photos: Linked to their sources within text
Friday, 27 April 2012
By Amy Feezor
A look at all the places we’ve been throughout the last week.
1. “The Home Office – a Visual Guide” from The Globe and Mail
2. The New York Times‘ feature on photographer Julius Shulman, who was known for shooting the Eames House in Los Angeles (among many others).
3. Want to see more of the Eames house? Get a look inside with these videos at Mental Floss.
4. Inspired by this office in the woods found by Inthralld.
5. Lots of smart advice over at workfromhomewisdom.com.
6. The video of the Dragon Skin Pavilion of hi-tech bent wood at Co.Design.
7. “Why Eames Matters” at Maharam.
8. “Email Tips: 5 Ways to Get Action” at Inc.
9. Creative Director Garrett Murray’s review of the Mirra Chair — and his thoughts on our Embody Chair — on Maniacal Rage. (And don’t forget — you can now share your own reviews at the Herman Miller store.)
10. Another reminder: today is Arbor Day. Learn about it at arborday.org…then get outside and celebrate.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
By Amy Feezor
Whether you’re a road warrior or someone who prefers to take your work outside, you’ll appreciate these apps that help you get work done on both the iPad and Android, as reviewed by Joelle Alcaidinho (a former Playlister) from Apartment Therapy Tech.
Wunderlist HD: While the built-in “Reminders” app on Apple’s iOS mobile operating system is great, it doesn’t sync across non-iOS devices, which can be a bit difficult if you work on a combined Android and iOS team. Wunderlist solves that problem. The thing we love most about the app (in addition to the design, of course) is the ability to share tasks and lists via email, which is an easy way to remind colleagues of any work that needs to be done. Free
Evernote: There is a reason why everyone talks about Evernote so much: it works really well to help you get more things done. The app provides an easily searchable way to organize notes and files, sync them across devices (and platforms), and share them with colleagues. Free
QuickOffice HD: Pretty much the grand dame of office apps that work on both Android tablets and the iPad. And while the price is a bit steep at almost twenty dollars, remember what you’re getting: a very robust Microsoft Office editing suite that works seamlessly on cloud services. $19.99
SyncSpace Shared Whiteboard: We’re just going to come out and say it: shared whiteboards are cool. Being able to sketch together with team members is very useful whether you’re all in the same conference room or across the globe. What sets this app apart from the rest is that the drawing space is zoomable. Collaborative in real time, it works across platforms. Free
What apps help you get work done?
Photos: Joelle Alcaidinho / Apartment Therapy Tech.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
By Jamie Latendresse
For the majority of his professional life Chris Brigham worked as a graphic designer. Just a few years ago, however, he decided to take a leap toward something he was truly cut out for: furniture design. Together with some good exposure and a little luck, his inspired work allowed him to bring Knife & Saw to life. In fact, you’ve probably seen Chris’s work already. Knife & Saw is home to the award-winning Bike Shelf, a sublimely elegant solution for keeping your wheels indoors. Along with a few Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chairs, he lives, works — and listens to today’s Playlist — in San Francisco.
What do you listen to while you work? It’s definitely all over the place. A typical day could easily include Johnny Cash, The Ronettes, The Misfits, and Gang Starr in succession. Some days when I’m feeling ambitious, I will put together a playlist, but I’m usually too lazy and just hit “shuffle.” (Although you run the risk of every terrible song you have ever put on your iPhone playing when you do that.)
How do you listen? If I’m in the shop, I’m mostly listening on headphones to my iPhone because the machinery tends to be really loud. If I’m in the home office, I listen on my computer. This is all assuming that my next-door neighbor isn’t playing his keyboard in the backyard, because if he is, I’m all ears.
Do you have any favorite music websites/providers? My friend Matt runs The Bomarr Blog which always has some great music on it that I’ve probably never heard. I also check out KEXP and La Blogothèque for good live performances.
Does music influence your work? It’s tough to say. In a way, it must, because I am constantly listening to music while working — but it’s hard to give a concrete example. It might influence the speed at which I work more than the work itself. I tend to get more work done when I’m listening to Glenn Danzig yell at me than when I am listening to the soothing sounds of Bon Iver.
Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste? I usually leave this up to my friends, who have more time and/or better musical taste than I do and keep me in tune with the latest music. I’ve also noticed that as I get older, the music my parents played for me when I was young is having a bigger influence on me. I have some serious James Taylor and Jackson Browne rock-blocks from time to time.
What song or artist best represents the work you create? This is a tough one. I guess it would need to be something without too many distractions, just straightforward and simple but also with an edgy/unique sound. Johnny Cash seems to fit the bill.
Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist: The Eames Lounge Chair in Black on Black (seen as a special edition) or if not, black on oiled walnut because you would have no choice but to sit back and relax and enjoy. Just don’t fall asleep.
CHRIS’S PLAYLIST:
1. If I Were A Carpenter, Johnny Cash
2. Rocket Man, My Morning Jacket
3. No One’s Gonna Love You, Band of Horses
4. Bad Love, Battleme
5. Juarez, We Are Augustines
6. Highway Patrolman, Bruce Springsteen
7. Beth/Rest, Bon Iver
8. Love is All, The Tallest Man On Earth
9. Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Neil Young
10. Where Eagles Dare, Misfits
11. Sweet Baby James, James Taylor
12. Faithfully, Journey
Photos: Chris Brigham
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
By Jamie Latendresse
There’s no getting around it. Sometimes you just have to leave things hanging. Here are six innovative ways to do just that.
1. Gym Hook Inspired by gym climbing hooks, designer Staffan Holm fashions these sporting good wall hooks in a variety of sizes and colors for coats, scarves, and more. Coming soon from: hay.dk
2. Frank Frank is playful and fun — but strong as steel. Developed and produced by Brooklyn’s David Barry, the wall hook is powder-coated steel and comes in a variety of colors. Hop to it: tinylightbulbs.com
3. Eames Hang It All Ever notice how the Hang It All shares its spidery mount with the wire-based tables and chairs by Charles and Ray Eames? That’s because they used the same welding-wire techniques to create it. Whimsy with a reason, perfect for any room. Hang it all: hermanmiller.com
4. Tree Hooked Coat Rack After marrying, designers Alissia Melka-Telchroew and Jan Habraken saw the joining of their family trees as inspiration for their first design project as husband and wife. The modular, powder-coated hook comes in black, green, silver, or white. Branch out here: store.module-r.com
5. Tape Hooks Simple, fun, and ingenious, these hooks look like any old strip of colored tape. But the colored plastic set of three adhesive hooks is perfect for hanging all sorts of doodads around the home, office, or studio. Even a roll of tape. Irony! Buy them at presentandcorrect.com
6. Shed Hook Dual-, even triple-purpose, Domesticity’s hooks are perfect for shedding outwear, keys, even the mail — just put them all in or on the shed. Get a few and assign one to each occupant. Powder-coated steel, available in orange, white, and grey. Get them at domesticity.bigcartel.com
Photos: Linked to their sources within text; Gym Hook image by Staffan Holm
Monday, 23 April 2012
By Amy Feezor
We know So for the graphic design and photography work it’s created for Herman Miller in the UK (see an example here). And now we know it for its inspiring surroundings: a converted barn in Bristol in the southwest of England. In his own words, Creative Director Steve Haskins gives us a personal tour.
I set up So design consultants in 2000 — an agency where the focus is to break the boundaries of creative design and deliver a passion for intelligent, individual creativity. We established a small team of focused individuals and created a platform where our aspirations for commercial fine art could be reached, rather than for financial gain.
We have been working with Herman Miller for six years and enjoy the shared passion for good quality and useful design. (I love the SAYL chair as a piece of design and the way it looks. I always like to relate good to design to inspiration, and the influence of the Golden Gate Bridge to the design of SAYL is obvious.) Our first commission from Herman Miller is still one of our favourite pieces of work. We created a brochure that brought together the heritage of Herman Miller, its roots in design and craftsmanship, and showcased products using beautiful lifestyle photography.
The So studio has always been based on Greenway Farm. We originally worked from an old cowshed with whitewashed stonewalls, a wood-burning stove, and an outside loo. Our state-of-the-art Apple Macs were a great contrast to the rather primitive but inspired surroundings. Quite often I would be on the phone to a client as a lorry load of cows was being unloaded. These surroundings fuel our creativity.
Four years ago, we moved to an adjacent newly converted barn. We worked with the farmer throughout the barn-conversion process to create a light and airy space that’s been built to exacting environmental standards. The glass front to the barn means that we can stay in tune with the ever-changing countryside outside. Chickens make a regular visit to our door and we watch the doves return to the Dovecote that is an integral part of our barn roof.
Long library globe lights hang from the 25-foot high ceilings. Custom-made glass and oak trestle desks line both sides of the studio. The glass desktops add to the openness of the studio. All our workstations have Aeron chairs — the classic design looks fantastic with the simple design of the desks and the designers love them.
The mezzanine floor is our meeting space with a glass boardroom table and supportive seating. Objects of beauty adorn our walls, which link to the heritage of the building: best of breed animals; tools to perform; a vision of creativity. An extensive library of books provides constant inspiration.
We get our inspiration from everything in life. Every day breathes new energy and influences from colour, music, people, things that touch our senses. We live and breath design — design for life!
Photos: Steve Haskins/So Design Consultants
Friday, 20 April 2012
By Amy Feezor
April is Earth Month and National Stress Awareness Month. And in that spirit, here’s a special edition of our weekly Top Ten featuring posts that will help you take on both. (Now, relax a bit and enjoy Earth Day on Sunday, won’t you?)
1. SAYL Chair and Ardea Personal Light designer Yves Béhar talks about how sustainability creates better products at PSFK.
2. Is turning off your smartphone more or less stressful? (via Huffington Post)
3. Forbes tells you how and why to ignore your inbox…
4. …and if that doesn’t work for you, at least clean up your GMail with these pro tips from GOOD.
5. The Brick House Tumblr (currently starting with our eco-friendly Eames Molded Plastic Sidechair).
6. This naturally smart wooden tablet stand featured at swissmiss.
7. 4 Secrets of Great Critical Thinkers at Inc.
8. Inthralld’s peek at this fully recyclable and sustainable prefab cottage (would make an interesting home office).
9. A fascinating way to reuse books at Colossal.
10. The history of Earth Day at Inhabitat.
Photo: via Inthralld and broadhurstarchitects.com
Thursday, 19 April 2012
By Jamie Latendresse
If you’re anything like us, staying eco is always on your mind. In honor of Earth Day 2012, here are six items that can help you continue to be kind to our environment — and create a better world around you.
1. Eames Molded Plastic Armchair with Wood Dowel Base It’s an iconic chair that needs no introduction, but it’s more than just a design classic. With a 100% recyclable polypropylene seat sit atop maple dowel legs, it’s not only beautiful, but earth-friendly. Get one at Herman Miller.
2. Ink’D Biodegradable Pens They write beautifully. They have a fun and flashy personality. And they achieve 82.3% biodegradation in 101 days, complying with ASTM D6400 standards. Better still, you can be a part of Ink’D Pens’ production through Kickstarter, which is bringing green products and projects to market around the world. Write it up at Kickstarter.
3. Maizy Series Clock, Spalvieri / Del Ciotto for Lexon Like the radio, light, and calculators in the Maizy series, the clock is produced with biodegradable PLA plastic. PLA is derived from renewable resources like corn starch. You get a clean, minimal design that can return to the earth at the end of its time. Maizy knows what time it is. You can, too, at Lexon.
4. Nelson Pedestal Stool The perfect little accent seat, it fits practically anywhere you will. Bright pops of color with the exceedingly elegant lines George Nelson was renowned for. And of course, they’re manufactured with recyclable upholstery and aluminum. It has it all. Part of the new Herman Miller Collection.
5. MacBook Air It might seem unlikely, but an Apple MacBook Air possesses a remarkably eco-friendly pedigree — like an EPEAT Gold rating for environmental effects, Energy Star 5.2 compliance for energy efficiency, and Apple will see to your computer’s recycling at the end of its life. From Apple.
6. Wellrounded Sound Well Rounded Sound produces beautifully bespoke loudspeakers with sustainably harvested wood enclosures, ultra-low VOC content wood finishes, and 100% New Zealand wool felt. They’ll even provide info on recycling your speakers when the time comes. How can you not like the sound of that? Get some here.
Photos: Linked to their sources within text
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
By Jamie Latendresse
Today’s Playlist comes from designer and illustrator Katie Kirk. Together with her husband Nathan Standberg, Katie runs Eight Hour Day, a multidisciplinary design boutique. You’ve probably seen Katie’s work already, like the beautifully illustrated children’s book “Eli, No!” or perhaps EHD’s work for Target and Old Navy. When she’s not at the studio, where they recently added a couple Eames Molded Plastic Chairs, she and Nate are hitting up the dog parks and antique shoppes in their new home of San Francisco. Katie aspires to live a designed life(style) where work, play, and inspiration are all equal and integrated organically. Here’s the music she’s integrated into her lifestyle.
What do you listen to while you work? I think my taste can be pretty eclectic. I resonate with individual songs over full albums most of the time. I like songs that can transport me based on my mood or those that can inspire something I’m working on.
How do you listen? Headphones. Nate and I call this “going under.” We put these on when we’re really ready to get down to some actual design time.
Do you have any favorite music websites/providers? I usually just download via iTunes. Pandora here and there.
Does music influence your work? I think music can always be a great influence, especially to get into a mood or mindset. It’s good to have that “feeling” help drive your design decisions — even if it’s not super direct.
One example that is a bit more direct than most were these holiday cards I designed. I love Christmas time and music, especially the older carols sung by Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, etc. I also love A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. It just “feels” like the holidays to me.
Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste? Often it is just songs that cross my path in one way or another. I would say as much as I love music, I am not an active seeker like some.
What song or artist best represents the work you create? Whoa. That is a tough one. I’m not sure if my work is representational of them at all — but I have always loved the Beatles and their ability to push different sounds and a range of styles.
Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist: I usually only listen to music when I work and I prefer a lapdesk over an actual desk, so, an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Black Leather with Walnut Veneer.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
By Amy Feezor
For the past eight years, Apartment Therapy has been conducting its “Small Cool” contest, which lets readers post photos of their compact spaces (1,000 square space or less) in order to earn a shot at the prestigious annual title. This year, thanks to Gregory Han of Apartment Therapy Tech, we’re noticing a few home offices featuring Herman Miller pieces (like the Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair with Wood Dowel Base in the Seattle home of contest entrants Lauren and Kyle). Take a look at some of the workspaces on our radar, then cast a vote for your favorite here.
A pair of Mirra Chairs keep workday humming in the New York City home of Andrew and Toni.
A timeless Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair with 4-leg Base helps keep things simple in Jeremy’s apartment, also in NYC.
Geoff’s compact and light-filled Vancouver abode (it’s only 390 square feet) is complete with an Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair with Wire Base.
Photos: Linked to their sources. Used in partnership with Apartment Therapy Tech.
Monday, 16 April 2012
By Amy Feezor
Today we introduced a complete solution for today’s workplaces and living spaces: the Herman Miller Collection, a comprehensive new portfolio of authentic modern designs that let you select, furnish, and create complete environments in a variety of settings—from the boardroom to the backyard.
Want a sneak peek? Hear all about the Collection’s updated classics, complementary furnishings and accessories from our partners, and new designs over at Discover.
Monday, 16 April 2012
By Amy Feezor
On Lifework, we aim to deliver the inspiration to help you to create a better home office — and a better workday. So, like anyone who searches the web (and the world) for smart ideas, we often look to customer reviews to assure us that a product we’re recommending is one you’ll find useful.
That’s why we’re pleased to announce that the store at HermanMiller.com has just introduced customer review sections on the pages for each of our products. It’s an easy way to let us know what you think about our products, as well as a chance to help others as they determine which product or model is right for them.
Your opinion matters to us, and we’d like to know what’s great about what we offer, as well as what can be improved, in your own words. Here’s how you can add to the conversation:
1. Visit a product page and click on the “Write a Review” button.
2. Log in to your account or register to create one.
3. Write a review based on your experience, and click “Submit.” You can also click “Share” to send your review to your friends.
We look forward to hearing what you have to say. Get started now: to find a product to review, click here.
Friday, 13 April 2012
By Amy Feezor
It’s the end of the week — so here’s another roundup of the posts (and apps) that have been filling up our last seven days.
1. This look at the offices of Ray and Charles Eames at OfficeSnapshots.com.
2. The 6 Things You Need To Look For in a Home Office Chair from Apartment Therapy (well said!).
3. Stylish laptop cases and bags at Design*Sponge.
4. A sneak peek of the forthcoming Domino special issue from Curbed.
5. We toured this home designed by architect Christopher Polly on Contemporist in Sydney….
6. …then headed southward to check out the peaceful Marion Bay House in Tasmania (via Habitus Living).
7. Charmed by this paperweight found by Ideas to Steal.
8. Getting around to reading “Get To Work By Meeting Procrastination Head-On” from Fast Company.
9. The Minds of Modern Mathematics iPad app in honor of Ray Eames’ centennial.
10. And as the makers of Eames molded plastic chairs, we have to agree with Dwell: Color makes people happy.
Photo: Mirra Chair from Herman Miller
Thursday, 12 April 2012
By Jamie Latendresse
Sometimes the best way to stay happy is to stay flexible. Here’s six goodies that will bend to your will.
1. The Flex Watch Support charity and your own punctuality with the Green Flex watch. 10% of each purchase benefits the Be Perfect Foundation for spinal cord injury victims. It’s time to look AND feel good. Buy it here: flexwatches.com
2. Mirra Chair Designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, the Mirra offers more support with less material, flexing to fit and cradle your curves while its AireWeave suspension seat keeps you cool. Have a seat: store.hermanmiller.com
3. Mummy Mike Mummy Mike uses your rubber bands to prepare for the afterlife; the more he has, the better a mummy he can be. Unearth one here: thinkgeek.com
4. Plisse Orange Fade Organizer From Danish designer powerhouses Mette and Rolf Hay comes this flexible sunrise, perfect for protecting and organizing project files. Get one: designmuseumshop.com
5. Peas USB Hub Connect up to four devices with Simone Spalvieri and Valentina Del Ciotto’s colorful tech solution made from silicone rubber. Plug in here: momastore.org
6. Ardea Personal Light Inspired by the elegant necks of Ardea herons, Yves Behar designed the Ardea to be infinitely adjustable. Bring light to any surface or corner with this energy efficient solution. Light it up: store.hermanmiller.com
Photos: Linked to their sources within text
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
By Jamie Latendresse
You might say artist and designer Matthew Shlian has a ton of paperwork. Between his own artwork, design and commissions for clients, teaching, and collaborating with scientists at the University of Michigan, you can see why. With a background as a paper engineer, Matthew’s work focuses on paper as a means to explore three-dimensional form. He says, “Researchers see paper engineering as a metaphor for scientific principals; I see their inquiry as basis for artistic inspiration.” Check out the basis for his musical inspiration in today’s Playlist.
What do you listen to while you work? I listen to everything. Looking through my iTunes “most played” songs, it’s a mix of Jóhann Jóhannsson, Burial, Why?, the Antlers, El-P, Action Bronson, and a ton of Ghostly Records stuff.
How do you listen? I share studio space with five other people so it depends on the time of day and who is here. If we can’t agree on music, then it’s headphone time. I’m usually here alone in the mornings and I like to just listen to ambient music. For fellow audio nerds: I use KRK studio monitors, and for headphones I use Sennheiser HD 280 Pros.
Does music influence your work? Absolutely. I’ve been a drummer most of my life. I see connections between music and visual art almost to a point of synesthesia.
Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste? Friends let me know, or I find things online.
What song or artist best represents the work you create? I have no idea how to answer this. I’d love to compare myself to Brian Eno but that seems presumptuous. Reading about his process of creating is inspiring and I see connections to my own studio. It’s difficult to sum up my work with song, but I have to go with [Eno's] Music for Airports.
Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist: I went to Cranbrook Academy of Art for grad school and need to represent with the Eames Lounge Chair.
P.S. Do you have a favorite Herman Miller piece? I’m in the Aeron chair for most of the day in the studio. It’s probably been the best preventative health-care investment I’ve made in the last 10 years.
MATTHEW’S PLAYLIST
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
By Amy Feezor
Tour a little more of The Neighborhood — and get a look at the creative studio’s beginnings as they refurbished a historic 19th-century building at 24 Lever Street in Manchester, U.K.
Tell us about the workspace at the Neighbourhood. The main architectural design was carried out in collaboration with Dan Newport at Re-Form Architects. With the fantastic raw canvas of a 19th-century grade II listed building, and like a neighborhood in any city, there are a number of colliding influences and eras. Architecturally, we wanted to express clearly the distinction between new and old.
Were there special considerations that influenced the way the space is set up? Any particular obstacles to overcome? 24 Lever Street was pretty much in ruin after a fire destroyed a neighboring building in 2007, so the initial obstacles were simply to get the building to a viable, habitable state.
As the building is grade II listed, there were also several restrictions on what we could and could not do internally — for instance, the walls that had to be preserved. We wanted to respect and re-use as many of the original artifacts that we could, and reinterpret them in a contemporary setting. So, for example, we’ve reused many of the old-fashioned “front doors” found in the building in our meeting rooms (christened “Pie, Chips, and Peas” — a famous northern English trio) and mounted them in a simple glass wall.
Getting power and data around the space in a sensitive way was challenging. Embedding cables in the floor was not an option, and with great north-lights in the vaulted roof, we didn’t want to interfere with the lines with galvanized cable trays. So, we utilized an intricate network of galvanized air conditioning ducting to contain the 4 kilometers of cabling which needs to travel around the studio, hanging these from the primary beams.
As a creative company, it’s vital that we have an inspiring, and challenging, environment — with quirks, and stories embedded within our walls.
See more of the move into The Neighbourhood here — and get the look in your own workspace by starting with our Aeron chair.
