In the dynamic landscape of office design, one name stands as an undisputed force—ACTIU. With a legacy spanning over five decades, the Spanish titan has not only etched its presence across 90+ countries but has also become synonymous with cutting-edge office furniture for work and contract spaces. Renowned for making strides towards sustainability and well-being in design, the company is a trailblazer that effortlessly combines innovation, speed, and cost-effectiveness.
Proudly standing as the first industrial company worldwide to attain the WELL™ v2 and LEED® Platinum certifications, ACTIU’s unwavering commitment to infusing well-being into workspaces, characterised by intelligent ergonomic design. Their consistency has also earned them the esteemed Spanish National Design Award accolade in 2018.
Recently at Dubai Design Week 2023, ACTIU showcased their first Type A certified task chair, A+S WORK, alongside the QYOS pod. However, stealing the spotlight was their newly-launched Soft Seating furniture with upgraded linens and fabrics.
This move sparks curiosity—what impels a reputed name in corporate furnishings to make an entrance into the realm of hospitality?
Versatility Redefined: From Corporate Spaces to Living Rooms?
ACTIU’s foray into soft seating signals a strategic expansion to meet a burgeoning market need. This move transcends mere diversification; it underscores the brand’s dedication in crafting environments prioritising both physical comfort and the emotional well-being of individuals.
Rooted in its Mediterranean character, ACTIU demonstrates an awareness that the contemporary lifestyle yearns for flexible, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. This is mirrored in their innovative furniture designs catering to the needs of areas beyond typical offices or homes.
Take the GLOBB: Organic Essence by STONE DESIGNS series, for example. Inspired by balloon art’s infinite possibilities, it encapsulates the organic essence and sinuous lines of an elongated globe, recreating the beauty of its shape and the lightness of its appearance.
Collaborative Creativity: Designing with Renowned Artists or Designers
Drawing on its extensive corporate experience and expertise, ACTIU weaves functional considerations and ergonomic design principles into the fabric of this collection. The new Soft Seating assortment, curated by their in-house team and distinguished designers infuses a vibrant blend of colour, creativity, movement, and comfort into spaces.
Take the GLOBB: Organic Essence by STONE DESIGNS series, for example. Inspired by balloon art’s infinite possibilities, it encapsulates the organic essence and sinuous lines of an elongated globe, recreating the beauty of its shape and the lightness of its appearance.
What sets this collection apart is its ingenious ability to form creative combinations, akin to the art of balloon twisting. These combinations allow one to personalise each space, creating unique designs adapted to different needs and preferences.
OWWI, a creation by ARNAU & REINA, stands as a distinctive icon—a chair instantly recognisable for its embracing backrest. Characterised by generous foam padding and detailed upholstery, from the folds in the backrest to the piping outlining its dynamic contours, the design conveys simplicity, formal charge, and adaptability. The characteristic wrinkles in its upholstery form the W’s that inspired its name.
On the other hand, OWWI, a creation by ARNAU & REINA, stands as a distinctive icon—a chair instantly recognisable for its embracing backrest. Characterised by generous foam padding and detailed upholstery, from the folds in the backrest to the piping outlining its dynamic contours, the design conveys simplicity, formal charge, and adaptability. The characteristic wrinkles in its upholstery form the W’s that inspired its name.
Speaking of letters, YPSE: An Ode to Encounter by ARCHIRIVOLTO, draws inspiration from the Greek letter Ypsilon. This distinctive bench design is intended for easy organisation and division of spaces, presenting a versatile and elegant solution to optimise communal living areas for various activities.
YPSE: An Ode to Encounter by ARCHIRIVOLTO, draws inspiration from the Greek letter Ypsilon. This distinctive bench design is intended for easy organisation and division of spaces, presenting a versatile and elegant solution to optimise communal living areas for various activities.
Ergonomic Excellence: A Legacy that blends Aesthetics with Functionality
Beyond forging collaborations, the ACTIU team dedicates itself to enhancing previous collections, infusing a touch of added comfort through continuous feedback and research. Noteworthy in this endeavour are two standout series: SMARA: The Soft Side of Life and CUIC: Design at a Glance by ACTIU TEAM.
Carrying forward the Longo furniture legacy, SMARA is a new collection of armchairs and sofas. With maximum versatility and a timeless design, it stands as the convincing choice for passageways, waiting areas, or executive spaces—seamlessly connecting users and reflecting the essence of proximity in living.
Carrying forward the Longo furniture legacy, SMARA is a new collection of armchairs and sofas. With maximum versatility and a timeless design, it stands as the convincing choice for passageways, waiting areas, or executive spaces—seamlessly connecting users and reflecting the essence of proximity in living.
The CUIC series is crafted for both waiting and transit areas, seeking to capture the beauty of simplicity at first glance. Its elegant, functional, and minimalist design effortlessly integrates into any space, with the die-cast aluminium legs imparting a contemporary flair to its overall aesthetic.
In tandem, the CUIC series is crafted for both waiting and transit areas, seeking to capture the beauty of simplicity at first glance. Its elegant, functional, and minimalist design effortlessly integrates into any space, with the die-cast aluminium legs imparting a contemporary flair to its overall aesthetic.
ACTIU: The Brand’s Story
Headquartered in Castalla, Alicante, ACTIU emerged from a modest carpentry workshop in 1968, founded by Vicente Berbegal. Now, a global force, the family-driven company thrives on relentless Research and Development and collaborations with top design professionals.
The versatile furniture brand isn’t one to sit around. By scrutinising global studies on well-being and sustainability and investing in technology, sustainable growth, and design fusion, ACTIU crafts a range of efficient and comfortable office essentials—desks, chairs, filing, screens, and more—all showcased in cutting-edge showrooms worldwide.
What elevates their quality? Absolute control over the manufacturing process, ensuring excellence from wood and metal mechanisation to flawless finishes, all orchestrated from their ACTIU Technology Park in Alicante. Recognized as one of Spain’s healthiest buildings, this park stands among the world’s top 20 sustainable structures, alongside iconic landmarks like the Shanghai Tower and Apple Park in California.
