In the words of the renowned architect and designer Charles Eames, most famous for his iconic chairs, ‘The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.’ Nowhere is this principle more evident than in meticulously crafted lounges, where every element is curated to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of those who inhabit them.
Just beyond the dull confines of cubicles is this dreamy lounge space, filled with the inviting aroma of espresso and the comforting embrace of vibrant, ergonomic furniture. Its purpose is simple: to obliterate the boundaries between work and relaxation and seamlessly merge comfort and aesthetics.
Lounges are not merely pit stops for coffee breaks; they are strategic hubs intentionally designed to nurture collaboration, innovation, and perhaps even facilitate a spontaneous game of table tennis.
From Boardrooms to Bean Bags: Understanding and Elevating Lounge Aesthetics
Roche Pharmaceutical, Kuwait
Adopting the mantra of ‘work hard, lounge harder’ appears to be the unofficial motto of modern offices, where the design of lounge spaces is as crucial as the business strategy itself—a sentiment echoed by Arwa Chaklasi, Senior Interior Designer at AAID (Allen Architecture Interiors Design).
According to her, lounge spaces offer alternative seating opportunities, or what one could call ‘majlis type seating’. In her exploration of creating ideal chill-out zones, Arwa provides further context, stating, “At Roche Pharmaceutical office in Kuwait, we developed touchdown seating, focus rooms, and open meeting spaces for casual collisions and breakout areas.”
“At Roche Pharmaceutical office in Kuwait, we developed touchdown seating, focus rooms, and open meeting spaces for casual collisions and breakout areas.”
– Arwa Chaklasi, Senior Interior Designer at AAID
Central to this transformation is the strategic integration of apt furniture, including ergonomic chairs, plush couches, and modular seating. She highlights the versatile Noom collection from ACTIU and Raglan collection from Andreu World, in this respect, emphasising their adaptability for both formal settings like meeting rooms and casual lounge areas.
The Noom collection stands out with its innovative shape and impressive customization capacity, infusing a human touch into spaces and ensuring prolonged comfort. Likewise, the Raglan lounge chairs and armchairs, featuring upholstered seats and backs supported by injected aluminium legs, exemplify the marriage of style and functionality in modern lounge design.
Top: NOOM Collection from ACTIU
Bottom: Raglan Collection from Andreu World
Designing for Zen and Zest: Crafting Spaces for Inner Peace and Creativity
In the pursuit of crafting environments that promote inner peace, Savita Menon, FF & E Designer and QHSE Manager at Spacewell Interiors, shares her insights. “We’ve successfully designed collaborative spaces, recreational areas, meditation rooms, yoga studios, and Zen-inspired sanctuaries,” says Savita. These spaces feature comfy sofa seating, lounge armchairs, and even bean bags. Some offices go the extra mile, incorporating swings for added relaxation and creativity.
But hey, it’s not all serious business—playfulness has its place too, where whimsical shapes and forms seamlessly coexist with sleek lines and sophisticated colour palettes, injecting a sense of levity that fosters creativity and camaraderie.
Siesta Sofa from Andreu World
“We’ve successfully designed collaborative spaces, recreational areas, meditation rooms, yoga studios, and Zen-inspired sanctuaries.”
– Savita Menon, FF & E Designer and QHSE Manager at Spacewell Interiors
Diving into lounge favourites, Savita talks about the Bend collection from ACTIU and the Siesta seatings from Andreu World. With its unique shape, vibrant colours, and playful layout possibilities, Bend modular seating can conjure dynamic informal meeting points. On the other hand, the Siesta collection, with its steel sled base, offers sophisticated, modular options perfect for contract gatherings and residential spaces.
BEND from ACTIU
Cultivating Company Culture: The Role of Apt Furniture in Lounge Spaces
The influence of apt furniture extends beyond mere comfort; it shapes the fundamental essence of the lounge experience. Especially within multinational corporations, prioritising employee welfare becomes paramount, underscoring the significance of mental and physical health in fostering a positive working environment. In this intricate interplay between form and function, office lounge spaces emerge not merely as places to unwind but as dynamic contributors to a company’s culture.
Feature Image: A3Cube Office, Ahmedabad by Designer’s Circle; Photograph Courtesy: Inclined Studio
Article info
Article:
Date added:
13 December, 2023
