ReAction Office
by Dominic Harrison
The central valley acts as an invitation to the user; an invitation to move and reconfigure thier space, and an invitation to play
Abstract
This study explores the historically political de-sensualisation of material and product within the context of the commercial office design industry. The modernist understanding that “form follows function” has created a history of design practice that devalues notions of ornamentation and sensory experience and foregrounds design that should follow function ‘effortlessly’. A review of current literature and analysis of sensory trends accompanied primary research in product experience. A lack of cohesion between the intentions and reality of sensual and emotional experience was identified within product design practice. The product design solution aims to inspire productivity and mental wellness in office spaces, as well as provide new product design methodologies to challenge stagnation and advance more holistic commercial office furniture systems. This study celebrates commercial office design through the lens of sensual gratification and pleasure. In introducing these hedonic products in the office, we may be able to break functional industry practices that are so cumbersome to change.
“ The modernist understanding that “form follows function” has created a history of design practice that devalues notions of ornamentation and sensory experience and foregrounds design that should follow function ‘effortlessly’.”
The dimming switches on the power block can be used to control a track lighting system. Control of bright, individual task lighting is given to each person, much like the reading lights on an airplane
Design Intent
The office is the perfect example of a space that persists in making sure its users uncomfortable. A history of misguided judgement has restrained the commercial office furnishing industry with a set of values far removed from the people who actually inhabit the space – the worker. In a culture where business concerns dictate the functionality of office furniture, this project exemplifies that placing human well-being above manufacturing concerns is a radical act. Designing a more satisfying sensory experience at work could improve productivity and mental wellness, as well as inspire change within industrialised commercial office practice.
ReAction Office is an approachable, flexible, and comfortable workspace solution designed with the user at its centre, featuring a number of useful and pleasurable satellite products. The central valley acts as an invitation to the user to move and reconfigure their environment, as well as an invitation to play. This ensures each user has the opportunity to experiment with their environment. Ultimately, this workstation voices a call to move beyond modernist understandings of function in developing pleasurable workplace experiences.
“A history of misguided judgement has restrained the commercial office furnishing industry with a set of values far removed from the people who actually inhabit the space – the worker. ”
This weighted cushion is stuffed with rice and dried lavender to provide the ultimate comforting feeling. These cushions also help to improve back posture.
The use of natural materials wherever possible and soft surface treatments such as beeswax give the range an honest aesthetic. All products have been designed with the ability to be wiped down or simply thrown in the wash.
The collection of products ranges broadly in form and material; from soft upholstery to fixed storage, spongey warm cork to the icy touch of cold metal. It is the deep sensory exploration of a number of different materials that create a coherent design from conception to prototyping, and from marketing to use.
Bio
My interests range from art and craft-based practices, evident in my work as a printmaker, to the intersection of product design and architectural systems. My previous role as a research assistant for the IKEA x UTS Future Living Lab allowed me to engage with experimental research into multi-sensory design. I explored the complex interactions between light, materials, and various technologies in the design of tomorrow’s living objects and atmospheric environments. My involvement in an architectural master’s studio working with Liam Young similarly involved future product and lifestyle speculation. I believe in the art of hospitality, especially in our professional environments. Designers must be able to intimately connect to the people around them to liberate the layers of information the world is currently feeding us — layers of sound, smell, history, and emotion. A strong contextual understanding of the problem-space comes from an empathetic and holistic approach to life; an understanding of what it means to be human, and how the human body responds to the expansive stimuli the world presents. I am currently completing an internship with Tom Fereday Design, and was a finalist for the 2020 Design Institute of Australia Graduate of the Year Award.
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