The brief was to create a staff food service area for an Industrial company but with a less corporate look and feel. The general arrangement of the servery counters and furniture was already agreed and I was to add the finer detailing and specification. The client requested that the space be functional for larger meetings and presentations with all seating and screens to be mobile to allow for the space to change.
The client had to fit a large number of staff through in short structured meal times so seating had to be as efficient as possible. The seating to either side of the central benches is regimented for the most efficient use of space per person with a mix of chair styles and finishes to help break up the vista.
The central banquette seating was split into manageable 2 meter length sections and constructed with removable seat pads so hidden castor wheels could be locked and unlocked for mobility. Each of the cantilevered feature lights were mounted to the rear of the bench sections and individually plugged into individual 13 amp socket. The space was to be used by engineers as well as office staff so all upholstery specified had to be as durable as possible to oils and stain transfers from overalls. I specified a faux leather finish to all the seat pads which would take the most wear with a more tactile upholstery to the backrests of the Bench and softer seating.
The lattice screens create a certain level of privacy without completely cutting off visibility through the space.
Ultimately the client was extremely pleased with the finished look and what could be achieved with in their work environment.
