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New
office concepts, advances in information and communication technology
and the increasing need for flexibility mean that offices need
to perform efficiently to meet the demands of these workplace
trends. Picking up on this knowledge, the 44 (for four) concept
focuses on the criteria of flexibility, functionality, organisation
and teamwork, as well as the integration of modern office equipment.
The 44 concept is based on the idea of a non-territorial workstation,
e.g. for sales representatives who don't justify a permanent
office desk. Hettich's concept solves
this problem with surprising ease. Coming with a basic area
of approx. 90 x 90 cm (35.4" x 35.4") in its stand-by
mode, 44 is a mobile cube that takes up very little space when
stowed away in company premises. In use, turn-out work surfaces
transform the cube into a generously sized workplace for up
to four persons. Here is how it works: the four stacked work
surfaces simply swing out of the cube and are then lowered and
locked into place. The cube's interior accommodates the organisational
elements, such as pull-outs, flaps or vertical drawers. To make
efficient use of storage space, these can be accessed by any
member of staff. Rigid-foam leaves can be inserted to increase
surface area for specific work activities, or even to create
a conference table. This extends the usable work area to a generous
240 x 240 cm (94.49" x 94.49").
However, Hettich's concept is so
versatile that it can also be used outside the office environment:
in the home, for instance, if there's not enough room to install
a permanent workstation or for use as an adaptable "Jack
of all tables". But the idea also could be applied in other
areas, such as catering, where practical flexibility is essential.
The 44 concept shows system intelligence that breaks the conventional
mould. It demonstrates know-how and is a prime example of how
to pick up on go-ahead ideas and take them forward in close
development partnership with office furniture manufacturers
and office fitters.
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