Prototypes Used in Their Own Office for 18 Months

While companies are increasingly adopting flexible work arrangements, such as eliminating dedicated desks in favor of shared workspaces to allow for work anywhere, anytime, the role of the office as a "place for collaboration" is gaining importance.

Recognizing that much collaboration currently takes place at desks, designer Yves Béhar created "Public Office Landscape," a solution that merges work desks with casual communication areas to foster collaboration throughout the office.

"I wanted to create designs that support a more flexible and fluid way of working while also addressing the fundamental human need for connection," says Yves Béhar, who refined the concept by using prototypes in his own office for 18 months.

Focus on the "Social Chair," the Core of the System

Public Office Landscape allows for collaboration areas to be placed adjacent to individual desks or integrated within personal workspaces, promoting productive interaction while maintaining a cohesive design and comfort across all desk and group areas.

The "Social Chair," the centerpiece of Public Office Landscape, is ergonomically designed to accommodate various postures for work and encourages interaction while seated. It also features a seamless connection to desks and storage.

Design That Connects People

Designers Sam Hecht and Kim Colin recognized the gap that still exists between how people work and their office environments, despite the importance of collaboration for productivity, and designed "Locale." It serves to connect people within expansive open-plan offices.


They state, "To retain talented individuals, companies must provide spaces where employees can connect with each other and better utilize open-plan layouts." The "Workbase" unit, a low-profile, linear, architectural element that forms the core of "Locale," offers desks, storage, and informal seating.