Surreal and social: Reimagining the post-Covid social spaces and collaborative furniture

15 Jun 2020
news

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, collaborating and meeting in big groups still seems a bit surreal - as an idea beyond reality. However, as people are now gradually returning to their offices, how do we ensure that they are back to a safe workspace environment? Fatma ElFeki, interior designer at Dubai-based design studio Roar and Melia Abs, concept designer at OFIS, joined forces and worked together on selecting collaborative furniture from Sancal, Viccarbe and Bolia while imaging a perfect “khalina nsharek” or “let’s collaborate” workspace in a surreal setting.  

“We started looking at stackable furniture that is easy to move around so everyone can sit at a comfortable distance from their colleagues. The Viccarbe Quadra chairs are the perfect example of light-weight furniture that can be used in collaborative spaces,” explains Fatma.

Similarly, the recently launched Roll chairs by Sancal add on a quirky and playful touch to meeting spaces where users can move it around easily and sit in different positions- which is how this product is designed. And it’s also stackable. 

Another essential feature that needs to be incorporated when moving back to offices is using large meeting tables that allow for conversations and collaborations between team members while maintaining the required physical distancing.

“It is important to emphasize that ‘large’ is differentiated from bulky and ugly. A very well designed piece like Viccarbe’s Burin table is an example of an extremely functional, yet sophisticated product that allows for collaboration. Can’t wait to see this product installed in one of the commercial projects I have been recently working on with Roar,” adds Fatma.   

In terms of scale, Fatma explains that furniture is a crucial element that designers use to compose a well-balanced space.

“The Orb light by Bolia, for instance, can be used over the large Burin meeting table by Viccarbe to mark a meeting zone. Viccarbe’s Maarten stool is another example where the scale of the piece enforces a certain style of meeting or collaborating. Last but not least, the Next Stop range by Sancal has unique characteristics that invite its viewers to lounge or have a quick casual conversation. These can be used very well in breakout spaces throughout offices,” she says. 

Next

As for the mood board and colour palette, all of the above products that Fatma has selected come in a wide range of neutral and earthy tones. And since we are based in the UAE, both Fatma and Melia decided to go with beige tones, paying homage to the beautiful desert landscapes and the great outdoors of this region.

Once the products were selected, our concept designer Melia, reimagined them in a surreal social space that would allow us to stay connected, yet separated.

“My idea behind the GIF’s concept was to create a surrealist space in which you can feel both - inside a collaborative office space and outside in nature. It’s dreamy and surreal and one of the main reasons why I wanted to make such a strong connection to the outside surroundings and nature itself is because collaboration exists in nature from the beginning. Animals do collaborate all the time. Just look at the bees, wolfs, elephants… and biophilic design is at our hearts at OFIS.

We love when our furniture and flooring that are used in closed spaces can still help create that strong connection to the outdoors and nature.

Considering that we are living in a desert environment, we opted for colour tones that genuinely represent our nature here in Dubai.

For your daily does of inspiration, visit our Instagram account!

You might also be interested in...

news
OFIS - A new visual identity

OFIS’s rebranding ties with its new goals, to provide holistic solutions for the offices and commercial spaces of the future

Learn More
news
Interface carbon neutral floors

Get a certificate proving your commitment to lowering your carbon footprint in 3 easy steps.

Learn More
news
Dubai-based interior designers discuss the latest trends and challenges in office design

At a recent roundtable held by OFIS and its key office furniture partner Steelcase, industry professionals came together to discuss the latest trends affecting the realms of the office design.

Learn More
news
First look: New Look Both Ways office carpet tiles and LVT collection from Interface

Melia Abs, concept designer at OFIS, takes us inside ESAG Design Hub in Dubai Design District and introduces Look Both Ways, the latest office carpet and LVT collection from Interface. Designed by Kari Pei, product designer at Interface, this is the first time that we see in one collection, both carpet tiles and luxury vinyl tiles - LVT.

Learn More
news
Leading through a crisis: I’m only human, after all

During the recently held webinar co-hosted by OFIS and Cosentino, Lucy Kidd, a business psychologist and leadership consultant, and design and build industry leaders – Kristina Zanic, Keenan Grote and Mariam Halim Kamel – shared their truths on how they’re currently navigating their teams through the coronavirus crisis while staying humans – after all.

Learn More
news
Is work from home here to stay? Check out our home and office furniture inspirations

Will you continue to work from home after the coronavirus pandemic? Our concept designer Melia Abs shares her weekly dose of inspiration, envisioning her perfect home office, using residential and office furniture products from our Spanish partner Sancal.

Learn More
news
Thinking in shades of blue: How to use Pantone Color of the Year in office spaces?

Over the years Pantone Color Institute with its Color of the Year selection has influenced not only fashion, product design and residential interior trends, but also the way work environment and office furniture are designed. Today, we’re thinking in shades of classic blue together with Abeer Zaidi, FF&E manager at Swiss Bureau Interior Design. We are exploring a range of different office furniture products that can help you incorporate various shades of blue (from baby to navy blue) in workspace environments without overwhelming the space.

Learn More
news
Black is back! How to use dark colors in your design and office furniture?

We're back with our Monday Moods series. Today our concept designer Melia Abs explores how different shades of black can be used in workspaces and office furniture and flooring, especially in executive offices and meeting rooms. While the beige colour was favoured by many designers in the early 2000’s and grey was dominating both residential and commercial interiors in the past decade, black is surely coming back as the new neutral. And we love it!

Learn More
news
In your space: Take a look inside ATI Architects' new office in Downtown Dubai

Step inside ATI Architects’ new head office, housed in a landmark building in Downtown Dubai. Our team at OFIS helped them select the right office furniture from B&T and Benel and flooring products from Interface, delivering a creative workspace with wellbeing and biophilic design principles and ergonomics applied throughout.

Learn More
news
Introducing 'FOCUS' by OFIS

In the ever-evolving landscape of office solutions, innovation and quality stand as paramount pillars. Recognizing the growing demand for locally-produced, high-quality office solutions, OFIS proudly presents 'FOCUS,' a brand born from a commitment to excellence and a dedication to meeting the unique needs of businesses. Let's delve into the inspiration, motivation, and aspirations behind this exciting venture.

Learn More
© 2022 OFIS - Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group. All Rights Reserved.