Seregno, Monza Brianza, Italy
Egidio Panzera from Egidio Panzera Architect studio creates Nicandro Partitions for manufacturer Faram 1957, a partition system that frees the aluminium frame from the need to enclose a number of glass panels and works by uniting a number of frames, each of which carries a single element.
The design has recently been awarded a 2021 Good Design Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies for its remarkable innovation and functionality.
Nicandro provides the possibility to create different degrees of soundproofing: a single partition, or layer, is perfect for common rooms or coffee break areas, two partitions paired favor concentration in open spaces, three partitions ensure total privacy for executive offices.
Modularity makes it possible to go from one configuration to another by simply adding or removing the frames, changing the arrangement at any time and customizing elements either in situ, during installation, or at a later date, considerably reducing down times and costs.
Articulated joints mean that office spaces designed for diverse uses and requiring different acoustic performance can be set up side by side.
Overlaid multi layers are one of the distinguishing features of Nicandro.
They are stratified by overlaying a few or many layers, even on individual portions of an entire partition, according to needs in terms of soundproofing or aesthetics.
Partitions can be decked out in many ways to create fully customized areas: besides neutral, coloured or decorated glass, the frame can host panels in wood or fabric, grilles or metal mesh, creating overlaid colours and materials with different transparencies and densities.
The floor and ceiling mounted three-track frame placed in front of the partition profiles can be used to host storage units and sliding bookcases, panels, blinds, monitors and nets to house plants and flowers that will increase the wellbeing and productivity of those working in the area.
In this way the partition wall is equipped with elements usually provided by different suppliers, but all these come from Faram 1957, a single source that supplies partitions as well as lights, blinds, panels, whiteboards, greenery, communications elements, security, storage units and décor.
The Nicandro lighting system responds to the human centric lighting approach, which aims to enhance the wellbeing of people by modulating light sources.
Nicandro makes it possible to adjust the temperature and intensity of light, adapting it to the circadian rhythm, according to the time of day and activities involved.
At night blue light helps to reduce bacteria and bad odour. Light also helps to distinguish an environment, by spotlighting the inner part of partitions to exalt the surface pattern or ‘flooding’ horizontal and vertical surfaces of the architectural enclosure.
It can also have a communication function, used to brand spaces, define paths, highlight instructions and indicate escape routes.
Nicandro is able to generate the right sound insulation and the architecture of a more formal environment featuring outstanding finishes.
The frames are encased flush with the floor, walls and counter ceiling; sliding doors and wood boiserie panelling are some of the elements that help to create elegant areas.
On the other hand, co-working and operational offices enjoy solutions for generating exchanges and brainstorming with monitors, magnetic whiteboards and sound-absorbing panels to improve working comfort.
Project: Nicandro Partitions
Designers: Egidio Panzera, Egidio Panzera Architect
Manufacturer: Faram 1957 S.p.A.