Milan, Italy
Unveiled at Milan Design Week 2022, OMA’s new Principles Collection for UniFor provides the fundamental concept that furnishings can be used by anyone, at any time, to best support the flow of operations and communications required by the contemporary workplace.
Originally designed for the Axel Springer Campus in Berlin, the collection has been expanded to over 100 elements from rectangular conference tables and sectioned desks to circular shelving and cylindrical meeting pods, which can be configured in endless ways, suitable for working together or independently.
The resulting collection combines OMA’s design ideas with the precise application of UniFor’s technical and manufacturing expertise.
The collection is composed of more than one hundred elements – in the sizes S, M, L, and XL and organized into different categories – which can be configured in limitless ways for working in groups or independently.
One of the families, the “spines”of the collection, includes straight and curved partition panels that can be joined to form individual pods for private calls and focused work, or semi-secluded nooks for smaller meetings.
Another family comprises ring-shaped sofas and soft islands that allow for more informal interaction.
The elements, which provide for multiple and diversifiable functions and applications, have been designed to give form to every type of space, be it for working, waiting, meeting, relaxing, or any combination of functions.
Conceptualized as an interior micro-architecture, each space has its own identity differentiated by forms, colors, and dimensions.
Each piece in the collection has been specifically designed to ensure the flexibility of the workplace and to offer a maximum level of functionality for the convenience of its users.
The desks and tables have double-layered surfaces for multiple uses such as eating, working, and organizing.
The furnishings are fully wired, giving users the flexibility to work anywhere in the office, while soundproof materials are incorporated into their design for elevated acoustic performance.
Exploration of technology and materiality is integral to the development of the collection.
Fabric for high-tech sportswear, extra-thick color core laminates in carefully selected tones, and specially designed microperforated sheet metals for acoustic performing surface have been deployed to create highly functional furniture.
Straight and curved partition panels join to form individual nooks for private calls and focused work, or semi-secluded areas to meet and discuss with others, while ring-shaped sofas, donuts and soft islands allow people to get together and interact in a more informal manner.
Each piece is designed with features that support a flexible workplace.
Desks have double-layered surfaces so that any tabletop can be used for work, storage or eating.
Acoustic materials have incorporated the designs to assure an optimal soundscape.
Power outlets embedded into the furniture give the option to work virtually anywhere in the building.
More than office spaces, various public buildings can host the collection: reading rooms in libraries, lounges at airports, and foyers at theaters.
Project: Principles Furniture Collection
Designers: The Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA)
Design Leader: Rem Koolhaas
Design Team: Philippe Braun, Giulio Margheri, Antonio Barone, Katrin Betschinger, Valerio Di Festa, Camille Filbien, Lina Jaidi, Natalie Konopelski, Konstantinos Papasimakis, Andrea Verni, and Giada Zuan
Manufacturer: UniFor SpA– a company of the Molteni Group
Photographers: Delfino Sisto Legnani and Alessandro Saletta
