innovations
Ology, Steelcase’snewdesking range,has been
developedwithofficeworkers’well-being in
mind. Inparticular, it is designed toencourage
movement andposture change,which
Steelcase says is important for energy levels
andproductivity.
The desk has a choice of height adjustment
mechanisms, including push-button electric
options for true flexibility, up to amaximum
height of 1,250mm. For user comfort, desks can
be specifiedwith a soft edge that reduces pressure
onwrists and forearms.
There is also the optionof BactiBlock
antimicrobial protection for power and data
points,worksurface edges, desk pads andheight
adjustment controls. Bactiblock,whichuses
naturally occurring silver to attackmicrobes,
ismoulded into the parts and released to the
surface over time.
Allan Smith, vice president ofmarketing and
applications for Steelcase, said:“With aroundone
thirdof the global officeworkforce beingmobile,
the reality is that that themorewe share desks,
themorewe share germs. It thereforemakes
sense to develop a product that canmake a real
difference in the transmissionof germs.”
Ceiling from the future
Philips is turning ceilings intodesign
statementswith the launchof a luminous
light panel similar to that predictedby science
fictionwriter IsaacAsimov50years agowhen
hewrote:“By2014, electroluminescent panels
will be in commonuseand ceilings andwalls
will glow softly...’’
Available in sizes up to10 x 3metres, the
PhilipsOneSpace luminous panel integrates LED
lightswith textile to create anultrathinwhite
light ceiling surface that hides the source of light
completely,whilst also absorbing sound.
Philips saysOneSpace’s uniform, glare-free
white light is similar tonatural daylight,making it
ideal for car showrooms, flagship retail stores and
public spaces like airports, hotels and conference
facilities.The panel can be dimmed and linked
to buildingmanagement systems for centralised
control or used as safety lighting.
Theups anddownsof the
workingday
Just because a business has an estate of fixed
height desks –or a limited budget – doesn’t
mean its employees can’t enjoy the benefits of
sit-standworking.Varidesk is an interesting desk
accessory that enablesworkers to vary the height
of theirmonitor (ormonitors) and keyboard
between sitting and standingwhenever themood
takes them. It is available in two sizes and comes
with an app that reminds userswhen towork
standing up. Prices start at £275.
Sit backand relax
Stress Free is an animated app developed
by practisingmembers of the Royal
College of Psychiatrists to ease stress
levels in theworkplace. Produced by a
developer of computer games, it teaches
staff proven relaxation techniques,
including calmer breathing, deepmuscle
relaxation, self-hypnosis andmeditation.
Height adjustableandgerm-freedesking
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Somethingold, somethingnew
Peoplewhomiss the shape and bright light of a traditional
incandescent lightbulbwill welcome the launchof Philips’ clear
40watt equivalent LED bulb. Providing 470 lumens output in all
directions, the bulb combines the elegant shape and sparkling light
of a traditional bulbwith the long life (25,000hours) and low energy
consumptionof LED technology. Philips claims that users can save up to
10 euros per year for every 40W bulb replaced.The Philips’ clear 40watt
equivalent LED bulbwill be available in July andhave a recommended
selling price of 8.99 euros.
Aquick
conversion
TheTrust RioTrolleyBackpack is a versatile
case that converts from a backpack to a
trolley in seconds – and vice versa. It has
padded sections for a 16in laptop and an
11in tablet; three zippered compartments for
documents, chargers andother items; and a
zip-up compartment for storing the shoulder
strapswhenused in trolleymode.
