Forward systems architecture
New times, new technologies, new workstyles It s time for a new workspace architecture Introducing Forward Just 15 years ago you had probably never used a mobile phone. There was no laptop in your bag. No wireless connectivity. No access to the Internet. Quite likely there was no way you could work anywhere except at the office. Clearly times have changed, not only in the technology we use, but also in the way we work. The idea behind Workspace Architecture is to look at the office as a whole, where everything from the building itself, to its interior structures, the office furniture and technology is interrelated. It requires a vision that integrates architecture, furniture and technology, bringing structure to the space and freedom to the user. Today, business is based on a new set of values that embraces rapid communication, informal networks, To create this vision, Steelcase teamed up with Foster & Partners to develop and design Forward. Workspace Architecture mobile workers and team collaboration. Organizational hierarchies are giving way to networks as the innovation that drives success requires collaboration: people need to communicate more easily, inspire each other with new ideas, gain access to valuable information. These changes have shifted the emphasis in work from I to We, requiring people to continuously balance individual and collaborative work within the same space. But while technology has dramatically altered workstyles, lifestyles and organizational forms, many of today s workplaces are lagging behind. It s time for a radically new workspace architecture. It s time for Steelcase Forward. Foster & Partners supplied a deep understanding of office architecture, space management and modern design. Steelcase contributed extensive knowledge about business process, people and organization, technology and the workplace. Forward meets contemporary demands for both individual and collaborative work. It provides inspiring spaces that support individual tasks, needs and workstyles at different times of the day, and control over individual work environments. At the same time, it enables informal exchanges wherever and whenever you want them to happen. 01 02
Providing structure and freedom Structure At the heart of Steelcase Forward is a structural element called the bridge. It is the basic element of the system, around which everything else is configured. The bridge structures the workspace to create different work environments. The bridge accommodates IT equipment, accessories and connections. Post and beam configurations support collaborative situations, creating ideal settings for tasking, teaming, and in-between. As well as a platform that accommodates future developments and needs. Post and beam defines space and supports visible display of work. Freedom The bridge supplies the functional aspects of the traditional desk by accommodating the telephone, computer, accessories, and power and call a table. By using a fixed bridge and movable tables system, Forward allows users to quickly reconfigure their personal space. data cabling for connectivity. It supports the creation of a variety of settings The bridge puts all tools and connections appropriate to workstyles and needs, within easy reach, provides territorial and and instant switching from individual to visual privacy, and maintains accessibility The metaphor we use for Forward workspace architecture is a marina. It s a space with a clear structure and a common understanding about how to use it, yet individual boats have ample freedom to come and go as they want. In the same way, Forward creates a structure for office space, yet gives users the freedom to come and go, and to move around. collaborative work in the same or adjacent space. Adjustable workshelves free up the desk so that it becomes what we simply for colleagues. The table is easily moved for an impromptu meeting, and returned to the bridge for individual tasks. This loosely structured environment creates a culture of freedom and mobility in the office. Mobile tables offer flexibility and mobility, enhancing communication, collaboration and efficiency. 03 04
Creating inspiring flexible workplaces Forward system solutions provide a complete menu of elements to create the workspace you need, from a single workstation through to a complete workplace. This highly flexible system concept allows planners to create diverse worksettings and support various workstyles that integrate architecture, furniture and technology, with a unified look and functionality together with the flexibility that makes it future proof. 05 06
I space a workplace where I feel good For the individual, Forward creates physical and emotional comfort, enhancing personal well-being and performance. It s easy to organize space for the way you feel most comfortable and the way you want to work. The bridge gives you instant access to power and data, allowing you to take advantage of mobile workstyles. Simply adjust the workshelf, table, accessories and screens to your preferred position and workstyle, and start working. Traditional workstation Corner top, screen and fixed workstation. Forward workstation with Forward Arm fixed to the Bridge 35% space saving 35% space saving on the footprint. The worksurface stays the same, but becomes mobile. 30% increase in worksurface Forward workstation with Workshelf on the Bridge Keeps the same footprint yet increases the worksurface available to the user by: 30% 07 08
Your comfort, your workstyle With Forward it s easy to organize space for the way you feel most comfortable and the way you want to work. Flexible, versatile and mobile, it enables you to move between different tasks through the day, with simple quick adjustments to support your changing needs at any given time. Helping you to focus on concentrated work Forward enables you to organize your personal space for the way you want to work. For concentrated work, adjusting the sliding screens, flat-screen monitor and table position lets you switch effortlessly between different tasks, balancing the amount of privacy or contact you need at any given time for the task at hand. Supporting that way you like to work It only takes a few moments to adjust your table and workshelf to change the work at hand. Sliding screens let you balance your privacy needs by sliding them to the desired position. Writable screens and post and beam infill panels allow you to scribble notes or leave messages for colleagues. 09 10
My space becomes Our space It only takes an instant to move from individual to collaborative work, without the need to leave your table, or your support systems. Simply turning in your chair or sliding a screen opens up lines of communication, while keeping the tools you require to work efficiently and effectively close at hand. Change tasks in an instant Forward enables you to switch instantly from individual to collaborative work. Tables can simply be turned away from the bridge and brought together at any time to create teaming spaces. 11 12
Move quickly from concentration to collaboration Forward enables you to switch instantly from concentration to collaboration. The bridge accommodates all technology, so the worksurface is kept free of cables and clutter. Casters on the tables enable them to be moved together at any time to create workspace for interaction, without moving away from your tools and resources. Monitor arm mounted on the bridge leaves worksurface clear Slide the privacy screen into any position you want on the bridge instantly. A touch lever lets you adjust shelf height up to 150mm, in 25 increments of 6mm. The cable management option provides easy access for cable management Plug-and-play at the worksurface supports easy use of technology FE2 tables on casters roll together easily for impromptu meetings 13 14
Change as you grow Forward enables you to easily grow your workspace and support systems as your business grows. Just add the elements you require as you need to accommodate more people. It s just as easy to reconfigure to support different organizational needs and ways of working. Elements connect to grow the workspaces as you need them Bridges connect for integrated data and power connectivity Double height ribbons provide extra privacy Privacy screens slide to personalize the working environment Adjustable shelving accommodates current resources freeing up the worksurface Fixed FE2 table supports concentrated individual and process work The 120º worksurface shape supports the natural flow of work Mobile storage elements provide secure storage 15 16
Great people demand inspiring workspaces You cannot get great ideas in an ordinary office. You need a workplace that will inspire, motivate and support the ways your people work, to grow innovation and long-term success. 17 18
The simplicity of plug-and-play Forward s advanced cable management supports the simplicity of plug-and-play connectivity wherever it is required in the workplace, by working as an integral part of cable distribution networks. The system can adapt to power and data systems in raised floors, suspended ceilings or perimeters. Also, because freestanding Forward is independent of the structure, it works in all types of buildings as a secondary grid, freeing the desk from the infrastructure and it can replace a raised floor. Cables can be easily channeled in and out thanks to the opening covers. User level plug and play (e.g. Steelcase Connecting Hub by Worktools). Cables can be routed from the technical level up to the user (frequent intervals with soft edges to avoid cable pinching). Cables go past the post behind sliding covers, whatever the angle and the cable routing. Trees to segregate power and data. Cable sliding covers (closed). Power and data cables entering from the floor inside the vertebrae, and are routed through the bridge cable tray to irrigate workstations. Post and beam cable routing is enhanced by adding the bridge cable tray. A long vertical riser is the optimal way to route cables from the ceiling to the post and beam. 19 20
Easy to upgrade Forward is easy to upgrade thanks to its modular system and wide range of components. Any setting can be tailor-made to fit current needs, and later upgraded to accommodate new needs as they evolve. Forward s eco-design is a step towards sustainability, taking into account environmental, social and economic factors. It grows from a focus on creating products that take into account the complete life cycle of the product, including environmental and human health as key decision parameters, together with standard criteria such as quality, reliability and price. Start with the bridge Add a table, shelf, screen and accessories Create a team workspace with an extra table and bridges Shape a complete workspace with Forward post and beam End of Life Forward is 90% recyclable by weight. Packaging is 100% recyclable. The amount of glue used is minimal, for easy disassembly. Materials Forward is made from 45% recycled content. Cardboard and plastic LDPE (Low density Polyethylene) film are used for the packaging, which contains 60% recycled material. Minimizing the number of materials and components enhances ease of recycling. Easy to reconfigure Forward s highly flexible workspace concept allows planners to create diverse worksettings, from one individual workstation to a complete workspace, to support various workstyles including tasking, teaming and in-between, and reconfigure it as required. Freestanding Forward is independent from the building structure, making it easier to install and reconfigure than traditional workspace solutions. Use Forward is modular and easy to upgrade or repair, to prolong its lifetime. Clean the surfaces once or twice a year with a damp cloth. For daily cleaning use a smooth duster. Production Forward was designed to be made with minimal waste, energy consumption and environmental impact. Our Forward production plant is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. Powder-coat painting is virtually VOC-free and free of heavy metals. Transportation Packaging weight and packaging volume are both minimised, requiring less energy for shipping. Installation = 32 minutes 4 bridges + 4 tables + 4 workshelves (incl. unpacking and 2 fitters) Reconfiguration = 15 minutes 4 Bridges + 4 tables + 4 workshelves (using 2 fitters) SCS certified: Our manufacturing facility for Forward is Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) certified Advantage Gold. 21 22
www.steelcase.com Hong Kong +852 2520 0160 Tokyo +81 3 3448 9611 Sydney +61 2 9660 5511 Melbourne +61 3 9670 1555 Shanghai +86 21 6137 6288 Beijing +86 10 5911 3988 Singapore +65 6738 5225 Bangalore +91 80 3055 0300 Delhi +91 124 3077 200 Kuala Lumpur + 60 3 2027 6000 AP141E 03/09 2009 Steelcase Inc. All rights reserved.