Furniture
Furniture can serve as another form of brand identity. Specialty elements, such as reception desks, can become focal points within interior architecture.
Custom furniture
Consider the design of custom furniture within the context of IBM Design Language. The characteristics of duality can be expressed through a thoughtful contrast in materials. A rich metal juxtaposed with stone or wood reinforces a sense of tension between engineered and organic finishes. The 2x Grid anchors our design choices in proportional relationships. The intersection of different forms or volumes is informed by an underlying geometry.
Design studies
The design studies shown here are examples of how this design philosophy can be executed in a variety of solutions. Each scheme may be implemented in specific projects where appropriate or customized as needed. Additionally, we encourage our design teams to explore new concepts with these principles in mind.
Design study A
Our mainframes use a specially designed hexagonal grid pattern to ensure proper ventilation for the interiors of the systems. This mesh pattern provides a translucent finish that’s contrasted with a warm natural wood. Sheathed in a hexagonal screen, the natural wood finish is visible through the exterior shell. This juxtaposition is emblematic of the relationship between humanity and technology, the engineered and the organic.
Geometry
The proportions of the design are informed by the 2x Grid, creating a relationship between the perceived mass of both the wood and mesh forms. These proportions are modular in design and may be customized to meet the needs of any project. Depending on local requirements, some desks must provide a surface that’s an ADA-compliant height.
Finishes
A contrast in engineered and organic finishes is essential in this design concept. The mesh may be rendered in a variety of light or dark values. The wood base may also be executed in stone or concrete. Careful attention to details, joints and reveals will also reinforce a sense of precision.
If you wish to implement this design concept within a project, contact IBM Global Real Estate and IBM Brand Experience and Design.
Design study B
Two L-shaped forms intersect to make this light and inviting desk design. Less imposing than most volumetric approaches, this concept relies on carefully engineered planes kept as thin as possible to emphasize the simple forms and keep the desk visually light and open. Use of contrasting color and material provide interesting tension while referencing the relationship between humanity and technology, the engineered and the organic.
Geometry
The proportions of the design are informed by the 2x Grid, creating a balance between the two intersecting planar surfaces. These proportions are modular in design and may be customized to meet the needs of any project. Depending on local requirements, some desks must provide a surface that’s an ADA-compliant height.
Finishes
The use of two materials, one organic and the other man-made, contrast each other but their apparent mass must be scaled to balance each other. Various wood species and colors may be used but should always contrast the intersecting plane of man-made material. Swapping which plane is the organic and which one is the engineered material is also an option.
If you wish to implement this design concept within a project, contact IBM Global Real Estate and IBM Brand Experience and Design.
Design study C
A blue glass is used in this design to reference IBM “blue.” The 8 layers of glass create a functional ADA-compliant surface, and provide a connection to the 8 bars that form the IBM 8-bar logo. The light, translucent man-made material contrasts with the solid stone mass of the main desk and illustrates the duality of man and machine. Together, these metaphors provide an unexpected visual for the arrival of the IBM guest.
Geometry
The proportions of the design are informed by the 2x Grid, creating a relationship between thin, but colorful, glass and the mass of the stone. These proportions are modular in design and may be customized to meet the needs of any project. Depending on local requirements, some desks must provide a surface that’s an ADA-compliant height.
Finishes
Use of blue material rather than a painted surface creates a rich and authentic application of this important color. Other materials, such as anodized aluminum, can also be substituted. The stone surface could also be constructed of man-made material like concrete and a stained wood used in place of the glass.
