With the advent of work-from-home and flexible hybrid arrangements, employees returning to the office are seeking to leave traditional workplace formalities behind in favour of a more relaxed setting that embraces the comforts of home. And, like the happy medium that exists between business formal and smart casual, work environments and the furnishings within them can also be designed to bridge this gap. This challenge was the impetus behind Keilhauer’s new Forsi collection, launched at NeoCon 2022 and conceived to meet the needs of modern meetings.
The contract furniture heavyweight turned to their frequent collaborators at design firm EOOS to conceptualize the two-piece collection: a conference table and chair. Forsi’s name — a portmanteau of the numbers four and six — hints at the ideal number of members in a productive and efficient meeting, and in turn, the size of the table. Keilhauer’s collection embodies the latest in office design trends, while expanding the brand’s offerings with a new category. Unlike most contract furnishings which are typically grouped into two classifications — low-slung, informal lounge collections and higher, more formal conference pieces — Keilhauer’s Forsi collection is a hybrid of these two options, offered at a “working lounge” height that is comfortable enough for relaxation, while still providing enough structure to enable productivity. (For traditionalists, a typical conference height table is also available alongside its lower counterpart).
The collection’s emphasis on comfort goes hand in hand with its pleasing appearance. The table’s gentle curves evoke an understated elegance, with power sources carefully tucked away for a clutter-free workspace, while the chair’s clean, contoured lines draw from the silhouettes of mid-century modernism. Available in a wide range of finishes, the latter can be easily customized to suit any office space: Opt for a classic look with a 5- or 4-star aluminum base, or add a touch of warmth with a 4-star ash or walnut base to match the conference table (which is also offered in laminate).
The line is designed to “unlock productivity and accelerate the ways in which we work,” including how we collaborate. As informal meetings, hybrid options and office downsizing have become the norm, the Forsi collection is best suited for small boardrooms, yet equally fitting for both casual check-ins huddled around a laptop, and longer, more dynamic collaboration sessions. In fact, Keilhauer designed the Forsi collection to change the way we think. Its soft upholstery and ability to recline put users in the proper headspace to ponder ideas, making collaboration more efficient and fruitful.
Addressing the future of work also necessitates consideration of sustainability, which has been a longstanding priority for Keilhauer. Manufactured in facilities that produce zero waste to landfills and offset 100 per cent of their electricity use with renewable energy credits, Forsi represents the future of contract furnishings. Crafted from high-quality materials and backed by a 10-year warranty, the collection will weather the wear and tear of regular use. With its timeless minimal design, Forsi will surely be a fixture in offices for years to come.
This content was published by Azure on behalf of Keilhauer.
The brand’s latest conference collection strikes the perfect balance between formal and casual to meet the needs of today’s workspaces.