Knoll

Fence delivers a more flexible alternative to panel systems to better support change and manage technology. Fence is a high-performance spine that delivers unsurpassed power and data management to accommodate growing technology demands while simultaneously allowing for easy workspace reconfiguration. Fence delivers the same advanced performance as Service Wall in a lower, more compact frame to support today's increasingly open and adjustable office.

Planned as a central spine in a workstation cluster, as a border to delineate team areas and neighborhoods within the office landscape, or as a continuous benching layout, Fence enables flexible workspaces that support collaboration and communication.

Fence is an ideal solution for offices seeking continued flexibility and convenience. Used with either wall-mounted or freestanding height-adjustable worksurfaces, tables and storage elements, Fence enables simple reconfiguration to accommodate changing teams and encourage fresh perspectives.

Fence with Height-Adjustable Tables

Fence is an ideal solution for powering height-adjustable tables without sacrificing planning flexibility. With power accessible along the length of the Wall, height-adjustable tables can easily be reoriented and reconfigured.

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Fence with Freestanding Furniture

With power and data centralized, freestanding tables and storage position anywhere along Fence to create flexible workspaces. Simple, functional screens define workstations.

Fence Systems Integration

Fence integrates with all Knoll systems to deliver advanced technology management and greater planning flexibility. A wide range of cover & component options accommodates every aesthetic. Fence can also be integrated with non-Knoll systems.

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Fence with Activity Spaces

Power and proximity are key factors for planning successful Activity Spaces. As an architectural element, Fence defines Activity Spaces while delivering easy access to power and data.

Product story

At the time of its introduction, the Currents Service Wall represented a revolutionary and unprecedented approach to office system design. Robert Reuter explained its origins in an interview with Knoll historian Brian Lutz:

“The idea for Currents came out of an understanding that work patterns were changing and evolving, that most of the office systems out there were created before computers and that there were new levels of adjustment, flexibility and enclosure required in the office that could no longer be simply ‘Band-Aided’ onto an existing product. It was truly time for a new product with a new approach…Currents was a game-changing product.”

The success of Currents was due in large part to the high quality market survey and in depth research, conducted by Douglas Reuter, which informed the design brief. Robert Retuer recalled: “Currents was the most well-supported, well-managed, well-researched and well-directed product initiative that Knoll had ever done.”

Rozier and Reuter returned to Knoll in 2001 to revisit and update Currents. Adding Fence as well as additional freestanding elements, the pair enhanced and expanded the system, making it more flexible and cost-effective. The logic of Currents has made its way into other Knoll systems; the Service Wall was incorporated into the AutoStrada product line, while an adapted version of Fence was introduced with Antenna Workspaces.

Knoll Designers Robert Reuter and Charles Rozier

Reuter and Rozier

ROBERT REUTER (left) came to Knoll after earning a degree in architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He spent three years working with Andrew Morrison to develop the Morrison office system from 1977 to 1980. A testament to the completeness of Morrison and Reuter’s investigation and process, the system was Knoll’s top-selling office product for the next two decades.

Reuter served as Knoll Senior Development Manager until 1987 and has continued to design numerous office products for the company, including the highly innovative Currents system. Most recently, Reuter and Rozier co-developed Autostrada.

CHARLES ROZIER (right) earned a bachelor’s and master's degree from Brown University as well as a master's degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Holding graduate degrees in both engineering and art, Rozier opened his own studio, which has since been recognized with numerous awards for industrial design including the Braun Prize and the ID Best of Category award for consumer products.

Rozier came to Knoll in the early 1980s to help direct the development of the groundbreaking Morrison System. He conducted extensive market research, helping Andrew Morrison expand his concept to become one of the most thorough office systems ever introduced. Rozier went on to serve as Vice President of Product Development at Knoll, a position that led him to co-design the Currents and AutoStrada Systems ― introduced in 1998 and 2004 ― respectively.

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Additional Info

Sustainable Design and Environmental Certification

Learn more about product certifications and materials at Ecomedes; for Antenna Fence, click here. For Antenna Fence Screens, click here.

Construction and Details

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT. Fence delivers convenient access to power and data anywhere, including lounge areas and corridors. Power outlets can be positioned above or below worksurface height and can be easily moved as needs change. Extensive cable distribution with removable covers makes upgrades and expansions quick and affordable.
SPINE-BASED PLANNING FLEXIBILITY. Reconfigure workstations, add storage and privacy elements and expand power and data capacity with ease. Fence creates a central spine around which freestanding or wall-mounted components can be planned and re-planned. Fence is an ideal solution for delivering power and data to height-adjustable tables, mobile tables and Activity Spaces.
UNIVERSAL INTEGRATION. Fence integrates with all Knoll products, including systems, height-adjustable tables and freestanding storage elements. A wide range of cover and component options accommodates a range of budgets and styles. Fence also integrates with non-Knoll products to improve technology management and increase planning flexibility.