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Using shallow storage units as space dividers was a concept that Knoll had been considering for years. As the open plan design philosophy moved away from the panel-enclosed individual workstation, and towards a more open, collaborative layout, Knoll saw a market for the innovative planning scheme. The central concept was a spine wall deep enough to accommodate hanging files, but compact enough to be used in between other systems components — basically a thick panel.
Antenna Design was brought in to realize the concept. With the help of Knoll team member David Noel, Antenna created a kit of parts, which could be used in literally hundreds of layouts and horizons to create efficient storage solutions while consolidating components and saving space.
By relocating the storage capacity of traditional pedestal and overhead units, as well as technology management, to the spine, the space around the primary worksurface was opened up.
“With the primary worksurface positioned perpendicularly, the horizontal spine becomes your back and forth, a conduit for collaboration,” explains Noel. Template’s dual-sided access also allows interaction between workstations on opposite sides of the spine, “It’s not two units back to back, but a yin and yang.”
