Andreu World balances tradition and technology for the future of workplaces

Extending as far back as 1955, the history of Andreu World—a major player in the domain of workplace furniture—has always been grounded in the values of good design and sustainability. Constantly striving to create products that innovate, inspire, and enable users to enjoy the spaces they inhabit in a healthy way, the brand—whose origins are rooted in a family woodworking shop run by its founder, Francisco Andreu Marti in Spain—has collaborated with some of the most sought after designers active today. This continually expanding list includes the likes of Philippe Starck, Patricia Urquiola, Alfredo Häberli, Benjamin Hubert, and Jasper Morrison, to name a few. With operations and branches spread out across the globe, Andreu World has also brought their principles to the Indian market, most recently through an event in partnership with STIR on February 9 at the brand’s Gurugram showroom, delving into their collaborations with Swiss-Argentinian product designer Alfredo Häberli.

Centred on a conversation between Sergio Chismol, Head of Design at Andreu World, and Amit Gupta, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of STIR, the event was ripe with enlightening discussions on the future of workplace environments and the circular economy, exploring how good design can serve to enhance both at every level. The focus of the presentation for the evening began with three of Häberli’s designs for the brand, namely: the Giro Soft and Dado modular sofa systems, along with the In Out Office mobile furniture system. Underlying themes throughout this trio of product lines are the ideas of modular design and adaptability, considerations that are central to contemporary office design. Another key point in the discussion arose from the brand’s marriage of high-grade craftsmanship and industrialised manufacturing, where the blending of the two have served to realise Andreu World's design language since the brand’s inception.

"This is something that really represents Andreu World,” noted Chismol. He added, "We have a very good alliance between tradition and traditional techniques, since we have been working with wood for almost 70 years. This goes hand in hand with the use of the latest technology, allowing us to manufacture at an industrial scale in a cost effective way. It is a reality that if you design something that cannot be feasibly produced, it cannot really be considered good design.”

With regards to the former theme concerning adaptive work environments, which could be the future of office design, Chismol explained, “The rules have changed. In the past, the nature of a space defined what was going on inside it. Now, spaces must adapt to their users. The same space can have different uses, and users can work in different environments apart from an office, such as in hotels, homes, or even inside a restaurant.” In response to this, Amit Gupta stated, "Collaboration has become huge in workplace environments today, especially with the work culture that many organisations have adopted involving huddling, interacting, brainstorming, simultaneously working individually and also in tandem with larger teams.”

From here, the discussion organically touched on the topic of In Out Office, a furniture system that allows for privacy and soundproofing through moveable modular components that can function individually as individual workspaces, or be combined to create enclosed meeting areas for quick interactions and brainstorming. Assembled using die-cast aluminium bases that can either be fixed or mounted on moveable casters with an automatic braking mechanism, the system’s pieces can be arranged in an almost innumerable number of ways, with each permutation giving rise to unique compositions for varied uses.

“In Out Office is based on the silent box concept with casters. There are multiple versions that use acoustic panels of different heights, creating a landscape of pieces that could either be seating or tables. The system’s components can be placed in several configurations to create a range of unique layouts. Alfredo Häberli proposed the idea of opening up the sides of the components. With this movement, the environment becomes more open, optimistic, and tailored towards collaboration,” relayed Chismol.

Next, the conversation moved to the Giro Soft modular sofa system, whose name originates from the Italian word for 'turn.' Consisting of a curved series of modules with angles of either 45 degrees to 90 degrees, the sofa system rests on sleds of solid ash, or injected aluminium frames. Prioritising cosiness and comfort through an organic vocabulary, the product design can also be used to guide circulation when placed in public spaces, offering an avenue for rest and relaxation in environments with high footfalls.

Chismol shared, “In this case, the design stands out because of its organic shape. The base is very architectural, and renders an effect that makes the main body of the furniture design appear to float. Modules can be combined at different angles to create micro-architectural elements in spaces. Connectivity is also available through an optional USB charging port embedded into the body, in addition to an auxiliary table, that can be fitted as a work surface between the modules.”

Lastly, the third product on show was the Dado sofa, another modular seating system which can take on countless profiles and layouts—linear, boxy, island or L-shaped, to long sinuous arrangements. Similar to the Giro Soft, Dado can also be used to organise circulation paths, but its flexibility permits an added functionality as blocks that break the flow of space in large open volumes. Modules are sized from ottomans (with or without wheels) and individual sofas to chaise lounges in diverse shapes. At its most fundamental level, all this serves to enhance the spirit of teamwork and community in workspaces.

Partnering with designers is a core facet of Andreu World’s operations, and Chismol attested to this, as he mentioned, “It is important to know each other because this is how we can create a link and put our image, philosophy, and identity into our products. These discussions to fine tune the designs are key to making designs that strike a balance between the character of the designer and the values of the company. Our catalogue features works by many reputed designers with their own unique approach, but because of the materials, shape, as well as the way they have been developed and crafted, there is a common language. We hope that there is a common link and a sense of continuity that can be observed throughout our collections, which completes the vision of the company.”