London-based design studio forpeople is founded on the idea that, as the name suggests, design is for people. “Our simple philosophy [is based on] a firm belief that design is not an abstract, theoretical exercise; it has to be for the benefit of the people who use it,” says Richard Stevens, one of the studio’s four founders.

Forpeople first worked with Herman Miller on a project that saw them research the future of the workspace, and they found that huge changes are underway. “What we know is that ‘work’ is shifting more towards an experience than any particular space or place,” says Stevens. This, he says, affects behaviour and in turn, workspace design, and how chairs we use within these spaces are designed, too.

This led to a new project for Herman Miller: the Keyn chair. “Research shows that people move up to 53 times an hour while sat down; you only have to watch people in a meeting for a short time to see how much they shift and fidget,” says Stevens. “So it made sense for us to consider how we enable the chair to move with the user.”

Stevens and Lee will be speaking about the Keyn chair at the event, and the chair will be on site for those who want to check it out.

Dr. Agustin Chevez, Hassell: Evolving Workplace Solutions

Originally from Mexico, Dr. Agustin Chevez worked there as an architect before doing postgraduate studies in project management, followed by a PhD in workspace architecture. He’s now a Senior Researcher with global architecture firm Hassell’s Melbourne office, as well as being an Adjunct Research Fellow at Swinburne University of Technology’s Centre for Design Innovation.

Chevez’s research into notions of work throughout history and environments that support our working lives has led him to conclude that “organisations exist in an environment of change, due to shifts in demographics, business structure, economic climate, technology and a variety of other circumstances that can challenge the design of the workplace.

“Traditional design engagements finish when the building is occupied,” he says. “At best, follow ups are done in the form of Post Occupancy Evaluations (POEs). However, these usually become a scorecard with limited opportunities to improve the design. With Responsive Agile Workplace (RAW), the design consultancy continues after occupancy where a number of ‘Checkpoints Points’ are conducted to test key parametres to ensure that the environment is performing as designed and the design keeps up with the evolution of the organisation.”

Dr. Chevez will explain more about RAW – Innovation from Within at REACH Melbourne.

The Products
Herman Miller Passport: Quantify How You Work

Passport is a new technology service that provides you with real-time data on the way you work, streamlining the workspace performance quantification experience. Users interact with this ibeacon-based platform via a password-protected app that’s available for both Android and iOS devices, and it tells them and their staff which spaces they are using, how often, at what time and in what way, as well as offering the possibility of actionable recommendations. You will be able to experience its capabilities firsthand at REACH Melbourne.

Herman Miller’s Healthcare Collection: Solutions for Caregivers and Hospitals

A lesser-known aspect of Herman Miller’s expertise is its capabilities in the healthcare field. Some of its furniture solutions for patient care, caregiver workspaces, hospital welcome areas and much more will be on show at REACH Melbourne. Items like Florabella, Sleepover 123, Nala chair and more will demonstrate the brand’s commitment to making healthcare environments comfortable, positive and attractive spaces.

Naugthone’s Office Furnishings: Responding to How We Live and Work

The British furniture brand is a longtime partner of Herman Miller’s, providing tables, seating and more that round out Herman Miller’s Living Office offering. Sustainable, high-quality, contemporary design is a focus for Naughtone, as you will see for yourself at REACH Melbourne. Products such as the Rhyme benches, Riley coffee tables, and Construct stools and tables will be on show at the event.

REACH Melbourne will run from 10am to 6pm at Laurens Hall, 183 Laurens Street, North Melbourne on 15 September 2016. Click here to secure your spot at the event.