A place that is neither home nor work, ‘third spaces’ are hybrid, multi-purpose environments that encourage inclusion, collaboration and connectivity. The need to appeal to our innate need for human connection, while addressing basic needs and workstyles, mean that successful third places rely on thoughtful furniture solutions that you may not see in a typical office or commercial environment.

Global furniture manufacturer, Haworth is at the forefront of this emerging trend with solutions that provide flexibility and adaptability, and better utilise commercial spaces otherwise left unprogrammed. Below are three projects showcasing Haworth’s out-of-the-box thinking.

Victoria Cross, North Sydney

The Victoria Cross metro station development includes a 40-storey commercial building above the station’s southern entrance, integrating retail opportunities and enhancing North Sydney as a thriving commercial, residential and entertainment hub. Haworth worked on the display suite, which showcases a medium-sized flexible work and meeting space that can cater to different types of workstyles and collaboration needs.

This dynamic workspace features Haworth’s Sakuru meeting table and Poppy chair and lounge settings. Designed and manufactured in Australia, Sakuru answers the need for agility and flexibility with a reconfigurable platform that supports individual, group, linear, radiating, meeting and collaborative workstyles with its height-adjustable bench, table, or desk setup. The main anchor points are in a centralised bollard with motorised actuators to adjust the height of the desired surface. More than just an office desk, Sakuru is a ‘kit of parts’ that can be rearranged to suit the task at hand, for single or multiple users.

In this setting, the Poppy chair and lounge provide destinations for individual work and casual meetings, while adding visual and ergonomic comfort with their organic shape, curved lines, and array of inviting colors.

BoPo, Sydney

A partnership in space utilisation between Bowery Lane (Bo) and Haworth’s The Porter (Po), BoPo is a ‘third space’ that delivers a socially-oriented, multisensory experience where hospitality meets showcase settings.  It is a sanctuary away from more traditional working environments, providing a bookable private space that can be used for meetings, private dining, lunch and learns or evening cocktails.

BoPo also incorporates the Australian-made Sakuru table, this time incorporating a bollard wrap design by a local indigenous digital artist, Jennifer Moylan. This unique installation elevates the Sakuru, itself the result of a three-year collaborative journey with Australian designer Gavin Harris, into an important representation of Australian design and craftsmanship.

To accommodate a range of reflective, contemplative and collaborative activities, BoPo also showcases a wide array of BuzziSpace acoustic solutions, furniture, and lighting products.

Buzzi Pop-up

Designed to showcase BuzziSpace products that are a part of the Haworth Collection, the Buzzi Pop-up is located in an open lobby space where the acoustic qualities of this curated offering can truly shine.  What was once an underutilised and sparse entrance area has been transformed into a welcoming space where visitors and employees can experience first-hand the benefits of acoustic solutions and furniture.

BuzziSpace creates acoustic solutions, furniture, and lighting products that accommodate the demands of the changing workplace. Buzzispace products have high sound absorption and are a must for lobbies, conference rooms, modern office spaces with online calls and open plan layouts, and any space where acoustic comfort is a priority.

The range features beautiful, modern designs that have undergone rigorous acoustic testing to deliver maximum performance with minimum visibility. Products include BuzziSpark, a comfortable acoustic shelter designed for social spaces; BuzziCactus, a freestanding acoustic screen; and BuzziNordic ST100, a selection of Scandinavian-inspired seating solutions.

Haworth
haworth.com

Bowery Lane
bowerylane.com.au