Rapid technological innovation has transformed how and where work gets done and how many people are needed to do it. No longer chained to the proverbial desk, technology-enabled workforces enjoy greater flexibility, life balance and productivity.

The function of the once indispensable office has evolved to keep pace with this dynamic transformation. With so much ongoing change, what role will office design play in the future and how do organisations navigate these challenges and stay ‘future-proof’? 

As hybrid and blended work practices become commonplace, the physical office has emerged as an epicentre for collaboration, creativity, connection and independent focus. To accommodate this, office design and furnishings need to reflect this activity-based model with a focus on spatial efficiency and agility. Similarly, the forward-thinking office is conscious of utilising adaptable, sustainable furniture to minimise waste and progress to a circular economy.

Zenith strategically designs and manufactures commercial furniture solutions with an inherent commitment to future-proofing by prioritising three principles:

• Tech-compatible solutions tailored to innovative, agile workspaces.
• ‘Collections’ of individual pieces that combine to create task-focused adaptive spaces.
• Recycled and recyclable materials integrated with our products ensure that our workplace solutions not only align with contemporary work needs but have a positive environmental impact in the future. 

These three principles are exemplified in a broad range of solutions designed and manufactured by Zenith, which facilitate a highly productive and task-focused workspace now and into the future.

Technology

Zenith’s acoustic pod, Verse, encapsulates technology and sustainability. Now in its fifth year, Verse remains one of the most adaptive acoustic pods in the space. Available in three sizes (Verse 1 Phone Booth, Verse 2 Meeting Room and Verse 3 Meeting Room), the pod is compatible with Zenith’s  ‘Rooms’ technology which allows for easy booking of the pods and more energy-efficient use.

‘Rooms’ is a comprehensive suite of booking software and hardware technology that offers robust analytics to report on room occupancy while drilling down on busy periods and occupancy numbers. Occupancy data can be overlayed with bookings through Outlook. Rooms software provides the ability to book the physical space according to virtual meetings created in other systems.

Verse is also compatible with Floorsense optical sensors. Mounted on the ceiling, Floorsense optical sensors analyse low-resolution images of the space, detecting individuals and generating precise data. All computation occurs internally within the sensor with no transmission of images over any network. The real-time count of individuals within a Verse pod is relayed to a Floorsense dashboard and floor plan display. When integrated with an intelligent occupancy management system like Rooms, Floorsense Optical Sensors can greatly enhance a company’s grasp of space utilisation and capacity planning.

All components of Verse have been thoughtfully considered for their sustainability at their end of life. To ensure they can be easily disassembled for recycling, the glass frames do not use silicone adhesives, and the acoustic interior panels can be up to 60 percent recycled material and 100 percent recyclable at end of life.

Employee wellbeing is a top priority for forward-thinking organisations. Verse Pods are designed with this in mind, providing a serene environment that reduces stress and promotes mental clarity. By offering a private space for relaxation, calls or focused work, Verse contributes to a healthier, happier, and more resilient workforce.

Nowhere is the need for adaptive technology more apparent than desking, where work modes and activities can shift and change throughout the day. Orbis Adapt has been thoughtfully designed, integrating a highly resolved power delivery system to answer this challenge.

The Orbis Adapt desk is suitable for a single occupant and features electric height adjustment, laptop and mobile device charging, privacy screening, mobility, and folding worktop. The integrated pull handle and lightweight design enable it to be easily relocated, reconfigured or stored away.

What really sets Orbis Adapt apart is a purpose-designed commercial workspace battery which will reliably power the height adjustment mechanism, monitor and all peripheral devices for a full day or more from a single charge.

True to its namesake, Orbis Adapt has been designed to evolve and adapt to changing needs by upending traditional ideas of the ‘work desk’, empowering adaptability through cable-free movement.

Adaptability

Inspired by ‘blended working’, the Mekos Range by Zenith Design Studio is a family of tables that share a common hoop leg design language. Presenting a leg profile that combines a soft curved inner with a honed outer surface, Mekos Table range celebrates shape and tonal variance, representing the quest for balance and choice within the contemporary workplace.

Mekos is an adaptive collection for the future-focused office, which provides options for sitting, standing, powered and unpowered according to task requirements and business needs. A four-person meeting table, for example, can have power access, allowing a hybrid worker to collaborate or perform focused work according to requirements. This flexibility allows businesses to increase spatial efficiency through multi-task furniture solutions.

The Precinct range by Zenith Design Studio is a collection of flexible and versatile structures that offer spatial fluidity for individual and group needs. With a family of products including pods, ottomans, lounges, booths and screens, Precinct can be combined to create ‘spaces within spaces’ for dedicated tasks, focused work or collaboration. Precinct is easily reconfigurable for a changing workplace layout or an expanding team, evolving with your future business needs.

Indispensable to a future-proof workspace is the Kissen Table range. With an omni-fold top, Kissen serves as a workstation pod, meeting table, touch-down team table and conference/tutorial table.

Fixed and folding tops enable it to be used for transient spatial needs or permanent settings, with the omni-fold feature allowing for rapid adaptability. Cable integration is reticulated through the leg and cast headers enabling daisy chaining and presenting a contemporary cable-free appearance. 

Sustainability

Creating practical and versatile products with minimal environmental impact is the way of the future. This knowledge was the impetus for the acclaimed JAC range – a poised and cohesive seating collection whose timeless profile allows it to sit comfortably in innumerable settings. With polypropylene shells made of 95 percent recycled material, JAC is offset by the ‘One JAC One Tree‘ initiative, whereby a tree is planted for every JAC sold. To date, over 80,000 trees have been planted across the Asia Pacific.

Although all Zenith-designed products are Greenguard certified, ensuring they meet international environmental certification standards, the forward-thinking Denn chair exemplifies sustainability. Utilising up to 58 percent recycled materials, Denn embraces a post-plastic era by transforming upcycled low-grade waste materials into innovative performance seating. Denn is also 94 percent recyclable at its end of life, making it a highly sustainable solution.

One of its most distinctive features is the innovative and ergonomic knitted back surface. Made by Camira using SEAQUAL® YARN, this is a 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester fabric which contains upcycled marine plastic litter.

Denn’s patented automated mechanism intuitively adjusts to the body, giving perfect support through infinite movements and postures. There’s no need to make manual adjustments like you do with other chairs because Denn responds in harmony with your natural movement.  

Beyond its ergonomic prowess, Denn embraces a calm, timeless aesthetic. Fulfilling all the BIFMA requirements for task seating, Denn’s clean profile ensures it can also be used in a number of work zones, from the boardroom through to touch-down spaces. This versatility of use and simplicity of design ensures your workplace will enjoy a multi-use ergonomic seating solution that will remain contemporary for years to come.

In embracing principles of ‘future-proofing’ encompassing technology, adaptability, and sustainability, Zenith’s solutions not only address contemporary work requirements, but also contribute to creating resilient and enduring workspaces for the future. As organisations continue to navigate the complexities of the evolving work landscape, investing in thoughtful and innovative designs will be essential to fostering productivity, collaboration, and employee satisfaction in the years ahead.

Explore all Zenith Future Proof Products