Knoll has introduced Konzert, a private-office system that debuted at Clerkenwell Design Week. Designed by Italian architect Paolo Dell’Elce, the collection addresses evolving needs for contemporary workplaces through flexible interior planning strategies. The system allows architectural balance by combining various components into a unified whole, aiming to redefine how offices function and optimize worker productivity.
Complexity in Design
The collection features a diverse array of elements, including panels, tables, seating, and storage. These pieces can mix and match in numerous ways to suit different interior requirements. According to the designer, the project presented a significant challenge from a design perspective. “It’s pretty complex from a product designer perspective,” he told the outlet. “You always have to zoom in and zoom out, because every single piece is a piece of furniture, but then it works as a whole, so you always have to keep control of what can be possible, what planners and designers can do with it in real-world scenarios.”
Dell’Elce emphasized that the system functions as distinct furniture items while simultaneously operating as a cohesive space. This duality requires strict oversight to ensure that every configuration remains functional and aesthetically pleasing. The architect described the approach as “tectonic planning.” This method allows cabinets and shelves to be designed both horizontally and vertically through a variety of heights and depths, ensuring that every unit fits perfectly within the broader context of the room without feeling disjointed.
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“It’s the ultimate design toolkit,” he said. “It allows planners and designers the freedom to play and bring all their visions to life across an array of configurations, offering endless possibilities for customization.”
Vertical integration in office furniture suggests a recognition that as physical footprints shrink, or as companies seek to consolidate, the vertical plane becomes a neglected resource for storage and collaboration. By treating walls and partitions as structural furniture rather than mere dividers, the system addresses density issues without sacrificing the need for acoustic privacy or individual focus zones.
It offers a pragmatic solution to the clutter that often accompanies individualized workspaces in modern offices. Space is often wasted on unnecessary furniture.
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Materials and Finishes
Konzert transforms spaces with a selection of premium materials. The system includes veneer, Techgrain, laminate, and melamine. These options are available in a wide range of colors and finishes to suit various design schemes, providing flexibility for any design aesthetic. The collection also includes multiple integrated lighting sources, upholstered banquette options, and the ability to specify grain direction.
The goal, according to the architect, was to move beyond standard office furniture. “The main goal was to create furniture that is interesting and transmits some kind of emotion and expression,” he added. Customization is now possible.
Designers can specify the grain direction of the wood and choose from various lighting options to create a specific atmosphere. The range of materials ensures that the system fits into both modern minimalist environments and more traditional settings without feeling out of place, adapting seamlessly to the existing decor. More information about the system is available on the official website.
