Dutch experts in the field of flexible work environments launch new products for sustainable learning and working environments.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 21st 2011 - A respected name in the field of furnishing solutions, Ahrend have announced their latest products to hit the market, a new range that seeks to supplement the flex working philosophy that is increasingly being incorporated into today's local corporate culture. As companies look to a working environment that uses resources more effectively to encourage dynamism and open communication :creative thinking, Ahrend presents such innovations as the Living Wall that takes a twist on leaning against the wall, the Kaigan that sees cradled chairs making a comeback and the Portal, a new desking system that opens up the workplace and individualizes the user's space.

"Company culture is changing rapidly with the influx of technological launches and developments in the region meaning furniture solutions for the workplace have to become not only increasingly adaptable to suit both individual and team needs but also requires a company to consistently look at the way it is putting it's resources to use in terms of cost and efficiency," says Nima Ranjibar, Ahrend GM, Middle East.

"By creating a variety of flex- working solutions in an office, it embraces all the different ways that staff need to communicate - i.e. 1-2-1's, formal group meetings, video conferencing, presentations - providing informal break out, lounge working and interaction areas that are conducive to these needs and enhance communication internally. What's right for your office today, may not be right for tomorrow making it fundamental for companies to look towards a workplace that can move with the times."

New Products -

  • The Ahrend Living Wall - According to Designer Frans van der Wielen, "the idea for the Ahrend Living Wall stems from an understanding that a "standing culture" has come into being". To cater to this development, the wall encompasses both functional and aesthetic elements with soft colored panels that extend one at a time from the wall itself so that the panels can be used to provide a place for open and informal communication in the workplace,, be it for making a call, checking an email on their smartphone or discussing a matter with a colleague. Furthermore the wall can be constructed from a range of materials and colors that challenge the architect to customize the wall so it characterizes the workspace. Not only does the Living Wall provides additional work and meeting space to the existing office environment, but also is an effective acoustic solution for the open plan areas. It converts a dead/useless wall to a living wall that has a purpose.

  • The Ahrend Kaigan - Based on traditional wickerwork beach chairs popular on Dutch beaches, designer Marijn van der Poll has engineered a concept that speaks to a sense of privacy in an otherwise open workspace. "With open plan being the norm, offices these days see  no rigid boundary between one worksite and the next. While this aids open communication, there is still the need for workers to be able to have privacy from time-to-time to be able to concentrate." The Kaigan chair is made with fully upholstered cushioning inside a tubular steel frame, two very separate elements that are both protective and comforting in their own respect meaning employees are empowered with their own space in the office. Kaigan is perfect for both informal meeting as well as temporary working

  • The Ahrend Portal - With the desk being of central importance  within the office, Ahrend have put great focus on making this particular offering as flexible as possible  with a simple-frame concept that can be easily customized. The Portal is rather a desking 'system' than a desk itself, ranging from high to low desks, height adjustable tables, meeting configuration and more, an innovative tool that can be adapted for bouncing ideas amongst the team or working privately.

-Ends-

About Ahrend
Ahrend works together with customers, architects and other parties to design environments in which people are stimulated to achieve their optimum performance. Ahrend helps people to work and study professionally, productively and with pleasure by creating strikingly attractive, functional and sustainable work, study and living environments.

Ahrend aims to be sustainable in every sense of the word, and takes account of the impact of all its decisions and actions on People, Planet and Profit.

The collection of recognizable, timeless furniture in the best tradition of Dutch Design developed and produced by Ahrend includes chairs like the Ahrend 350 and 250 and the legendary Revolt, tables like Mehes and the Ahrend 500 that are used worldwide, alongside other award-winning chairs, tables and storage systems.

Ahrend works closely together with the Design Academy Eindhoven and offers talented young designers opportunities to design innovative, sustainable furniture for both business and private environments.

For further information about Ahrend, please visit our website at www.ahrend.com.

Press Enquiries:
Amy Walker
The Portsmouth Group
Amy.walker@theportsmouthgroup.com
+971 4 369 3572

Omar Abdraboo
The Portsmouth Group
Omar.abdraboo@theportsmouthgroup.com
+971 4 369 3575

© Press Release 2011