Herman Miller

On Wednesday Oct. 6, a Herman Miller representative visited my class. She presented information about the company and many of their products. Herman Miller creates and designs products that improve the work environment. Sustainability has become a very important part in designing products and spaces. Herman Miller adopted the "cradle to cradle" approach to sustainability. The company abides by a protocol that evaluates the products and it's materials. First, the company investigates the materials used in their products and if they are the safest. Second, they question whether the products can be taken apart at the end of its useful life and if the materials can be recycled. All future Herman Miller products will be evaluated within the MBDC "cradle to cradle" protocol.

       The company has designed several amazing products, but one that I thought was very cleaver is the Embody Chair. This chair was initially made for employees that have to sit and work for hours at a time; embody keeps the mind and body synchronized. Instead of using foam and fabric to construct the chair, Herman Miller converted over to pixelated support. Therefore, the seat and back surfaces conform to the user’s body and every movement. By fitting your form, Embody increases blood circulation, which improves oxygen flow. In my opinion, I thought the slimness of the back was a very clever design. Because the back of the chair is so thin, it enables users to reach behind or to the side of them, which increases physical movement. In one of my earlier research projects, I had to gather information on systems furnishings. Herman Miller has one of the most impressive designs for solutions to systems furnishings. Their “Resolve” system is a very innovative and dynamic workspace. First, the company wanted to create a system that broke away from the 90-degree angle workspace. Why not make it 120-degree workspace? Resolve solved the problem. This space creates a more welcoming area with more options. The system offers many color options and finish options. The biggest advantage of “Resolve” is that it surrounds the worker. Because of the 120-degree angle, the worker is easily brought into the space and surrounded by technology, tools, services, and the working community. Lastly, this workspace allows for more interactions between workers; it’s shape and openness encourages people to interact, connect, and collaborate. 

Herman Miller work station
with ergonomics solutions.

       Next, Herman Miller thrives on “Fell Better. Work Better.” Ergonomics is one of the biggest concerns to the company. They address issues in areas of seating, technology support, performance tables, personal lighting, and work tools. Herman Miller believes it is important to worry first about the people then the product. The company has designed seven different office chairs. Each hold different characteristic and functions that will increase productivity and comfort ability in the work environment.

        When designing office spaces, Herman Miller is an amazing source for products and ideas. With there thrive on sustainability, systems furnishings, and ergonomics; the company is making the world and the office a better environment

Well-Being of the Parisians

     Landor’s new office space will be located in Washington D.C., the “sister city” to Paris, France. Washington D.C. and Paris are very similar in their architectural layout. French artist-architect Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant planned and designed the layout of Washington D.C.. L’Enfant’s original plans for the building of D.C. are distinctly similar to the landscape architecture that he was influenced by in Paris. Both D.C. and Paris were constructed in patterns of radiating streets that are filled and joined by gridiron avenues. Because of the urban area, both cities are filled with many shops, homes, public transportation, and trademark buildings that can easily be reached on foot or by bike. Furthermore, being able to walk or bike ride in Paris is one aspect that promotes wellness. Eating rituals, vacationing, and other customs performed by the Parisians also promote wellness in their lives.

Jardin de Luxembourg

     Paris is occupied by several astonishing parks; some of the parks are Jardin de Luxembourg, Tuileries, and Le Cimetière du Père-Lachaise. Locals and visitors often take leisurely walks, bike ride, or simply relax in the green lounge chairs provided in the parks. Also, for children-fun you can rent toy sail boats to play with in the ponds. The urban area of Paris and it’s parks encourages exercise. Walking and biking are two great forms of exercise which increases the well-being of the people. Also, relaxing helps people break away from their busy schedules and collect their thoughts, increasing their health and fortune.

     The French have very distinct eating rituals. Food is a major role in France’s social life. Wine and cheese are the country’s sources of national pride. Moreover, meals are filled with social and cultural meaning. The French have three meals a day just like Americans do. However, the way they conduct their meals is different from the way Americans do. Breakfast is typically a light meal consisting of a pastry, yogurt, and coffee or hot chocolate. Their next meal is usually the biggest one of the day. The midday meal consists of several courses. Generally, a family’s meal starts with a soup, followed by vegetables and a meat dish, and then a salad, cheese, and dessert. Also, wine is commonly served at meals, and children begin to drink wine in their early teens.

Typical French Breakfast

     Next, workers in Paris are allowed 30 paid vacation days. During this time many families get away to the south to spend time at the beach or vacation in other areas. As opposed to the American culture, it is in the Parisian’s norm to have an entire month off and enjoy every day of it. Many people in America are very wrapped up in technology and making large amounts of money, which are known as workaholics. Taking time off work decreases stress levels and allows people to focus on other aspects of their lives.

     Much of the ambiance in Paris is owed to the thousands of cafes. There are not many places where you can find a cafe on every street corner. The cafes are filled with local Parisians who order their morning coffee or pastry or afternoon snack. You can typically discover that the outdoor seating is facing the street for persons who choose to people watch or enjoy the busy streets. In addition, cafes are great meeting places for friends and family to gather and enjoy each others company. Cafes do indeed encourage life-balance and the well-being of the Parisians. 

     Although Paris promotes wellness in many areas, there is one area that confuses me: cigarettes. Many people in Paris are relaxed, happy, and healthy, but how? In America smoking is frowned upon and is said to be one of the main causes of death. However, Parisians have a longer life span than Americans do. Do cigarettes relax Parisians? Do they believe it increases their lifespan? Because of the immense addiction, if they tried to quit smoking it would most likely create stress and agitation. In general, cigarettes are horrible for a persons wellness, but in the Parisians lifestyle and culture it may be good for their well-being. 

Resources:

Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant- city planning

French Vacationing

Walk Score

Site Analysis- Paris, France

       Paris, France has been a flourishing city for centuries. It is a Centre for European culture and artists from all over the world. The city's multicultural environment can be admired in several museums, galleries, churches, popular meeting points, and shops. Paris is one of the most luxurious places that are appreciated.

       Local patrons, visitors, and tourists often connect the city of Paris to it’s outstanding museums, parks, cuisine, and social interaction. Popular museums such as the Louvre and the Orsay Museum, lure in many visitors to the city. Both of these museums are filled with multicultural inheritance. Furthermore, Paris consists of many elegant and diverse parks. Jardin du Luxemburg is one of the most popular parks in Paris; it is located twelve minutes, driving distance, from the Landor office. Next, there are many landmarks that serve at cultural icons for Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame de Paris, and Arc de Triomphe. Food/Cuisine is one of the passions to the Parisians. The most typical French food is a baguette (long bread stick); a baguette is generally added to a glass of wine. Lastly, people in France are known for a classic stylishness and conservatism in dress. The French are generally polite, but very private. Moreover, a formal greeting is expected, and sometimes a traditional European kiss on the cheek will be displayed- one kiss on the left, and one kiss on the right.

       The neighborhood of the Landor office building is very similar to the rest of the city in Paris. The site is in an urban area, generally with six story high buildings. Hotels, restaurants, homes, entertainment facilities, and markets occupy many of the surrounding spaces.  

        Paris has a typical Western European climate. The summers are usually warm and comfortable while the winters are cool, yet generally above freezing. The average temperature in Paris ranges between 41 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter and 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. January is typically the coldest month as opposed to July, which is the hottest month. It is slightly warmer in Paris rather than in the outskirts of the city. Also, the driest season is between March and May. In addition, the windiest months are between November and January, averaging 21 to 23 km/hr.   

        Paris has one of the most efficient public transportation systems. Mass transit such as the Paris Metro, the public bus, and the commuter train (RER) all run effectively and are very organized. Each system generally arrives on time and very frequently. Although some people own and drive cars such as Fiats, most of the population takes advantage of the efficient and accessible public transportation provided. 

Olioboard!

This is my first design in Olioboard. It's a lot of fun and easy to use. Try It!

Olioboard Website

Concept Model

Concept Sketches

Concept Model #1

Concept Model #2

Concept Model #3

          When I was put to the task of creating concept models, at first I was stumped. I have never been asked to take a piece of abstract art and transform it into a model; this task was for sure a challenge that i was determined to accomplish. As I analyzed my elements and principles in design, such as line and pattern, I came up with a few over lays that became the start of my concept. I thought of ways to create layering and translucencies with the use of line and patterning. By off setting some of the shapes and lines from my initial overlays, I reached satisfaction. I created an abstract composition with horizontal lines, geometric curves, circles, and I used the three primary colors in some areas. Next, I created a few models. My mediums were bristol board, tissue paper, translucent paper, and recycled plastic. The models were formed to correspond with my designs from the over lays of elements and principles in design to the abstract composition I created.