PARCS is an innovative furniture programme developed in collaboration between Bene and PearsonLloyd, set to change the design of the workplace.
A new generation of worker is no longer confined to their desk, but instead uses laptop and mobile phone as, when and where it is convenient, comfortable and conducive for concentrating or communicating. A hybrid between architecture and furniture, PARCS offer a range of different types of places an dspaces in which to conduct informal meetings and discussions; take a few minutes away from the desk to relax; give a casual presentation; or find a semi-private place for concentration or a personal call. PARCS makes sense of the open areas set apart from the open-plan desks and cellular meeting rooms. These places and chance encounters often produce moments of inspiration and positive actions. Seemingly simple, PARCS is the result of 2 years' research and investigation into the complex needs and behaviour of the "knowledge worker."
Bene regards PARCS as a directional furniture programme that anticipates the way the workplace is changing. PARCS complements Bene's extensive range of office furniture - desks, seating, conference tables, as well as partitioning. It provides its clients with a comprehensive offer to address every aspect of effective, efficient and economic office design.
Designers PearsonLloyd have drawn on their experience of managing complex environments such as aircraft interiors, cities and the workplace to inform PARCS development and its potential arrangements. However, it is important to emphasise that PARCS combinations are not prescribed. Indeed the intention is for architects and workplace designers to create bespoke configurations from the available programme. Observations of people's behaviour and interaction at places such as The Giants Causeway in Ireland and the Spanish Steps in Rome were sources of inspiration for different elements. The Toguna references the low-ceilinged meeting places of the Dogon Tribe in Mali, Africa where tribal elders have to sit and thus avoid confrontational argument.