The Haworth Intuity modular furniture system is designed for flexibility, functionality, and aesthetic appeal in modern office and workspace environments. In a recent installation project at a university library in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, On Point Installations successfully executed a comprehensive deployment of Haworth Intuity modular furniture, including benching systems, private offices, and a conference room. This article provides an in-depth look at the scope of the project, the specific components installed, and the logistical challenges encountered during the installation process. The insights drawn from this case study are based solely on the provided source material and aim to serve as a reference for U.S. consumers, IT professionals, and those involved in commercial furniture installations.
Project Overview and Installation Scope
The installation project, initiated by a local Haworth furniture dealer, involved the deployment of Haworth Intuity modular furniture in a university library setting. On Point Installations was tasked with unloading, transporting, and assembling the furniture modules. The modular nature of the Intuity system allowed for a streamlined installation process, although the complexity of navigating the library’s interior environment presented unique challenges.
The installation included shared workspaces with benching systems, private offices, and a dedicated conference room. Each of these areas required different configurations of furniture to meet the functional needs of the space. The source material indicates that the benching areas featured shared privacy screens, low credenzas, and task chairs, while the private offices included U-shaped desk units, credenzas, storage towers, wardrobes, and various filing and storage solutions.
Benching System Installation
The benching system was a central component of the installation, designed to support shared workspaces within the library. The Haworth Intuity benching system included modular benching stations that were installed in a way that maximized space efficiency while maintaining user privacy. Each benching station was equipped with a low credenza and a shared privacy screen positioned along the center of the benching row.
Task chairs were assembled and integrated into the benching system to provide ergonomic seating for users. The design of the benching system appears to be intended for collaborative or semi-private work, with the shared privacy screens offering a degree of separation between users while still allowing for visual connectivity and communication.
The installation process for the benching system was described as "fairly routine" in the source material, suggesting that the modular design of the Haworth Intuity system facilitated a smooth and efficient assembly. However, the logistical aspect of transporting the modules from the unloading dock to their final locations required careful planning and execution, particularly due to the dense layout of the library.
Private Office Installation
In addition to the benching areas, the installation included several private offices, each equipped with a U-shaped desk unit. These desk units were part of the Haworth Intuity office modules and were installed in a configuration that provided a dedicated workspace for individuals or small teams. Each private office was outfitted with a range of storage and organizational solutions, including credenzas, storage towers, wardrobes, and two-door stack-on storage units with lateral files.
The source material also mentions the presence of open bookcases, pedestal filing cabinets, and wall-mounted overhead storage within the private offices. These components were likely selected to provide a balance between accessibility and organization, ensuring that users had convenient access to essential items while maintaining a clean and uncluttered workspace.
One notable aspect of the private office installation was the use of glass walls to separate different office styles. The source material indicates that three to four distinct styles of private offices were installed behind glass walls, although these were not shown in the provided documentation. This suggests that the library may have aimed to create a variety of work environments within the same space, allowing users to choose a setting that best suits their needs.
Conference Room Setup
The conference room was another key component of the installation and was fully equipped with a modular conference table and chairs. The assembly of the conference room furniture was completed as part of the overall installation, and the project manager was reportedly impressed with the speed and efficiency of the process.
The conference table and chairs were likely selected for their durability, comfort, and adaptability to different meeting formats. Given the modular nature of the Haworth Intuity system, it is possible that the conference room furniture was designed to be reconfigured or expanded in the future to accommodate changing needs.
Logistical Challenges and Execution
Despite the modular design of the Haworth Intuity furniture, the installation process was not without its challenges. One of the primary obstacles was the need to transport the furniture modules through a complex interior layout. The source material describes the library as a "labyrinth of bookshelves and library patrons," which necessitated careful route planning to avoid disruptions and ensure the safe delivery of the furniture to its designated areas.
The installation team used a vintage elevator to transport the furniture modules from the dock to the upper floors, where they were then maneuvered through a maze of bookshelves, carts, and library tables. This process required coordination and precision to avoid damaging either the furniture or the existing library infrastructure. The successful completion of this task demonstrates the importance of experienced installation teams in executing complex modular furniture deployments.
Project Management and Client Interaction
The project was managed by On Point Installations, which emphasized its commitment to personalized service and efficient project execution. The source material notes that the company uses advanced quoting, scheduling, inventory, delivery, and project management software to streamline its operations. However, it also highlights the value of direct human interaction in the installation process, stating that clients are able to communicate with an installation specialist who can assist in advancing their project needs.
This approach appears to have contributed to the project manager’s satisfaction with the speed and quality of the installation. The ability to maintain open lines of communication between the installation team and the project stakeholders likely played a role in ensuring that the project met its objectives within the expected timeframe.
Summary of Installed Components
The following is a summary of the key components installed as part of the Haworth Intuity modular system in the university library:
Benching Areas:
- Bench station installations
- Low credenzas
- Shared privacy screens
- Task chairs
Private Offices:
- Single U-shaped desk units
- Credenzas
- Storage towers
- Wardrobes
- Two-door stack-on storage with lateral files
- Open bookcases
- Pedestal filing cabinets
- Wall-mounted overhead storage
Conference Room:
- Conference table
- Chairs
These components were selected to support a range of work environments, from collaborative benching areas to private offices and formal meeting spaces. The modular nature of the Haworth Intuity system allowed for a high degree of customization, enabling the library to create a functional and aesthetically cohesive workspace.
Conclusion
The Haworth Intuity modular installation at the university library in Chicago exemplifies the flexibility, functionality, and adaptability of modern modular furniture systems. By integrating benching systems, private offices, and a conference room, the installation successfully created a diverse range of work environments that cater to different user needs. The logistical challenges associated with transporting and assembling the furniture were overcome through careful planning and the expertise of the installation team.
For organizations considering modular furniture solutions, this case study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and practical considerations of deploying the Haworth Intuity system. The ability to create customizable, reconfigurable workspaces is particularly relevant in today’s evolving workplace environments, where flexibility and adaptability are key.