Dividends Horizon represents an evolution of the original Dividends system, initially conceived in 1997 by Carl Magnusson and David Noel. The system is designed to provide efficient workstation solutions for a variety of workplace settings, including private offices, meeting rooms, and team spaces. Knoll, the manufacturer, emphasizes the system’s adaptability and its ability to support evolving workplace needs through reconfigurability and integration with contemporary planning technologies. The design philosophy centers on creating a layered approach to furniture, prioritizing spatial definition and maximizing light and airflow.
Origins and Design Philosophy
The Dividends system originated with Carl Magnusson and David Noel in 1997. Recognizing the enduring strength of the initial concept, Knoll initiated a redesign in 2007 to address changing aesthetic preferences and advancements in technology. Benjamin Pardo, Knoll’s Director of Design, led this effort. Pardo assembled a team consisting of Jeffrey Bernett, Nicholas Dodziuk, and David Noel to evaluate the existing product and implement necessary modifications. The goal was to enhance the system’s aesthetic appeal while maintaining its core functionality.
The redesign focused on creating a system that defines space without obstructing it. According to Pardo, the resulting system prioritizes “a product in elevation, to define the space and let light and air flow through.” This design principle reflects a broader trend in modern office furniture towards open and flexible workspaces. Jeffrey Bernett further elaborated on this concept, stating that Dividends Horizon “evolves the office landscape by creating a layered approach to furniture design, with new focal points and an overall design consistency that integrates existing product with new product offerings.” This layered approach suggests a modularity that allows for customization and adaptation to diverse workplace configurations.
System Capabilities and Applications
Dividends Horizon is positioned as a versatile solution for various workplace environments. It is suitable for implementation in private offices, providing individual workstations with a defined personal space. The system also supports meeting rooms, facilitating collaborative work and presentations. Furthermore, Dividends Horizon is designed for use in team spaces, fostering communication and interaction among colleagues.
The system’s adaptability is a key feature, allowing for easy reconfiguration and adjustment to accommodate changing needs. This flexibility is particularly valuable in dynamic work environments where teams and projects evolve frequently. The integration of contemporary planning technologies further enhances the system’s usability, enabling efficient space planning and resource allocation.
Knoll’s History and Approach
Knoll has a long-standing reputation for creating modern furniture since 1938. The company’s history is rooted in the principles of modernism, and this design philosophy continues to influence its current product offerings. Knoll emphasizes its commitment to innovation and its ability to provide solutions for a wide range of organizations, including commercial, educational, healthcare, and government entities.
The company’s approach extends beyond simply providing furniture. Knoll offers research-supported tools, techniques, and insights developed over eight decades of experience. This holistic understanding encompasses the interplay between people, architecture, and furniture, and the experiences they collectively create. This suggests that Knoll views its role as a partner in helping organizations optimize their workspaces to enhance productivity, well-being, and overall performance.
Technical Considerations and Installation
The provided documentation includes a reference to installation instructions; however, the specific details of these instructions are not included in the source material. The documentation also notes a technical issue regarding JavaScript enablement on one of the websites, indicating a potential barrier to accessing information. The website requires JavaScript to function correctly, and users are directed to enable it in their web browser settings. This highlights the importance of ensuring proper browser configuration to access online resources.
Design Consistency and Integration
A core tenet of the Dividends Horizon redesign was to maintain design consistency while integrating new product offerings. This approach ensures a cohesive aesthetic across the entire system, allowing users to seamlessly combine existing Dividends components with the updated Horizon elements. The emphasis on integration suggests a commitment to long-term compatibility and scalability, enabling organizations to expand and modify their workspaces without disrupting the overall design scheme.
The layered approach to furniture design, as described by Jeffrey Bernett, contributes to this design consistency. By creating focal points and maintaining a unified aesthetic, Dividends Horizon aims to create a visually harmonious and functional workspace. This attention to detail reflects Knoll’s commitment to quality and its understanding of the importance of aesthetics in the workplace.
Conclusion
Dividends Horizon represents a significant evolution in the Dividends system, building upon the original design principles while incorporating contemporary aesthetics and technological advancements. The system’s adaptability, modularity, and focus on spatial definition make it a versatile solution for a wide range of workplace environments. Knoll’s long-standing commitment to modern design and its holistic approach to workspace optimization further enhance the value of Dividends Horizon. While specific installation details are not provided in the available documentation, the system’s overall design philosophy and capabilities position it as a compelling option for organizations seeking to create efficient, flexible, and aesthetically pleasing workspaces.