VITRA hub at designblok reinterprets office furniture by konstantin grcic

presented during designblok 15 — prague’s annual design and fashion week — the VITRA hub is a experimental installation completed by students of the city’s academy of arts, architecture and design (AAAD). responding to the event’s overarching theme of ‘freedom’, the hub functions as a creative outpost, encouraging public participation and reappropriation. the work incorporates two major pieces by renowned german designer konstantin grcic: ‘hack‘, a flexible table system that seeks to anticipate the changing requirements of both companies and employees, and ‘allstar’, a chair that seeks to defy typical office stereotypes.

the experimental installation has been designed by local product design students
image courtesy of dita havránková

entering the space, guests are surrounded by a forest of exposed tree trunks that not only establish a series of intimate areas for relaxation, but also support a second storey above. an adjacent area at the rear of the plan contains a number of grcic-designed tables, configured in a variety of different ways — some providing seating, and others functioning as desks for AAAD students. one unit even supports music equipment, allowing DJs from radio 1, a czech music station, to play live.

the hub functions as a creative outpost, encouraging public participation and reappropriation
image courtesy of dita havránková

during its occupation of prague’s industrial palace, the upper level of the hub serves as a pop-up kitchen for jana bilíková and honza všetečka, chefs from contemporary gastronomy lab ambiente. a different culinary topic is introduced to guests each day, with a wide variety of inventive food samples prepared throughout the week. thanks to this constant activity, the hub is continually changing with guests free to enjoy the music, sample the food, or work creatively within the stimulating environment.

now in its 17th year, designblok 15 offers leading creatives and producers from the czech republic and abroad the chance to present their work to the public at central europe’s largest design festival.

the installation incorporates two major works by renowned german designer konstantin grcic

the rear of the plan contains a number of grcic-designed tables, configured in a variety of ways
image courtesy of dita havránková

the ‘allstar’ chair has been designed to defy typical office stereotypes
image © designboom

design students occupy the hub throughout the week
image courtesy of dita havránková

guests are surrounded by a forest of tree trunks
image courtesy of dita havránková

the sheltered area provides areas for relaxation and contemplation
image courtesy of dita havránková

some ‘hack’ tables provide secluded areas of seating for visitors
image © designboom

the upper level of the hub serves as a pop-up kitchen
image courtesy of dita havránková

a wide variety of inventive food samples are prepared throughout the week
image © designboom

the hub is continually changing with guests free to enjoy live music or sample the food on offer

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