VITRA's modular 'comma' system enables hybrid offices with countless layouts

is comma foreseeing the future of work environments?

it is safe to say that the pandemic has shaken-up the work environment – and flexibility in spaces has become a necessity. VITRA‘s modular office system, comma, takes advantage of the need for post-pandemic offices to adapt to change and opens up the eyes of companies and employees into what the future could hold. by mirroring the functionality – and aesthetic – of scaffolding, the furniture system is easily configured into numerous different layouts that define the space in endless possibilities, exactly as the user wishes; from single desk unit to bookshelf, to workshop space, to complex microarchitecture structures, comma offers countless options to configure workspaces.

‘office environments need to be attractive and entice employees to return to the office– otherwise they might as well work from home. office furnishings should promote their talents and support them in all aspects,’ remarks christian grosen, chief design officer of VITRA.

the comma office system by VITRA can be flexibly adapted to changing needs and is designed to have a long life cycle

all images courtesy of VITRA

vitra’s office system breaks away from monofunctional offices

the office system by swiss furniture manufacturer VITRA responds to current scenarios whilst anticipating future ones. young entrepreneurs cannot relate to the traditional, rigid office layouts of the past decades and seek to challenge the codes and rules of the more familiar working methods. the pandemic has opened the doors to a more flexible and hybrid way of working, where the office becomes a place of collaboration and team work while the home office remains as an important location for focus-work. comma’s modular basic structure is made of tubular steel with only six individual elements, which can be assembled by its users into endless configurations, giving them the freedom to create the environment best suited for them. 

‘comma is an investment in a flexible office environment that can be continually redesigned. it is easy to create structures and reconfigure them in countless ways with just a basic kit of parts – from individual workstations to shelving, from telephone booths to team benches and workshop spaces,’ continues christian grosen. 

comma’s modular basic structure is made of tubular steel with only six individual elements, which can be assembled into endless configurations – workstations, shelf units, phone booths, team benches, workshop spaces, etc.

recyclable, modular & flexible

recyclable, modular and flexible, comma also complies with the guiding principle of a circular economy thanks to easily separable materials and parts. the basic structure is made of tubular steel while the screens are in upcycled disposable plastic serving as absorbing black walls of shelf units, or as privacy screens and partition panels. all the elements can be reused and reinjected into the production cycle. overall, the system’s six individual components can be assembled into endless configurations – workstations, shelf units, phone booths, team benches, workshop spaces.

‘from the very beginning, we wanted to launch a durable and ecologically sound product that embraces the principles of a circular economy. comma is very robust. it’s a system with a long service life, which is further extended by its reconfigurability,’ continues VITRA’s chief design officer. 

the basic structure is made of tubular steel while the screens are in upcycled disposable plastic

comma is ideal for group or private sessions

the furniture pieces are available in a light or dark color scheme, spanning widths from 40cm to 2m to allow for extremely versatile constructions. comma, therefore, becomes ideal for both open space arrangements, workshops for team discussions as well as private sessions. the aptly-named ‘claw’ is essential for assembly as it joins together countless combinations. the addition of table tops, electrification modules and other add-ons or accessories is quick and easy to install, enriching the hybridity of the system.

‘that’s exactly what we wanted: a structure that can cover a wide variety of functions – shelves, tables, partitions and much more. a big challenge was to keep the comma modular system manageable. there are only six different individual parts. all the connections are clearly visible and easy to manipulate. nothing is hidden. each user should be able to comprehend the logic without getting lost in technical details,’  explains christian grosen.

the addition of table tops and electrification modules is quick and easy to install

comma becomes ideal for both open space arrangements, workshops for team discussions as well as private sessions

1/8

the working surfaces can open-up for collaborations, workshops, team discussions or individual workstations

comma responds to the new generation of entrepreneurs who cannot relate to the traditional office layout

the furniture mirrors the functionality and aesthetic of scaffolding,consisting of a few individual elements available in a kit of parts

comma is reduced to only essential durable components and functions

the system can be quickly assembled and dismantled again

the different parts give its users the opportunity to define spaces and areas according to their own wishes

the structure covers a wide variety of functions – shelves, tables, partitions and much more

all the elements can be reused and reinjected into the production cycle

comma has been unveiled today in VITRA’s latest VITRA session entitled ‘dynamic spaces’. watch the replay and download the e-paper here: https://www.vitra.com/en-ch/sessions

product info:

name: comma

brand: VITRA