clive wilkinson designs undulating desk for the barbarian group

clive wilkinson designs all-encompassing desk for barbarian group
image courtesy of the barbarian group

clive wilkinson architects has established a reputation for its influential approach to designing for the office landscape. much of its practice is involved in collaborating with large corporations to develop workplace environments that cultivate a positive atmosphere for employees, while simultaneously responding to our changing social and technological needs. this is evidenced in the bespoke desk that the california-based developed for the barbarian group‘s new york office. the ad agency requested of clive wilkinson architects that they conceive a piece of furniture that facilitated interaction between their various departments.

the work surface runs along a horizontal plane, occasionally sloping upwards to create archways for ease of circulation
image courtesy of clive wilkinson architects

the resulting ‘superdesk’ resembles a skate park more than a work surface, curving across a horizontal path with intentional architectural interruptions which slope upwards to create archways, only to drop downwards again onto a level plane. these vaulted sections open up circulation throughout the office, with bench seating and smaller tables built into the structure, offering alternative areas for employees to sit and relax, or engage in discussion. the continuous line that the all-encompassing workstation creates forms a domain unrestricted by any formal walls, where various divisions flow into one another.

general view of the desk’s continuous line
image courtesy of the barbarian group

the massive bureau was fabricated in los angeles, in which automotive robots laser cut the MDF, plywood and plate steel components which were then flat-packed, shipped and built on-site in new york. the slotted construction is finished with a resin poured top forming a visually seamless line across the office.

rendering of the bespoke desk for barbarian group new york by clive wilkinson architects
image courtesy of clive wilkinson architects

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