Custom Printed Fabric Partitions

Recently, I read a blog entitled, “Peering into the Future of the Workplace,” by Elizabeth Merritt, dated September 13, 2012, which talks about the forecast of Workplace 2020. The blog describes the physical environment of the new U.S.workspace. This inspired me to write about the look of the “new office” and where to find the materials for this new kind of workspace. It downplays the individual office space in exchange for flexible, communal office spaces.

Not so long ago, it was considered a rite of passage to ‘have your own office.’ Attaining your own separate space was just like a rite of passage Businesses became greatly impacted by the internet and with it, the wave of wireless communications. We are now can become untethered and work from home or a portable office. Noticeably, work spaces are beginning to morph to the style of Mark Zuckerberg and current technology operations being run by a millennial. The buzzword for the new workspace is “collaborative.”

These out-of-the-box thinkers recognize that open, fluid work spaces both economize the space and encourage creative brainstorming spaces. Work has become more collaborative than before as new technologies are bursting into production. These adaptive”think tank” spaces may have been a natural progression for the millennials leaving college spaces and moving on into their new job spaces. It likely feels very natural to them. In 2010, when my own son  graduated from college, he graduated to a millennial run company which had an office like one large classroom. It had rows and rows of student like desks, with small fish bowls, dinosaurs, and other such tchotchkes on themes; and of course, a personal chef kitchen attached to it.

These new communal spaces are designed to serve the coming and going of various groups of workers. The guiding principles may also be to adapt to flex-time schedules, while employing a cost-effective use of space. The recession certainly may have had its influence on the interior design of these communal spaces as well. It could simply make economical sense for start up companies. The goal has been to be working smarter and more efficiently!

Permanent walls have been replaced with modular wall systems. They are movable, modular, and can become partial  or half walls. Interior design of these spaces are a snap by outfitting them with SEG fabric graphics of varying fabric weights. This combined customizable system is as efficient as any European apartment space.

Custom printed fabric walls are trendy as well for office partitions. Often the fabric chosen is fabric sheers in order to achieve an open and airy feel. Natural light can still shine through, while cutting down on extreme sunlight. Air circulation, and therefore, heating and air conditioning can also move about freely. Some offices choose to employ glass or plexiglass partitions for great transparency but sound insulation purposes. For a modern look, try alternating  an opaque color or graphic panel with a frosted or clear panel. Using fabric sheers can add an air of sophistication. These thinly screened dividers create a minimalist visual barrier, while helping to absorb sound. The graphics on these custom printed office screens can display the company logo, or colors, or a pattern the ambience of the company’s mission. Custom printed room dividers are an excellent solution for reducing glare on computer screens in addition to the sound absorption properties.

Illustration credit:workplace-2020.com

Where do you get these trendy office screens and modular walls?

If you are considering the look and economy of the open “collaborative” workspace, then contact your local PSP (print service provider) to begin discussing your options using dye sublimated sheer fabrics. Begin by looking for large format graphic printers of displays. The best quality printing comes from dye sublimation transfer printing. This specialized equipment offers the best color saturation and sharpness of your image file. The print provider should be able to use your supplied digital file. Fabrics options heavy knit, mesh, sheer or a variety of other material texture options (with a higher percentage of a polyester base for excellent entrapment of the sublimation inks).

Modular wall hardware are available through many trade show booth manufacturers and distributors. Typically, they sell  fabric displays for portable backdrops and tradeshow wall dividers.  It would be ideal to find a supplier who both produces the dye sublimated fabric and sells the wall hardware. My company does just that and we produced a wall a few years ago, while not appreciating that we were being trendsetters! Take a look at photo below.

A great feature to note is the portable walls are re-configurable.  Wouldn’t it be great to re-purpose a space without the mess and expense of drywall destruction each time? Noteworthy also is the ease of rebranding a space! It is so easy, that one of your own staffers could make the changeover by simply sliding a silicone gasket on the edge of your newest fabric graphic into the channels of its frame.

Large, bold environmental graphics with your brand displayed in your new collaborative space is easily attainable.  Finding a large format dye sublimation transfer fabric and a trade show booth distributor could be your biggest challenge. Begin your search with us & call 1.800.829.4562.

Photo credit: PhotoWorksGroup