In modern office spaces, acoustic design and layout play a significant role in ensuring the well-being of employees and productivity. Standard has initiated a collaboration with the Pallas Art School, resulting in the development of acoustic solutions to be added to the company’s product range.
In the first stage of collaboration, students from Pallas’s furniture department, under the guidance of supervisor Aivar Habakukk, worked on a design task. The best ideas were selected in collaboration with Standard. In the next stage, prototypes will be created to test production potential and feasibility. Upon positive results, final solutions will be developed in collaboration with Standard’s engineers and implemented in offices in both Estonia and abroad.
“A good design is inherently simple, beautiful, and functional. The solutions proposed by the students bring playfulness to the office environment while addressing issues of sound disturbance. We also focused carefully on the selection of materials that must be environmentally friendly and durable in today’s context,” said Aivar Habakukk, Head of Pallas’s furniture department and design.
According to Jonatan Karjus, CEO of Standard, it is important for the company to collaborate with Estonian designers and higher education institutions. “Standard has been a pioneer in Estonian furniture design throughout its history, with numerous top designers contributing to its products. We collaborate closely with designers to develop our product range. Collaborating on projects with young talents is very exciting and will undoubtedly result in some fantastic products.”
Acoustic design is often one of the most underestimated elements that significantly influence the office environment. The acoustics of an office can affect concentration, communication, and overall employee satisfaction. As offices transition to open floor plans and collaborative spaces, addressing acoustic challenges becomes increasingly important.
Studies have shown that high noise levels in the office can lead to increased stress among employees, dissatisfaction with work, and a decline in overall work efficiency. Continuous background noise can make it difficult for employees to concentrate on their tasks, resulting in more errors.
Standard is one of Estonia’s oldest brands, starting its furniture production and sales in 1944. It has since grown into an international master brand, leading the way in creating modern business environments.
Pallas Art School is Estonia’s only applied arts college, offering education in three focus areas (design, conservation/restoration, and arts) across seven study programs. Pallas’s role in the Estonian higher education system is to train creative individuals with strong practical skills and theoretical knowledge, capable of entering the workforce or pursuing master’s studies.
The acoustic conceptual solutions were prepared by Gert Christjanson, Monika Teder, Rebecca Raak, Teiloora Ojaste, Bruno Sepp. Higher Art School Pallas 4th course 2023.
