8.14.10.2 System Furniture

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systems furniture cubical

Systems furniture, also known as furniture systems or modular furniture, is distinguished from conventional furniture by its modularity.  Systems furniture is a combination of various sized panels that support individual components to create work areas and workstations.  Components, such as work surfaces, shelving, storage units, lighting, tackboards, paper organizers, and other accessories, are assembled to create a custom workspace.  The workspace may be conventionally wired or wired through the panels.  Systems furniture may have solid panels, stacking panels, or floor supported components without panels.

Open office plans are ideal spaces for systems furniture.  The open office plan is the elimination of interior hard walls while maintaining essential divisions.  Semi-private spaces are developed through the use of partial height panels arranged to facilitate workflow and functional tasks.  To accommodate the dual needs of privacy and communication, work areas should provide visual privacy while allowing for personal interaction.

A "standard" for systems furniture should be adopted so that there is uniformity throughout each facility.  It is recommended to choose one product line from a single manufacturer, as well as standard finishes for systems furniture.  A hierarchy of spaces should be designed that range from clerical/secretarial levels up to supervisory levels.  Workstation sizes, layouts, components, and privacy are determined for each level of hierarchy and should be standardized throughout an entire facility. 

Systems furniture is ergonomically designed to meet a variety of conditions and requirements.  Careful planning is critical during the initial stages of designing new systems furniture layouts.  Power and communications requirements must be determined and planned so they are available at the locations were they are needed.  Provisions for furniture systems electrical and data requirements must be made a part of the construction documents.  See Paragraphs 8.14.4.1 and 8.14.4.2 for interior design standards for electrical and communications wiring respectively.  Surface mounted conduit and power poles are unsightly and should be avoided.

For a detailed discussion on the Army Interior Design Process (planning and programming, procurement, and design services) and Planning for Administrative Work Environments (data collection, analysis, space planning, layout, design coordination, documentation, and implementation) see Appendix A and Appendix B of Design Guide for Interiors, DG 110-3-122 respectively.  

8.14.10.2.1 Budgeting for Furniture Systems
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modular furniture used in a hard walled office

Modular furniture systems often represent a significant support cost for both renovation and new construction projects, and are procured with Operations and Maintenance, Army (OMA) funds.  Such systems are not funded by projects themselves, but rather are centrally funded by higher command or by the installation.  Furniture systems should be identified in a project's DD Form 1391 programming document along with similar non-installed equipment items such as washers, dryers, and microwaves.

In Block 12B, the estimated cost of furniture systems should be identified, along with the fiscal year funding is required, the required delivery date, and any installation support costs.  Accessories can amount to a significant portion of the total cost of the installed furniture systems, and should be budgeted along with the basic system components.

8.14.10.2.2 Systems Furniture Design Guidelines

During the initial planning of new systems furniture, consider the condition and appearance of existing paint, wall coverings, carpet, and base of the area.

When planning the location of office equipment and break areas, do not place heat generating devices, such as coffee makers or copiers, near a thermostat.

8.14.10.2.3 Panels
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systems furniture

Careful planning is critical during the initial stages of designing new systems furniture layouts.  Power and communication requirements must be determined and planned so they are available at the locations where they are needed.  Surface-mounted conduit and power poles are unsightly and should be avoided. 

  • Full height panels should be used only in areas with a specific need for increased privacy or separation, such as conference rooms, break areas, and certain private offices.
  • Provide glass panels in corners and at windows to open up the space and allow natural light to filter into the center of the space.
  • Provide access panels in the systems furniture to allow for communications connection.
  • Panels should generally not exceed 66 inches in height in an open office area.  Taller panels cut off air circulation, block access to views and daylight, and create a closed-in feeling.   Depending on applicable building codes, some panels may compromise exiting requirements if they exceed certain heights.
  • The location and use of taller panels must be carefully planned and coordinated because they can interfere with the proper functioning of air conditioning diffusers, fire sprinklers and smoke detectors, the daylighting design lighting fixtures, switches, thermostats, and sensors.
  • Panels should not block service access to mechanical, electrical, or telephone equipment.
  • Do not install panels in front of windows, as they will block access to daylight and views for the entire area.  Panels installed perpendicular to windows should be installed at a window mullion.   

 

8.14.10.2.4 Color and Texture

To maintain a professional atmosphere, the style and types of systems furniture should be consistent throughout the area.

  • The materials and colors of the panels and chairs should be durable.  They should be heavy-duty and stain resistant.

  • The fabric on the systems furniture panels should harmonize with the overall building color scheme.

 

 

 

  
 

Interior Design