The residual forms can be positioned as desktops, tables, and stools. Both the excavated seating and forms are upholstered in over 100 Wolf-Gordon textiles arrayed by color. Designed to accommodate a range of workplace functions, Office_Excavate will provide a welcoming space to stop for a chat, coffee break, email check, phone recharge or a serendipitous meeting. The project began with a conversation between Marybeth Shaw, Vice President of Design and Marketing at Wolf-Gordon, and Hjalti Karlsson and Jan Wilker of karlssonwilker, inc. about how to accommodate an extreme range of contemporary workplace activities and policies.

Karlssonwilker, inspired by their shared ideas, drew up a series of “postures” or positions for the body in the modern office, and architect Graham Kelman then visualized the idea and developed the architecture of the installation in close collaboration. Subsequently, Jorge Parreira of New Motor devised the fabrication and installation plan, and Hoover Canar upholstered the many forms. With Office_Excavate, this group of collaborative designers marks their fifth anniversary of innovative NeoCon® sponsorships together.

Their successful completion of this shared process is an example of why this project represents a best-case scenario of collaborative process, talented designers, and complete freedom of program. Credits: - karlssonwilker - Jan Wilker - New Motor - Jorge Parreira - Hoover Canar - Graham Kellman - karlssonwilker - Hjalti Hjalti Karlsson