Integrative, flexible & open
More than a series of room modules, "Confair Next" is a concept. Wilkhahn wants to use the system to create an infrastructure that precisely meets the needs and requirements of its customers. With "Confair Next", analogue and digital working and conferencing should be possible and easy to integrate. As a pioneering, open-technology system, it also promises attractive furnishing solutions at the highest level in terms of investment security.
"Confair Next" is like a toolbox that supports teamwork and smooth everyday conference and work life with new participation-orientated tools. For the specific requirements in the various communication and collaboration areas, the programme offers an amazing variety of mobile room modules that can be perfectly combined for the respective needs. These include the ‘Media Wall’, for example, which offers the option of combining writable boards with interactive screens. The electromotive height-adjustable ‘Display Rack’ is a mobile monitor holder that can be ergonomically adjusted from sitting to standing height. The ‘mobile shelf’ makes it easy to organise workshop materials and the required utensils are always ready for use. A lectern can also be equipped with a high-performance power shelf, which provides both a wireless power supply and complete freedom of movement in the room – without any risk of tripping. Folding and stackable high tables for dynamic group work, small-format ‘rolling stools’ with swivelling tables for quick notes and a ‘wall rail set’ on which ‘Liteboards’ in various formats or digital devices can be mounted complete the range.
Numerous versions are possible in order to match the modules, which are consistent in terms of radii, materials and formats, precisely to the respective corporate design and thus create a real furnishing solution: the whiteboard surfaces in white or sand blend into the setting with a discreet look. Depending on the interior concept, the frame surfaces are available in textured matt white, black or satin silver. The textiles for the covers, such as the acoustic wall, can be selected from two fabric collections. This means that the room modules can also be visually customised according to personal preferences and the materiality of the fabrics gives them a homely character.
Wilkhahn's room modules are designed to integrate the advantages of analogue and digital media use on an equal footing, as well as participants who are present and those who are connected. In keeping with the company's claim to leadership in improving collaboration, it has now presented a pioneering study: ‘Confair Buddy’ is a hybrid avatar designed to facilitate the integration of remote participants in face-to-face meetings and better integrate them into the group dynamics. The digitally connected person can literally sit at the conference table via the mobile "Confair Buddy": The ‘head’ is formed by the tablet display, which can be moved from sitting to standing height, with an AI camera, microphone, loudspeaker and rotating lens positioned in front of the display. This can be controlled remotely using standard video conferencing applications or switched from presence mode to AI automatic mode using gestures to automatically follow the person in front of the camera or zoom in on whiteboard content. The "Confair Buddy" can also be carried around the room by employees using side handles in dynamic workshop processes. The design of the hybrid avatar, which also harmonises perfectly with the room modules in the "Confair Next" programme, was developed on the basis of Wilkhahn's many years of technical research. Presented for the first time at Orgatec, Wilkhahn will use the feedback to draw conclusions about possible furnishings and corresponding business models. We can look forward to it!
