Revolutionizing Workspaces: The Tangens Furniture Collection

Sara Kele's Award-Winning Design Merges Home Comfort with Agile Office Functionality

The Tangens collection is a testament to the rapidly changing work environments of today. It is an office furniture system that not only caters to the current circumstances but also anticipates future needs. The design is rooted in the concept of touch and togetherness, with the tangible structure of the furniture reflecting this motif. The curved tubular frame that wraps around the furniture pieces is a nod to the graphic Bauhaus world, demonstrating a respect for tradition. Simultaneously, the use of sustainable materials pays homage to the future, signifying reverence for the power of nature.

Quality, durability, and sustainability were the guiding principles during the manufacturing process. The ability to disassemble the furniture into parts was a crucial consideration during the design phase, ensuring ease of future repairs. The seating surfaces feature a durable wave spring load-bearing held by sintered steel pipes, produced on a modern automated line that recycles the powder coating excess. The fabrics used are highly resistant, made of recycled plastic and woven wool, and the fillers include recycled felt and ground materials.

The Tangens collection includes seating and storage furniture, tables, and room dividers. Each element not only matches in style but also offers easy combination opportunities, providing a solution for every aspect of office life. From isolated thinking through confidential discussions to group work, Tangens is the ideal equipment for an agile workspace. The slightly elevated seating level facilitates concentration, acknowledging the reality that being in the office often means sitting.

The Tangens project was created from September 2020 to February 2021 in Budapest and Tata cities in Hungary, under the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency's DesignLAB incubator program. The project has been exhibited in Maison&Objet in Paris, Downtown Dubai in Dubai, and S/ALON in Budapest. It has won the Red Dot Best of the Best Award in Design Concept Category, received a Special Mention in the Furniture Systems category of the A+Product Awards, and won the Big See Product Design Award and Good Design® Award.

Throughout the design process, Sara Kele and her team faced several challenges, including the search for PU foam substitutions. Despite finding many promising technologies, such as algae-based granulate made foam, most were not ready for industrial usage. The team eventually returned to traditional solutions, such as wave spring and wood-base framing for the recycled foam. Another challenge was finding a partner with similar values for the upholstery fabric, which was eventually found in a Swiss weaving mill.

In conclusion, the Tangens furniture collection by Sara Kele is a remarkable example of innovative design that meets the demands of modern work environments. Its unique features, sustainable approach, and award-winning design make it a standout in the world of office furniture. The Tangens collection is not just a set of furniture pieces; it is a testament to the power of design in transforming spaces and enhancing human relationships.