Span: A Rocking Stool for Collaborative Spaces

Merging the Principles of a Rocking Horse with the Simplicity of a Stool

As the modern workplace evolves into a more collaborative teaming environment, the need for small modular seating elements becomes imperative. Span was conceived to address this specific transformation, providing a cost-effective seating solution that also offers intelligent storage.

What sets Span apart is its unique design that allows for both rocking and swiveling movements. With a short base and a single point of contact, users can sit in a traditional rocking position or move from side to side, making it easy to change orientation or viewing position. This versatility enhances the collaborative experience, encouraging movement and interaction among team members.

Span's design also incorporates a chrome wire basket, providing convenient storage for personal belongings within the framework of the seat. This feature adds to the functionality of the stool, making it a practical choice for various settings.

Created using injection molded plastic for the crown support and rocker base, Span is lightweight and compact. The seat features a fabric and foam cushion over a wood seat disk, ensuring comfort without compromising on durability. The technical specifications of Span include a base width of 635mm (25"), seat height of 450.85mm (17.75"), seat diameter of 342.9mm (13.5"), and a basket depth of 63.5mm (2.5").

Jeffrey Koffman embarked on the Span project in December 2012, and it was completed in February 2013. The design process involved extensive research on seating elements that enable rapid teaming and collaboration. The challenge was to create a seating element that effectively and efficiently facilitates teamwork while incorporating utility and motion for a fun experience.

The innovative design of Span has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in 2013. This prestigious award is bestowed upon outstanding and creatively ingenious designs that contribute to quality of life improvements. Span's incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology showcases its strong technical and creative skills, making it a valuable addition to the world of furniture design.

With its unique combination of functionality, versatility, and storage capabilities, Span is a testament to the evolving needs of collaborative spaces. Whether in a modern office, educational institution, or hospitality setting, this rocking stool adds a touch of innovation and style while promoting interaction and teamwork.