ASEL: Redefining the Office Cubicle with Coziness and Functionality

A Cozy and Homey Working Environment for Open Plan Offices

People spend more time at their offices than their homes. Thus, providing comfort conditions in working environments is critical to increase production, labor, and perceptual performance. ASEL, designed by Elif Gunes and Bulent Unal, is a working cubicle that aims to bring a cozy home experience to open plan office environments, enhancing performance and motivation.

The traditional office cubicle has long been associated with a cold and impersonal atmosphere. However, ASEL breaks away from this stereotype by combining the warmth of felt and wood to create a cozy and homey working environment. The surfaces of the cubicle are designed to meet the basic needs of a working environment, such as a pen case and a note board, eliminating the need for additional pieces.

One of the unique features of ASEL is its use of felt to cover the structure forming the partition surfaces. This not only creates a cozy working atmosphere but also provides visual privacy without completely isolating individuals from their colleagues. The total height of the cubicle is carefully designed to allow for communication while still providing a sense of privacy.

The color scheme of ASEL is also thoughtfully chosen to enhance productivity. The inner surfaces are in a calming green color, which has been shown to positively affect people's performance during work. The stitches used on the gray outer surfaces incorporate hints of green, while the stitches on the green inner surfaces feature touches of gray, creating a harmonious visual balance.

ASEL is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The desk and legs are made from natural beech wood, providing a sturdy and durable workspace. The dimensions of the desk and cubicle are carefully designed to accommodate the needs of a modern office, offering ample space for work and storage.

Furthermore, ASEL allows for flexibility in office layout. The cubicles can be combined in different arrangements, enabling organizations to adapt the open office environment to their specific needs and preferences.

The ASEL project was initiated in September 2018 in Ankara, Turkey, and was realized in December 2018. The designers, Elif Gunes and Bulent Unal, aimed to break down the machinelike cold atmosphere of modern office environments and create a space where individuals can feel comfortable and be themselves.

Recognizing its innovative design and contribution to improving the quality of working environments, ASEL was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2019. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to enhancing quality of life.

ASEL is not just a cubicle; it is a testament to the power of design in transforming workspaces into inviting and inspiring environments. With its unique combination of coziness and functionality, ASEL sets a new standard for office cubicles, redefining the way we work and interact in open plan offices.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Bulent Unal
Image Credits: Image #1: 3D Visualization Bulent Unal, Hakan Gokdemir, 2018. Image #2: 3D Visualization Bulent Unal, Hakan Gokdemir, 2018. Image #3: 3D Visualization Bulent Unal, Hakan Gokdemir, 2018. Image #4: 3D Visualization Bulent Unal, Hakan Gokdemir, 2018. Image #5: 3D Visualization Bulent Unal, Hakan Gokdemir, 2018.
Project Team Members: Elif Gunes Bulent Unal
Project Name: Asel
Project Client: Bulent Unal


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