To increase their connection with society and offer a sense of transparency, brands are rethinking their closed-door policies. Taking cues from the open-to-all tactics of hotel bars and lobbies, their workspaces deformalize and transform into welcoming environments. As insular campuses make space for more inviting structures, the borders between the office and its surrounding neighbourhoods are becoming more fluid.
ENTER THE OPEN-DOOR OFFICE
Where once every aspect of the workspace was inaccessible to the public, passers-by are now pulled into shared reception and food-and-beverage areas. But how can such spaces be programmed to ensure they fulfil the needs – to unwind, work, socialize, negotiate and more – of both employees and outsiders?
THE CHALLENGE
For 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen (14-16 May 2020), Frame and Danish furniture brand Montana are challenging young designers to conceptualize a fluid office lobby based on the Montana System that serves both in-house staff and the community beyond. To cater to the needs of employees and outsiders, this hybrid area should include spatial facilities that help to blend the sociability and productive potential demanded by its mixed users.
Offering infinite possibilities, the modular Montana System can play a key role in creating such fluid open-door office environments. Creatives who answer this challenge should make the Montana 12 mm storage system the foundation of the space, giving it a leading functional role.
Other core parameters? Accessories and other products from the Montana range can be used to further decorate the space; the system’s 40 colours and two veneers should be used to their full potential, meaning designers should consider the effect that colours have on mind-set and productivity; the treatment of floor and walls should be considered in the design concept to create a coherent whole; the final space could facilitate activities such as desk work, meeting, waiting and (seated) socializing; and the entire environment should be playful, colourful, photogenic and – most importantly – welcoming.
WHY ENTER?
Your work will be seen by international press, architects and furniture-industry professionals at Copenhagen’s annual design festival, 3 Days of Design (14-16 May 2020). The winning proposal will be further developed and produced in collaboration with Montana and exhibited in the Montana Copenhagen showroom during the event.
In addition, the process and final presentation will be documented and covered across Frame’s platforms, including a series of articles on frameweb.com, a feature in Frame magazine, social-media promotion and more.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Sign up for the challenge by 10 Feburary 2020 by sending your contact details to devita@frameweb.com with the subject Frame x Montana Creative Challenge.
After you have signed up to participate, you will receive more information (3D files, press kit with images, floor plan of the showroom etc.).
Your creative proposal should be submitted by 9 March 2020 and include:
• A descriptive text of 300-500 words about your concept
• 2-3 supporting images illustrating your concepts
KEY DATES
Deadline for signing up to participate: 10 February 2020
Deadline for creative proposal submissions: 9 March 2020
Winner announced: Week 13, 2020
Start of production: Week 14, 2020
Exhibition at the 3 Days of Design festival in Copenhagen: 14-16 May 2020
Find the full Frame x Montana Creative Challenge brief here.
