Swiss furniture brand Vitra has unveiled Comma, a modular office furniture system inspired by scaffolding. With a core structure made of tubular steel and only six individual components, Comma can be assembled into an array of configurations, including workstations, storage racks, phone booths, benches, workshop spaces, and even micro-architectural structures like wardrobes, hallways, and integrated workstations.
The pandemic reshaped how and where work happens, with many employees only entering offices for in-person interactions. Shorter lease terms, evolving business models, changing team structures, and dynamic work requirements have all created a pressing need for adaptable office spaces.
Modern workplaces demand not just flexible furniture but environments that can be reconfigured swiftly to meet diverse needs. The simplest solution is to design large, open spaces where modular structures like Comma can be assembled to meet any requirement.
Vitra’s Comma system challenges traditional office layouts, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to express disruptive innovation.
At the heart of the Comma system is a clever “claw” design that enables components to be reassembled repeatedly without additional tools. This innovation allows endless configurations, with optional add-ons like tabletops, electrical modules, and accessories that are easy to install.
Available in light or dark finishes, with spans ranging from 40 cm to 2 meters, Comma components are highly versatile, making it possible to build structures tailored to any team or function.
“Over the past two years, the importance of adaptable office spaces has become increasingly clear,” says Christian Grosen, Vitra’s Chief Design Officer. “Inspired by the simplicity and durability of scaffolding, Comma offers stability and resilience, enabling users to create a range of structures—shelves, desks, partitions, and more—using just a few essential elements.”
Grosen adds, “The challenge was to make Comma as user-friendly as possible. Furniture systems often become overly complex, so we limited the core components to tubular steel. With just six parts, anyone can easily assemble it without hidden mechanisms or complications.”
Comma allows users to repeatedly redesign their spaces, meeting changing office needs without requiring additional tools. From a standalone workstation to a complete office setup, Comma offers a diverse range of solutions.
Vitra has implemented the Comma system in its Club Office at its Swiss headquarters, boosting productivity in its product development department.
Opened in 2021, the 300-square-meter Club Office was designed to encourage employee interaction, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. It features diverse zones:
Public spaces for informal meetings, with comfortable furniture like the Soft Work sofa system and Alcove Plus seating. Comma facilitates quick interactions, fostering a dynamic work environment.
Semi-public spaces for workshops and team collaborations, offering layouts that can be adjusted several times a day. Flexibility is key here.
Private spaces for focused individual work, equipped with workstations, meeting areas, phone booths, and storage solutions—all built with Comma components.
The system allows teams to surround themselves with prototypes and project models, inspiring creative discussions. Once a project is completed, the space can be quickly reconfigured for the next team.
Durable and modular, Comma extends its lifecycle by being disassembled into individual components for reuse or recycling, aligning with circular economy principles.
“The separation of work and life will likely persist. Offices need to blend work and living, creating hybrid spaces that can be reconfigured as needed. Sometimes we need open spaces for collaboration, and at other times, we need private areas for focus. Designing a structure that enables all these functionalities is critical,” says Grosen. “With Comma, we aim to meet current needs while anticipating future demands.”
As Vitra’s Club Office demonstrates, Comma is more than a furniture system—it’s a versatile, future-proof solution for creating adaptable, sustainable, and engaging work environments.
Sourced from Our China Media Partner 77° Global Furnishings Media.
