It all happened rather quickly. Klaus Nienkämper, who started his company over 50 years ago, has had a long-standing relationship with design industry veteran Carl Magnusson, and the designer saw Nienkämper as synonymous with high quality design and manufacturing. Magnusson had never collaborated with the Canadian manufacturer, that is until last September, when he approached Ann-Marie Snook, Nienkämper’s president and CEO, with a table idea that reflects the current advances in technology for the office. “So when Carl came to Nienkämper with this table design, everyone was excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with him,” said Snook. “The MagPower Table and MagPower Desk, which will debut at NeoCon, are great additions to our collections.”
Magnusson observed that owing to office inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of work at home, the attitude towards the office has morphed into a desire to make the office an attractive space to be in. “It’s become a place to meet and communicate with co-workers and to focus on the projects at hand,” said Magnusson. “MagPower signals a new way to work. It’s power where you want it without the encumbrance of wires, and as visually elegant as your smartphone.”
Suited for Different Work Styles
The versatile MagPower collection of multi-purpose tables are ideally suited for different workstyles such as focused, small groups, and various training activities. The dynamic modular table system is designed to provide a functional, clutter-free work surface and charging station for work zones that require no hard wiring.
MagPower also features battery-rechargeable wireless USB-A and USB-C power, and is integrated in the design of the legs to maintain a seamless aesthetic. Optional surface mounted Simple Forums for power and data are available, pre-wired or site-wired with cable conduits to bring cables to the floor.
Officeinsight asked Magnusson to describe his process in designing this product: “I observe the contract market to identify opportunities, then look outside our industry for solutions,” he said. “In this case, the confluence of wireless data and Nienkämper’s development of rechargeable batteries, common with power tools, was an obvious combination fit for the idea of a mobile table. Completely untethered, you simply plug into the user-friendly leg that contains USB outlets so common for smartphones and laptops.”
Image of sketch courtesy of Carl Magnusson
Magnusson evolved a unique and elegant shape of the leg that reflected this function. The finishes also signify an aesthetic turn, and in addition to standard selections, the tables are offered with Finnish ply-top edge details, and legs in matte automobile colors. “More than ever before, people and therefore furniture, want to be moveable, untethered from cables, so the MagPower pieces with casters or glides will find their natural state as stand-alone desks or quick conferencing tables,” said Magnusson.
Magnusson — who has collaborated with brands such as Knoll, Teknion, iDesk, Allseating, 000 Porsche Editions, Momentum and Spinneybeck/FilzFelt — also worked in the office of Charles and Ray Eames. Officeinsight asked him about words of advice that the design legends offered. “Many,” Magnusson replied. “One of which was to follow the material and processes to its obvious conclusion.” For one project, Magnusson remembered that at first glance, the shape of a leg seemed nearly impossible to fabricate. They looked outside the furniture industry, and learning from racing bicycle frame technology, they found the answers.
Nienkämper sees the table fitting well in today’s workplace — suited for open spaces, small meeting rooms, shared workstations and private offices. “This is such a flexible product and answers everyday needs, such as power, mobility, and functionality,” said Snook. The battery powered leg also provides a wireless option that can last for days before a charge is needed.
Sustainability is Key
The table was designed with sustainability in mind: The aluminum legs for example, are made from recycled aluminum, and are recyclable after their lifespan. All wood specified by Nienkämper is regionally-sourced, and is part of the FSC Chain of Custody, indicating that they come from well-managed forests or other controlled sources, and the waste material can be sent for biofuel or other recycled uses. Nienkämper is also an FSC- and Greenguard-certified manufacturer. “Above all, the product can have a very long-life cycle which is real sustainability,” said Magnusson.
Photo courtesy of Nienkämper
Other NeoCon Debuts
Nienkämper is introducing other several new products at NeoCon: The Rowan Collection by Yabu Pushelberg, which consists of a lounge seating collection and accompanying coffee/end tables, in addition to a Rowan conference table with a new edge and base style; BRIG, a seating system by Fig40, which is very configurable, powered, and is available in an endless combinations; and Dune seating by Busk+Hertzog. Nienkämper is also launching The LCS Casegood, designed by Nienkämper Studio. “Some people may think the casegood has gone away, but not for us,” said Snook. “We still do a lot of private offices, and LCS offers an executive office with all the technology features that people expect from Nienkämper.”
Officeinsight was curious how Nienkämper has been doing as we all come out of the pandemic: “We stock raw materials in volume and manufacture from the raw materials. It helps avoid the supply issues and allows us to customize our product without huge upcharges,” explained Snook. “Our lead times are still 8 to 10 weeks. The company is doing well overall, and we’re excited about NeoCon!”