Since 2022, Swedish studio Form Us With Love (FUWL) has been running a contextual study of design called ‘Testing Grounds’. Together with Smart Media Solutions, Samsung, Logitech and Logic IT, ‘Testing Grounds Meet’ explores the intersection of technology and interiors and what happens when both are considered together from the start.
In October, FUWL launched Link, a system that carves out temporary, physical moments of privacy in transitional spaces; it also engages with how online connections – now an inescapable part of working life – are shaping workspace design.
“Link is designed for workplaces where different activities need to happen within the same space, from individual work and small meetings to workshops, presentations and larger collaborations,” says Jonas Pettersson, co-founder of FUWL.
“We see opportunities in offices, educational environments and other shared spaces where flexibility is important.”
The aluminium profile of Link supports a partition system with rails and curtains that can form ‘room-in-room’ set-ups.
A considered, soft geometry sees curated colours and textures, allowing designers and specifiers to apply colour, style, visual cohesion and definition.
The system is designed for flexibility, and can wrap around the wall of a space, operating as a rail that holds accessories (shelves, hooks, cables) or larger objects such as whiteboards – useful when there’s a need to host workshops, virtual or in-person meetings and creative brainstorms.
“Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen the office pod become a major category, responding to a real need for privacy. But these solutions are often quite static, creating another fixed room within the office,” says Pettersson.
“I don’t think open-plan offices are disappearing, but I do think the idea that one type of space can support every activity is becoming increasingly outdated.”
With Link, FUWL wanted to explore a different approach. Rather than designing another room for a specific purpose, the studio designed an architectural system that allows spaces to change depending on what people need.
“Privacy isn’t always about complete isolation,” adds Pettersson. “Sometimes you just need a visual boundary, a place for a quick meeting or a way to create focus within a larger environment.”
An important starting point was to create a system that can evolve rather than become obsolete when workplace needs or technology change.
Link considers technology from the beginning, rather than adding screens, cameras and cables once the interior has already been designed.
“Link is based on an aluminium structure with interchangeable components and accessories. Configurations can be adapted, expanded or rearranged without replacing the entire system.
Technology can also be updated independently of the structure,” explains Pettersson. “For us, longevity is not only about materials but also about creating products that remain relevant as needs change.”
Photography courtesy of Form Us With Love.
