Pagemasters

• New interior fit-out in existing building, Ellerslie, Auckland
• Open plan office space for 44 people on 1 floor
• Interior design: TSE Group Auckland – designer Eva Stuart
• Completed: July 2007

Vitra’s Joyn system – in three identical configurations approximately 12m long, was used for the open plan office space. This included both territorial and non-territorial workstations. Cite recommended and supplied Vitra Joyn benches for collaborative workstations, Vitra Ad Hoc for individual offices and Vitra Storage system for common storage. Task chairs throughout are Axess Plus, also by Vitra.

Performance benefits

Far from a traditional crowded, dingy newspaper office, the new work environment is light, open and modern. This contributes to staff satisfaction, while the open plan environment enables the daily collaboration vital in newspaper production. An inclusive new kitchen area and eating/reading bench is a popular addition to the newsroom and encourages staff to interact while they take a break.

Sustainability

While avoiding products that were not sustainable, Pagemasters did not have a pro-active ESD strategy. Choosing Vitra products for the new fit-out meant that aesthetic and ergonomic benefits were not gained at the expense of environmental sensitivity.

Ergonomics and usability

Axess Plus task chairs enable the user to sit in a more dynamic and supported position. Armrests can be adjusted to support the arms of staff members, who spend extended time at computer workstations. Cite helped overcome the challenge of avoiding droppers for power and data, with the siting of the Joyn benches, and worked closely with the manufacturer to add additional legs, thus preventing the possibility of bowing.

"Staff feedback has been very good. The office environment is a step up from what most production journalists are used to, and it has been a factor in both attracting and retaining staff."

Bruce Davidson, Managing Director, Pagemasters