We take a look at a table system by Pearson Lloyd that is all about flexibility of purpose in the workplace.
Pearson Lloyd have recently opened their new studio in East London, and have fitted a new bespoke version of the Peggy workbench in their office, which has two different rectangular shaped tops that are configured in a t-shape. Their idea is the table should be a totally flexible workspace, as suitable for a large group meeting as it is for an individual to quietly work away on a laptop, or on a technical drawing.
The concept behind the new version of the Peggy Workbench is that different top shapes, dividers and material finishes can be used to allow the table more flexibility of use. The tabletops can be of equal or different size, and can be separated or divided by power units running width or length ways, or centrally located. The new option of having different finishes on different tabletop sections also gives Peggy a new visual language, which helps to naturally delineate space.
When design partnership Pearson Lloyd first developed Peggy for SCP, their intention was to create a comprehensive table system made from solid wood, which would be flexible enough to function in a variety of different workplace or home settings. Their design is anchored around an oval leg and elliptical support arm detail that is common to all configurations of the table. This detail unifies all of the sizes and shapes of the design and has allowed for easy development of new iterations, such as the standing table version introduced in 2017. The ongoing development of the Peggy system has been spearheaded by SCP Contracts, the division of SCP that works directly with architects and designers. This has really helped in developing a clearly thought-out selection of finishes, sizes and shapes, suitable for real life working scenarios, rather than theoretical ones.
The 2020 global pandemic has given architects and designers a huge amount to think about in terms of how workplaces will be organised, populated and furnished in the years to come. With this in mind, we thought it the right moment to reappraise Peggy, and look again at some of the previously unpublished photography of the design.
Pre-pandemic, the large Peggy Workbench version had become far and away the most popular version of the design. It was regularly specified in co-working environments, often being used as a flexible piece of furniture, where a meeting, lunch, or solo working would all take place.
Now, we are wondering whether there will be renewed interest in the smaller round, square and squond shapes of the design, or in fact whether the standing desk version will continue to thrive, providing a suitable place for shorter work interactions, either with colleagues in person, or on connected devices.
One undoubted takeaway from 2020, for both individuals and for businesses, is that being as flexible as possible is the right way to go. We are hoping that Peggy can still provide the right level of flexibility for future workplaces, as much as we are hoping that everyone can get back to work safely in 2021.
If you are interested in designers Pearson Lloyd, read our in-depth 2020 interview with them.
Download a copy of the Peggy Brochure here.
