• Blogs
• Tradeshows
• Partners
• White Papers
• Events

Step Into My Office

Apr 1, 2001 12:00 PM, By Trevor Boyer

As cubicle drones set up offices in their homes and telecommute in increasing numbers, the idea of “the office” becomes more and more fluid. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 10% of workers in the United States fit the description of “workers with alternative arrangements.”

But a workspace inside a converted industrial airplane cargo container? Not surprisingly, you'll only be able to see that particular office setup at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

In a current exhibition entitled Workspheres, the Inspiro-Tainer work and relaxation environment greets museumgoers with an interactive touchpanel control system that boosts and lowers a satisfyingly loud adjustable hydraulic seat.

Designed by Ada Tolla and Giuseppe Lignano of Manhattan-based LOT/EK Architecture, the Inspiro-Tainer looks and feels like a flight simulator. The unit is meant to blur the lines not only between work and play, but between isolation and communication. Set on castors, the Inspiro-Tainer can be moved around easily.

The touchpanel, a Crestron Isys TPS-6000, controls all the technologies and mechanisms inside the cargo container, provided by Nordisk Aviation Products: a Sony Vaio computer, DVD/CD player, surround-sound speakers, reading lights, ventilation fans, and an LCD projector and retractable screen.

The Inspiro-Tainer drew a crowd in its prominent position in the exhibition, with museum visitors eagerly configuring the environment via the Crestron touchscreen.

“The TPS-6000 really responds quickly to all commands,” says Tolla, “and people enjoy touching the good-looking screen to make things happen inside the Inspiro-Tainer.”

How often do crowds line up to flip through your Rolodex?

For More Information
Crestron
Rockleigh, N.J.
201-767-3400
www.crestron.com

Trevor Boyer is associate editor for Video Systems.

© 2008 Penton Media, Inc.