Architect and Builder January/February 2016 | Page 60

INTERIORWATCH
THE LATEST NEWS AND PRODUCTS FROM THE COMMERCIAL INTERIOR INDUSTRY

NEWSWORTHY

CAPE TOWN ICON
RECEIVES CONTEMPORY
MAKEOVER
Balduccis is a restaurant, sushi bar
and cafe situated in the top tourist
destination in Africa, the Victoria &
Alfred Waterfront.
The brief to interior designers,
ARRCC, was to create a new
fresh

look

for

the

existing

space. The result is a fusion of
contemporary design, combining
a modern African graphic with a

ARE HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE DESKS THE FUTURE?
According to Inspiration Office Managing Director, Richard Andrews, height adjustable
desks are growing in popularity among the South African workforce - and for good reasons.
The average office worker spends 5 hours and 41 minutes sitting each day. “The default
has become to sit. We need the default to be standing,” says Andrews. After a series of
health reports and stories in the media, it is evident that sitting for prolonged periods has
serious health implications and that exercise is not the only solution. He says that local
corporates are now beginning to follow international trends with workplace strategies that
help reduce the amount of time people spend sitting at their desks.
“The shift to height adjustable desks is about turning office work into light exercise, which
has its obvious health benefits and greater productivity gains,” adds Andrews. Research
shows that just one hour each day spent standing can help burn extra calories, and maintain
or renew energy levels and focus. “Work surfaces that adjust easily from sitting to standing
positions have been seen to eliminate the need for workers to leave their tasks when a
break is needed, increasing productivity throughout the day.”
Other benefits of using height adjustable desks include allowing workers to change
posture regularly, which helps to avoid musculoskeletal problems. Standing at work offers a
break from sitting, helps offset some of the problems that can result from prolonged sitting
and ensures employees stay in motion. Over and above employee health and productivity,
standing desks can also save hard costs to employers.
International examples that have taken a stand and that lead the way include office
furniture brand, Steelcase, which has embraced movement throughout their workspaces.
This is done with walking meetings and offering height adjustable work surfaces equipped
with low-speed treadmills. The brand has noted that by simply offering a way to walk and
stand at work can wake-up a worker’s metabolism and have a positive impact on overall
health and workplace wellness.
Andrews says that organisations are now realising the effects of poor postures, and sitting
for long periods with little movement. “Thanks to global workplace research and trends
that promote movement, international products such as Steelcase, and locally produced
cool and simple workstations, AngelShack, offer a range of height adjustable workstations
avai