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/ Interview Sevil Peach

Much of what you just said reminds me of our new “Net ’n’ Nest” approach. What are your thoughts on this concept?

If you need to give it a phrase, yes, you could say Net ’n’ Nest is what we are talking about. But what people should understand is that “Nests” should not be seen as hideaways only for rest and relaxation. People go to the office to work! But they should be able to do their work in a way that best suits their tasks, in a way that maximises their motivation and productivity. That is our interpretation of Net ’n’ Nest. It is a logical progression that Vitra are now emphasising it. After all, Net ’n’ Nest is the current manifestation of an ongoing process and exploration of the office landscape, something we have explored both in Vitra’s own offices and with many of our other clients. I’m sure Vitra’s theoretical approach to Net ’n’ Nest will encourage the development of new, useful and surprising products.

Whether Net ’n’ Nest or your own concepts on new, human work environments, might they not be too modern for some companies? What has to happen for these types of new work structures and methods to take root?

The type of work I am describing here usually does require a cultural change of more or less dramatic proportions, not only for employees but also for management. It takes a lot of effort, education and persuasive explanations to convince people that they may now work in the cafeteria, for example, if that best suits them. And it also takes a lot of effort to convince them that doing so would not make their boss think any less of them. It is all about breaking the perceptions. But it is important to remember that change, big or little, requires time. And there will always be resistance; that is true of any change. It is sometimes the case that not all individuals will be satisfied with the new office environment and work structure. That is unavoidable, regardless of which direction change goes. However, if an inclusive project structure is set up from the outset and people are involved in the process and understand the reasons why, then fear and resistance to change can be minimised and a smoother transition can take place.

Sevil Peach is the Founding Director of the London based design studio Sevil Peach Gence Associates (SPGA) who have collaborated with Vitra for more than 10 years in creating workplace environments both with and for Vitra and a range of leading international companies.