Reception Desk

Overview

The reception desk project was given to us by the client to observe and evaluate Gensler's design team at work. This desk strengthening a rapport, which resulted in larger scopes of projects. I had the pleasure of working with the design director to kick start a relationship with the client.

role

Lead Designer

Team

Design Director

timeline

Mar 2017 - Apr 2017

tools

Sketchup

Revit

Photoshop

Scope

Design a reception desk that fits within the lobby's footprint while solving existing user issues and providing a cohesive visual aesthetic.

Problem

After interviewing the users, we discovered the following issues:

The desk was not structurally sound.
The receptionists had rubbernecking problems due to the angle of the desk to the front entrance.
The ergonomics of the shelf height, structural legs, and table curves were not designed with the users’ daily tasks in mind. It was too high for the receptionists to have a visible view of the guests.
The edges did not form to the user's bodies for proper seating.
The existing table is designed for a one-person space. There are two receptionists.
There is not enough storage.
Also, the environment had many eclectic architectural elements, so the table needed to blend in. However, the company was going through the modernization of its space. So, it had to transition well with any future changes.

Schematic Design

To study the form, I quickly sketched out different possibilities.

I like to begin my process quickly by sketching shapes to understand form. The design form is captured in 2 ribbon pieces—one as the outside shell, the other as the inset. I made sure that the desk kept the user issues and ADA in mind.

Results

To solve the rubbernecking problem, I opened up the side facade so that the receptionist wouldn’t need to rotate and heighten their neck to see incoming visitors. I elongated the width of the desk to accommodate two users. And, I added storage behind their desk in addition to specifying two small storage furniture pedestals. I added a button under their desk for emergencies (because we never know when there will be an intruder).

The materials I selected were walnut, white solid surface, and conversion varnish for the exterior shell.