ITOKI CORPORATION (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Koji Minato) will release the big table "Centra," which naturally connects individual work and communication, in December 2024.

The main issues in creating an office after hybrid work has taken root include "strengthening communication," "responding to changes in attendance rates," "securing human resources and improving corporate value," and so on. Co-work areas (such as work desks and seats used for other activities) that occupy a large part of the office were reconsidered. What was considered necessary was "functionality" to seamlessly connect work and communication, "mobility" to increase the number of places to be and to be able to use it flexibly, and "design" to create an attractive space that lifts the spirits. In terms of usage scenarios for work tables, there is a lot of movement between individual work and communication, such as consulting while working, and there are situations where people choose their own seats or gather as a team. This led to the development of a big table that naturally connects individual work and communication, and serves as the center of the office where people can gather and spend time as they wish.

(1) Tabletop shape that creates diverse connections

The "irregular shaped" tabletop, which is the flagship model of this product, changes the direction and distance of the line of sight depending on the seating position. When used as individual seats, the seats on the edges are close enough to make it easier to talk, while the seats in the middle are farther away, allowing each person to choose their preferred location. The seats are also suitable for team seating, as the line of sight tends to gather in the center. The line of sight also extends to the surroundings, making it easy to have conversations with people passing by. The "double curved" tabletop has a shape that provides a relaxed distance from the seat opposite, allowing you to work while feeling a gentle connection with your surroundings. The "circular/square" tabletop is spacious and versatile, allowing it to be used comfortably as both individual seating and meeting seating.

(2) New table structure that allows flexible use with free seating positions 

A new table structure has been adopted, with legs positioned horizontally in the center and extending from there in the depth direction. This structure allows a variety of tabletop shapes to be realized with a common structure, while allowing people to sit in any position with good leg clearance. The table's ends are also easy to sit on and work or discuss with, making it a feature of the table's flexibility according to the situation and purpose, such as responding to temporary changes in the number of people or using it as a consultation area. A high table can also be connected to the ends, making it easy to create a place for standing conversation.

(3) A design that exudes calm and warmth, and materials with a variety of expressions

We aimed for a design and appearance with softness and volume that would naturally draw people together and encourage them to spend time as they wish. We also incorporated a variety of tabletop materials that bring out color while harmonizing with the space. You can choose from a one-tone style with the tabletop and legs finished in the same color, veneer finishes, a new material called quartz stone that uses natural minerals, biomass PVC that is a sustainable material with a patterned feel, as well as stone-grain melamine and wood-grain melamine.

Along with Centra, the light task chair "Levi One-Tone Type," designed to blend in well with co-work areas, is also scheduled to go on sale in December 2024. Co-work areas require chairs that are not only functional but also blend in with the high-quality, relaxed atmosphere of the space, so a new color has been added as a light task chair with a soft, warm, one-tone body color. By matching the upholstery, body color, and casters to the same color, the chair blends in neatly with the space.

Launch of the new "Levi Chair," a versatile chair with functionality that can be used to coordinate the entire office (December 2018 press release)
https://www.itoki.jp/company/news/2018/1812_levi/