I had the opportunity to interview Tim Spencer, of Ubiquity Design Studio after his launch of Knelt™ contemporary furniture range at 100% design.
I was attracted to his innovative seating and desk range Knelt™. As a minimalist I try not to clutter any space, especially the home office, with any bulky furniture. I prefer to have an open environment to relax and think. I was informed by one of our design writers, that the trend at 100% is for standing up desks. Better posture, more alertness and no slouching!
Knelt™ however, is something altogether different in philosophy and design.
Tim Spencer, launching his studio at 100%, would call this, “functional elegance” and this is one of his design credos. For any our our readers however, who are into Yoga or Martial arts like Aikido, correct posture and breathing are second nature to a healthy mind and body. If you train in the Japanese Martial Art, Aikido you will practice Seiza. This is the kneeling position, which is the start and the end of all lessons.
Aikido like Yoga, encourages harmony of the mind and body. The natural posture, the strait back and “being centred” which enriches and empowers you. At first you learn to use new muscles and posture. After a short time, it becomes second nature. You think better and feel better and it is addictive in a healthy way. So much so, that you’d rather practice this than slouch down at the desk or flop on the chair. You find that the human form has perfection when in harmony with nature.
This is the “functional elegance” of Tim’s design credo. Knelt™ desk and stool fits around your perfect posture and form. You are not having to read a magazine or work on a laptop whilst adjusting to the furniture. This is minimalism and the Knelt™ system harmonises it’s design with you. It is not difficult, rather it is just natural. The fun thing is the beaming child like smiles of adults who have fun using Knelt™. You don’t have dye your hair purple and bring out the velvet trousers and Om to understand this product. You can “feel” this design rather than intellectualise it. The photos Tim posted on his blog, from 100% Design show the joy in using Knelt™ Adult desk and stool.
Tim Spencer is both a design graduate and a trained Paediatric Nurse. In conversation, Tim will refreshingly emphasise his belief that design should have a true human function. As such, he developed Knelt™ originally for children. To quote Tim,
“Knelt™ is an innovation in contemporary children’s furniture. Knelt™ is a kneeling stool and desk for children that naturally encourage a healthy neutral posture, which has been found to be crucial during the early years of spinal development and is designed for 3-10 year olds.”
His daughter, Niamh was the test pilot and there is definitely human value to encouraging good posture in children. Knelt™Adult evolved out of this design. The furniture itself is beautifully made in Britain and hand finished personally by Tim. Real wood veneers such as American Walnut and Oak can be selected. The wood is finished in Hardwax Oil and all the making is ethically sourced. For parents, this furniture range has a good life span and represents an investment in the holistic well being of your children. For us slightly bigger people, you may not have quite so much “fun” in the home office, however, you will be very comfortable.
Did I buy one? Yes and I “Om” occasionally.
