To celebrate the new Design issue launching at Milan Design Week from April 4-9, Oak presents a series previewing the the best new Nordic projects and collaborations to debut at the annual Salone del Mobile

The future of the office is one of design’s favourite preoccupations. The way we work is changing rapidly, with the rise of the mobile workplace, flexible working, co-working and staff-oriented, amenity-based spaces, meaning that there’s plenty of scope for experimental solutions to the new problems that are arising along the way.

Last year’s Milan design week saw a number of fresh approaches to workplace design, including purposefully “boring” furniture from Dutch brand Lensvelt and designs created specifically for small spaces by students from Lund University.

This year, Swedish design group Front is adding its Dune work islands to the fray.

While other designers have focused on desks and task chairs or modular seating, Front have taken a slightly different approach. Not that we would expect anything less from a group whose catalogue includes a lamp shaped like a life-size horse and furniture made by solidifying 3D air doodles.

Created for Swedish furniture company Offecct, Dune features a pebble-like, pink upholstered seat, supported on curved legs that rise up to culminate in small round tables.

“Dune has been developed for the spheres where the need for informal meetings intersects with the demand for relaxed seating,” said the designers.

“It offers an exciting new response to the constantly changing needs of our work places and public spaces.”

Dune can be viewed at the Offecct display during the Salone del Mobile fair in Hall 20, Stand F8, from 4 to 9 April. Offecct is also opening a new Milan showroom on 4 April at Via Magolfa 21.