(MUSCATINE, IA – February, 2016) – Parallel, a newly introduced collection of soft seating and coordinating tables from Allsteel Inc., offers a contemporary take on classic reception furniture. Created in partnership with Los Angeles–based designer Chris Adamick, the Parallel portfolio comprises a Club Chair, Club Plus Lounge, Sofa and Side and Coffee Tables—modern pieces that provide wider-ranging functionality than their traditional counterparts while preserving a clean and elegantly tailored look that reflects the influence of residential design on the workplace.
Today’s collaborative office environment demands products and solutions that are versatile and adaptable. “Right from the start, we knew that Parallel had to be more flexible than conventional corporate lounge seating,” said Adamick. “Along with its expected use in formal ‘front-of-house’ reception areas, the collection needed to function successfully in collaborative work areas, too. Parallel can welcome guests at the front door or be the anchor for a space where people and teams come together.”
Parallel incorporates many thoughtful, integrated design elements that enhance the collection’s adaptability while maintaining a consistent aesthetic. For instance, the Club Chair’s unusually wide arms provide a convenient surface for device usage; an optional removable sleeve makes for an even more solid worksurface. The chair’s broad arms and back also offer colleagues a comfortable place to perch for brief conversations, a further encouragement of collaborative behavior. The Club Plus Lounge’s extra-wide seat allows freedom of movement and the space to stash a briefcase, bag or other belongings beside the occupant.
The modular design of Parallel seating permits it to be placed in a variety of arrangements, including back to back, perfect for lobbies in contract or hospitality settings or even within a workstation. Grouped in an open environment, the pieces have a strong enough visual presence to hold their own, quietly creating a defined zone without the use of partitions or screens. Dual-density, high-resilient foam provides comfort, long-term performance and shape holding—an important consideration in pieces whose aesthetics rely on clean, crisp lines. Fabrics can be accentuated with channeling, further enhancing the furniture’s tailored lines while adding extra comfort. Tapered oval legs and thin frame reveal complement upholstery detailing and contribute to the collection’s feeling of effortless elegance.
“We worked hard to make Parallel as beautiful, practical and durable as possible,” said Nicole Willits, product manager at Allsteel. “We hope the collection will be an inspiration to designers and architects—a canvas they can customize precisely to their client’s preferred look.” Options include a variety of dimensional upholstery fabrics from HBF Textiles. Available base colors are Polished Chrome and three standard paint finishes: Carbon, Silver and Brilliant White.