Maximising the ergonomic advantage

The side-by-side comparison will be one part of the presentation by Dubai-based office furniture company, Bafco, which has the exclusive license to a wide range of leading international brands in the region.

Marketing Manager Nima Ranjbar said while many people know ergonomic furniture is desirable, they often have not experienced it first hand.

"Until you try out an ergonomic environment you're not aware what you're missing," he said.

Visitors to the Bafco stand will be the first in the region to experience two new, state-of-the-art, ergonomic chairs - Ergohuman and Liberty.

The Ergohuman chair fuses art and science, with flex zones that ensure constant support of back and lumbar, multi-dimensional adjustable arm rests for unparalleled support and a height-adjustable pivoting headrest for full crane support.

The Liberty chair has only two controls because most of its features and adjustments, such as the counterbalance mechanism for perfect recline tension, automatically fit to each user's body. A sculpted seat cushion and exclusive tri-panel mesh back ensure excellent comfort and style.

"A chair that supports your body, yet allows you to move, minimises the need to get up and step away from your work, increasing not only comfort, but also concentration and ultimately productivity," explained Ranjbar. "The end result for organizations is cost savings and even increased revenues."

However, maximising the ergonomic advantage requires a comprehensive approach to office design that includes both layout and the combination of suitable components, from desks and chairs right down to accessories such as monitor arms, keyboard trays, foot machines and more.

"We will demonstrate a range of system solutions that successfully tackle the need for such an integrated approach. Combining our experience in office design with access to the latest furniture developments means we are able to handle all types of projects, including complete solutions for total office systems or whole-building fit-outs to suit a range of budgets,"

Ranjbar said.

By working closely with architects and designers at the concept stage of a project, Bafco's own design experts can ensure ergonomic opportunities are maximised while offering efficiencies in purchasing and supply, he added.

As rents increase, space also is becoming a major issue for businesses who are trying to fit more employees in smaller offices.

The latest space-saving products, as well as furniture offering excellent aesthetics also will be on display at Bafco's Office Exhibition stand, including products from United States company Humanscale, Germany's Topstar, Ares, Trau and LineKit of Italy; Tiaso of France, Spain's Shetug and BIF of South Korea.

"Our global reach brings the best of what the world has to offer to the doorstep of UAE businesses," said Ranjbar.

Bafco will host Humanscale's London-based A&D manager, Tim Hutchings, who will lead a seminar at the exhibition titled "Vision Drives Posture", highlighting the effect furniture has on posture and how true ergonomic furniture adapts to the user, rather than vice versa.