SMARTdesks® today announced the launch of the FFITness (Floor and Furniture Integration Technology) Program, an exclusive service that expands the scope of flexible interactive space beyond “rearranging the furniture.” The FFITness Program includes SMARTdesks design services for coordinating furniture and computer floor outlet locations to serve the changing needs of any architectural space, and features the flexible new Computer Floor by PowerflorUSA® to enable power and data outlets in the floor to be moved easily along with the furniture. Simply, furniture installers can unload the floor product from the truck and install the floor, carpet, electrical, and data components without requiring specialized and expensive trade labor, and then install the furniture loaded on the same truck.
“Driving demand for the SMARTdesks Computer Floor is a perfect storm of sweeping technology changes for offices, schools, businesses, and government facilities, as well as budget constraints and adoption of green building practices. SMARTdesks Computer Floor gives these organizations the ability to serve power, data, and A/V anywhere in an architectural space, and relocate it without expending resources of time, demolition, and the use of expensive trade labor,” said Jeffrey Korber, president of SMARTdesks. “In addition, the flexible arrangement of multi-use computer furniture within a space now gives greater freedom since furniture and outlet locations can be rearranged on the fly. This aligns with the collaborative teaching methods being championed by leading edge universities, businesses, and government agencies. As we tell our customers: ‘To be flexible, you need to get FFIT.'”
The SMARTdesks Computer Floor features a breakthrough design that allows the floor panels to be engineered and prefabricated off-site and installed over existing carpeted or bare floors – avoiding tedious assembly, adhesives, laser leveling, demolition, or the use of costly specialized labor. The system is based on 50-cm carpet squares that adhere to four pedestals. This method provides a seamless fit and complete interchangeability, conforming to the underlying floor without laser leveling, physical connections, adjustments, or adhesives. UL-approved power cables and outlets snap together and can be placed anywhere in the room, and then buried under the floor system. Outlet locations may be changed instantly without tools and without hiring an electrician.
The SMARTdesks FFITness Program delivers a coordinated furnishings plan for an entire architectural space. At no cost or obligation, customers or architects participating in the program may use SMARTdesks Design Services to specify furniture and floor plans. Based on the size of the space, the number of power and data outlets, and the number of entrances, a budget for the raised-access computer floor is developed. Upon acceptance, the room arrangement is overlaid with a tile-by-tile computer floor plan, complete with wiring scheme and placement of outlets for the furniture in the space. ADA-compliant ramps are included and powder-coated steel railings are designed and custom-fabricated for each installation. SMARTdesks provides an installation team for delivery and setup of both floor and furniture, and takes the responsibility of guaranteeing that the power and data is located to serve the technology in the SMARTdesks furniture.
“SMARTdesks is focused on flexibility – creating furniture for the way people and technology are used in group settings. This philosophy is the premise for the FFITness Program,” added Korber. “The shape and arrangement of the furniture within a space is critical for promoting the flow of communication and shaping group dynamics. Teams that conduct different types of activities in the same space need the flexibility to change furnishing arrangements. Adding a SMARTdesks Computer Floor to the equation allows total flexibility in the architectural space, since outlets for power and data can be moved as easily as the furniture.”
For more information on the SMARTdesks Computer Floor by PowerflorUSA® and the FFITness Program, visit www.smartdesks.com or call 1-410-960-8027. Products may be shipped in the U.S. and globally and the company is currently seeking dealer relationships.