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Dr. Jenny Benoit from Switzerland chose La Mercanti

Dr Jenny Benoit contacted La Mercanti to create his new surgery cabinet in Geneva. Having to deal with many patients as specialist in neurosurgery, the objective of Dr. Jenny was to create a frame that is comfortable and ready to welcome his patients, with furniture and colored objects.

Products with clear finishes and lacquered by light colors were chosen.

Choices were the table of office Kyo by Martex with wooden panels for his office, accompanied by leather seats Nulite Luxy and Catifa 46 by Arper and Pedrali Box for the coffee area. The waiting room was furnished with armchairs Duna by Arper in two colors, orange and green apple. In the reception area was placed the reception counter Nice of Las Mobili, with bands in white diamond finish and technological seating with mesh backrest Overtime by Luxy.

Dr Jenny was very happy about the service and especially our proposal… I wonder what his clients are going to think!

Comfortable Acoustics at the Osteria dei Sani restaurant, Italy

Osteria dei Sani is one of the most famous restaurants of Abruzzo, Italy, where you can eat local specialities prepared with products of high quality and enjoy some wines and craft beers having won the international awards.
The owner Anna and Luca Mettimano, some years ago, renewed the place, moving in a new place, where, thanks to Nomad Architects, they created a simple and elegant style, but at the same time not too snob for families and groups.

We then estimated in association with the architect Massimo D’Arcangelo (Nomad Architetti), a system of acoustic panels “chicanes”, covered with fabric with a color very similar to that some of the ceiling; they are anchored in the perpendicular files of adhesion to the ceiling of the main room. In this way, a perfect symmetry of the alignments of the perimeter of the ceiling with its suspended lamps is not interrupted, assuring the preservation of the harmony wished by the architects.

Besides the esthetic result, thanks to the acoustic panels, the reverberation is considerably limited by the creation of a peaceful atmosphere where it’s pleasant to converse during a business lunch or a romantic dinner.

The cheapest automatically lifting desk on the market : $399

Stand Desk

Stand Desk

Introduced as the cheapest automatically lifting office desk on the market, the Stand Desk has already obtained $ 84,608 on Kickstarter from 209 people. It will be for sale at a price of $ 399, that is to say, at least twice cheaper than its competitors, and quite inexpensive.

We have already seen that sitting down for long hours each day, reduces productivity, harms your health and even reduces life expectancy.

What‘s got to offer this office table compared to others? Being built with recycled materials, using a third of the components of other desks, this table is much cheaper. Moreover, it can be raised or lowered automatically by touching a button. The absence of stabilizer bars in the center gives more legroom or even room for drawers.

The world’s most beautiful and original buildings and offices

The online architectural database Architizer has announced the winners of their second annual competition for the most original architecture. The result was a total of 129 winners in 60 categories.

The winners were decided with the creation of two separate winners for each group, that were identified both by a jury and by popular vote. The jury was composed of “300 industry leaders,” while the popular vote was determined by governments, via online voting from more than 100 countries.

These are buildings that represent a clear break with the traditional architecture. The common denominator seems to be a conception of space that seeks to adapt to the specific use, whether offices or museums. This seems to suit the latest trends in the design of office furniture.

We’ve displayed some of our favorite winners here; see the full list at Architizer.com. [nivo source=”current-post” ]

Cayan Tower in Dubai was voted best residential high-rise.

BEST OFFICE HIGH RISE (Jury): Al Bahr Towers, Abu Dhabi, Aedas Architects

BEST OFFICE HIGH RISE (Popular): Magma Towers, Mexico, GLR ARQUITECTOS

BEST OFFICE INTERIOR (Popular): Heavybit Industries, San Francisco, IwamotoScott Architecture

BEST OFFICE LOW RISE (Jury): Huaxin Business Center, Shanghai, Scenic Architecture

BEST RELIGIOUS (Jury): Abbey of St. Maurice, Switzerland, savioz fabrizzi architecte

BEST RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR (Popular): Casa 103, Portugal, ultramarino

BEST RESIDENTIAL LOW RISE (Jury): Soft House, Germany, Kennedy & Violich Architecture

BEST RESIDENTIAL LOW RISE (Popular): TREVOX 223, Mexico, CRAFT Arquitectos

BEST RESTAURANT : L’angolino, Japan, GENETO

BEST RETAIL (Jury): Sokol Blosser Winery Tasting Room, Oregon, Allied Works Architecture

BEST RETAIL (Popular): Fuel Station + McDonalds, Georgia, Khmaladze Architects

BEST SINGLE FAMILY HOME (Jury): Hut on Sleds, New Zealand, Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects

BEST SINGLE FAMILY HOME (Popular): Portable Home ÁPH80, Madrid, ABATON Architects

BEST SINGLE FAMILY HOME (Jury): Two Hulls House, Canada, MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects

BEST SINGLE FAMILY HOME > (Jury): Villa Kogelhof, Netherlands, Paul de Ruiter Architects

Andrea Bollettini, co-founder: warehouses in modern companies


Andrea Bollettini

Andrea Bollettini

We interviewed Andrea Bollettini, co-founder of La Mercanti, on the trends in the design of corporate stores today.

What are the trends for the development of warehouses in modern companies ?

In the development of warehouses modern companies tend to achieve an adequate storage system that ensures an adequate level of service to the customer , where necessary by inserting the right level of automation

 Today there is much talk of “customer service “, what is meant by ” customer service ” ?

In the provision of products or services the customer is generally understood as the end consumer , but there is a whole chain that precedes the final consumer , in which there is a continuous exchange customer-supplier . Anyone who buys a product or service expects it to be provided in the right quantity , at the time and with the quality promised.

This is the customer service today and the level of its quality may be the discriminant of the success of a product / service over another

 Can the stock condition the level of customer service ? And how ?

Definitely yes. The warehouse is a crucial point for the enterprise . For example, in the case of a raw material or finished product, the warehouse is the supplier of production. If it is disorganized and inefficient , you will not be able to provide a satisfactory service to customers/production (because materials supplied are not suitable in quantity, timing and methods) . The same applies in the case of finished goods inventory of a retail company.

 What are the main criteria for the conception and construction of a modern warehouse ?

The inventory of modern companies must meet the following requirements :

 – Be conceived and constructed so that it is efficient and effective

– Have an ideal optimization and exploitation of space

– Ensure the smooth flow of materials and information

– Be designed and manufactured with the highest standards of quality and safety for the staff who work there , and for the proper maintenance and storage of goods

– To ensure , as far as possible , a certain flexibility in view of the changing market needs

 What is the advantage of purchasing “safe” and certified products for your warehouse?

The certified product, designed and manufactured with the highest standards of safety, reduces the chances of injury for the staff. It’s also a guarantee for the protection of goods under normal handling and storage activities that take place in warehouses and in the case of natural events such such as earthquakes .

 What aspect of your work, rewards you the most ?

The best reward is to see customer problems resolved by us, especially when it is the customer who expresses his satisfaction in having chosen us and our solutions.

 What aspect of your work is more difficult and unpleasant ?

Sometimes not being able to persuade the customer about the benefits and convenience of following our suggestions.

Modern office chairs: comfortable, ergonomic design – how to choose

Embody, modern office chair by Herman Miller

Embody, modern office chair by Herman Miller

Did you know that modern office chairs, are much more than chairs?

Before you make a choice, take the time to ask the right questions. What is the use ? What material and model is best suited ? What quality / price ratio to choose?

GOOD MODERN OFFICE CHAIRS : A PLEASURE AND A RIGHT

 The quality / price ratio implies also the quality and this depends on each concept : comfort, freedom of movement, strength, pleasure of spending long hours without fatigue, quality of work, productivity…

 Who says you cannot mix business and pleasure? Some solutions :

  •  What we need to think about before choosing modern office chairs?
  • What are your office chairs for ?
  • Condiderate that if your staff is sitting comfortably, they will provide a better job and be more productive.
  • Depending on the time spent sitting and the position you want to take to relax or work, there should be different choices.

Of course, there are plenty of modern office chairs for, but there are chairs with different settings that are suitable for different needs :

  1. Easy to manipulate joystick ;
  2. The possibilities of adjusting the height and backrest of the seat;
  3. A modern office chair that does not create discomfort after some time (heat, squeaks, tightness ) ;
  4. To combat back pain, it’s better with a slight inclination of the seat to the ground ;
  5. Prefer a material that doesn’t slip too easily ;
  6. Choose a modern office chair with five feet for safety, unless you opt for the traditional 4 feet;
  7. Wheels that do not scratch your beautiful floor unless you want it without wheels ;
  8. Aesthetics and design must adapt to your environment.
  9. It ‘s harder working being uncomfortable, then opt for the comfort of the seat.

Especially when we sit for a long time and regularly. A modern office chair represents the most important piece of furniture because you can safeguard your wellness capital. The choice from the start can spare you a lot of future damage, back pain, lack of motivation, less productivity…

The choice will also depend on your body type, if the chair is strong enough, it‘ll be able to take care of your back for many years.

The video of a modern office chair Embody by Herman Miller:

Exercises and positions to relieve your back pain at your office

Tight and sore back? Adopt 4 best positions to relieve back pain

Much of the U.S. population suffered, suffers or will suffer from backache! A bad position at work, an inappropriate effort and a peak stress are causes of back pain.
Keeping your back healthy every day goes with a few rules of healthy living. Immediately adopt the correct posture! First, you should have proper office chairs, be them design chairs or executive chairs.

Choosing immediately a correct posture is the best guarantor of the state of your back. Stand properly to ensure that the pressure on the column is evenly distributed between the joints. Having relaxed  your muscles, your back should be slightly curved,  neither too straight, nor bent.

Back Position # 1

Standing, keep your head straight, the neck vertical and elongated, horizontal and relaxed shoulders, stomach and buttocks back in order to support the spine, slightly back tilted pelvis, flexible enough knees and flat toes. Spread your body weight on your feet.

back position 2

back position 2

Back Position # 2

Sitting on an ordinary chair, with all the weight distributed on the buttocks and thighs, parallel to the ground and forming a right angle with the calves. If necessary, support the back straight with a small pillow. The shoulders are low, thrown backwards and relaxed. Do not tilt the head forward. To keep your back straight, tighten the belly.
Your back needs exercise, let it move.
The regular practice of gentle physical exercises contributes to the well -being of the back.
It is necessary to start by releasing muscle tension to reduce contractures. Then, move and relax, and practice exercise to regain optimal mobility (swimming, walking, cycling). Once mobility has been found, it is good to build muscles and try to maintain a good muscle balance.

back exercise position 3

back exercise position 3

Back Position # 3

Relax your back by tilting your torso forward, “letting it go” completely. Standing, tilt your torso forward by releasing it completely for 10 seconds while breathing slowly through your mouth. Stand up deploying each vertebra while inhaling through your nose. Practice this position 3 times.

Before resuming sport, take the advice of your doctor
Do not start out with a bang, take your time, be in tune with your body. Stretch it, move it, and most importantly, forget the notion of performance. Try just the pleasure of seeing you in great shape. Progress in stages, you’ll save time.

Stretching, a good warm up exercise

Never exercise being cold. This is valid for a golf swing, a backhand in tennis, a downhill skiing or for a game of pool ! It is not a coincidence that professional athletes train daily flexibility, stretching and warming-up before the competition. Remember this exercise of suspension to relieve muscle and joint tension momentarily.

Back Position # 4

back exercise for the office 4

back exercise for the office 4

Stretch your arms up to the maximum for 10 seconds while breathing slowly through your mouth. Then release the arms completely down inhaling through the nose for 8 seconds. Rest your heels on the floor releasing you.

Or hang from a bar attached to the uprights of a door to release the intervertebral muscles and static posture discs.
To forget your back, relax!
Back pain causes painful muscle contractions that can be relieved adopting some techniques:
Start to relax by lying down. Breathe deeply 5-10 minutes, it releases tension. You can ask your partner to gently massage your back.

And, last but not least, offer a nice bed to your spine!

Modern chairs, the most used object of the XXI century

Human evolution, from caves to modern chairs

from caves to modern chairsHuman evolution has led humans to be sitting more and more. Not only, especially in developed countries, nine out of 10 people work sitting on a modern chair all day long; moreover, with the massive diffusion of television and the Internet, Americans spend an average of four hours a day sitting in front of a screen.

It is therefore essential that modern chairs be not only ergonomic, but also able to safeguard office workers’ health. The challenge is huge, because they should not only ensure a proper position to prevent musculoskeletal pathologies, but also probably allow moving as freely as possible while sitting. Indeed, lack of exercise due to the sedentary lifestyle is boosting the number of obese and diabetic individuals on the planet.

modern chair

modern chair