Soft Work
A modular office seating landscape integrating tables, power, panels and ergonomic support
Not published by the manufacturer: The saved three-seat drawing does not match the selected official main-image configuration; no dimensions were stored across configurations.
2018
Description
Overview
Soft Work, designed in 2018 by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, shifts office activity from desks to an upholstered modular landscape. Seating, table surfaces, power connections and screens combine within one system.

Components
- Straight and curved seat elements
- Single- and double-sided arrangements
- Arm-mounted movable desks
- Power sockets between seat cushions
- Optional panels and castors
Story
Work organised around seating
Barber and Osgerby developed Soft Work around the observation that mobile technology allows work to move away from a dedicated desk. Vitra positions tables and connections around the sofa rather than placing sofas at the edge of a desk-centred office.
A system for changing groups
The modular construction supports solo work, team use and screened areas. Curves, platforms and movable surfaces allow the arrangement to change with the interior.
More by Barber Osgerby

Barber Osgerby Sofa Collection
Barber Osgerby's 2014 sofa collection for Knoll: stitched seams, curved cushions, T-shaped feet

Barber Osgerby Compact Armchair and Sofa
Barber Osgerby's 2014 compact armchair and two-seat sofa for Knoll, scaled for the workplace

Barber Osgerby Sofa Collection - Asymmetric
Barber Osgerby's 2014 asymmetric sofas for Knoll, with or without a chaise, left or right

Bellhop Unplugged
Barber & Osgerby's rechargeable bell-shaped lamp, a modern-day candle for indoors and out.

