B-Lay Active floor

B-Lay is conceived as a human-centred workplace, where architectural thinking is extended through UX and Human Centred Design principles. Developed through direct engagement with the people who use it, the project explores how space can support different modes of working—focus, activity, and social interaction—across three distinct yet coherent environments.

The Active floor challenges sedentary work habits by rethinking ergonomics as a dynamic condition rather than a fixed posture. Inspired by the idea that “the best posture is the next posture,” the space promotes constant micro-adjustments of the body, encouraging movement as a prerequisite for focus and wellbeing.

Rather than relying on the technical performance of a single chair, the design introduces a spectrum of seating typologies—ranging from conventional workstations to experimental objects that activate balance, rotation, and suspension. These include ergonomic pieces designed for active sitting, alongside a custom-developed seating device composed of polyurethane cylinders, aligned with the natural curvature of the spine. Its upper, eccentric elements allow stretching and partial suspension, transforming breaks into moments of physical reset.

This approach responds directly to the nature of the client’s work—highly focused and cognitively demanding. Instead of promoting continuous, linear work sessions, the space supports cycles of intense concentration (40–60 minutes) alternated with short breaks and active relaxation. The workspace becomes an instrument for managing attention, not just accommodating it.

Spatially, the floor remains open and fluid, adapted to the narrow footprint while offering varied degrees of proximity. Overlapping seating modules generate a gradient from individual work to informal interaction. Along the central axis, linear planters with Sansevieria act as soft separators, mediating between desks and lounge areas while reinforcing a sense of vitality and airflow.

In contrast to the Silent floor, which privileges withdrawal and deep focus, the Active floor introduces controlled stimulation—physical, visual, and social—positioning movement as an integral part of productivity.

Credits
Architects: Liviu Fabian,  Lucian Luță, Silvia Funieru (LTFB) & Alina Rizescu, Bogdan Ștefănescu (RIZI)
Client: B-Lay
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Year: 2018
Area: 450 sqm
Photo: Sabin Prodan (Tryingtodoart)
Contractor: Meranti Studio