Industrial Design — Humanscale Partnership
Stratum
Attachable Shelving System
Stratum is an attachable shelving system designed to introduce ergonomic adaptability and personal agency into the standardised open-plan office. Through a modular and reconfigurable approach, the system enables users to customise their workspace without permanent modification, supporting flexibility within contemporary working environments.
Developed with consideration for circular economy principles, Stratum prioritises low-impact production, material efficiency, and end-of-life recyclability, challenging the disposability often embedded within conventional office furniture systems.
Created in partnership with Humanscale and RMIT's Industrial Design program, the project demonstrates how collaboration between education and strategic industry partnerships can foster near-market design outcomes.
Category
Product Design
Industry Partner
Humanscale
Material
2mm Mild Steel, Powder Coat
Context
Innovation: Calm Office
Project Abstract
The Brief
Stratum is a tool-free, attachable shelving system designed to bring ergonomic thinking and personal agency to the standardised open-plan office. Conceived through a human-centred lens, it allows users to configure and reconfigure their workstation without permanent modification — putting adaptability directly in the hands of the individual.
Designed with the circular economy in mind, Stratum prioritises low-impact production and end-of-life recyclability, resisting the obsolescence built into conventional office furniture.
Developed in partnership with Humanscale through the RMIT Design Internship program, Stratum reflects how industry collaboration can push student work toward near-market thinking.
Humanscale × RMIT Design Internship
5
Concepts developed to final review
2mm
Mild steel sheet — laser or waterjet cut
90°
CNC brake press bends, 2mm radius
Design Direction
The Solution
The final design is an ecosystem of modular artefacts — sleek, modern, and designed to attach directly to any desktop surface without disrupting the existing setup.
Perforations are limited to vertical surfaces with a tidy border, preserving structural integrity while allowing visual lightness. The design supports both individual use and large-scale office fit-outs.
The system is designed with the user in mind. Only needing an Allen key, they can modify the location of their shelving unit, adding personal agency to the standardised open-plan office, without permanent modification or fastening methods.
"An ecosystem of stylish artefacts designed for modern functionality — allowing users to expand their work desk without disrupting workflow."
Fabrication
Manufacturing
2mm mild steel sheet was chosen for its cost-effectiveness, strength, and durability. Parts are laser or waterjet cut from a .dxf file, with 90-degree bends at a 2mm radius formed on a CNC brake press.
Each component is finished with a powder-coat, matching the industry standard for high-quality office systems. This highly-durable finishing technique further allows individual expression or enables companies to finish components in their own brand palette for a cohesive, considered fit-out.
Exhibition
Melbourne Design Week
Stratum was selected for display at Melbourne Design Week as part of the Future Workplace Thinking: Systems, Spaces, Cities program — an exhibition exploring how design can respond to the evolving nature of work, office culture, and the built environment.
Melbourne Design Week — designweek.melbourne
© 2025 Riminton Design — Stratum
