Furniture in motion

On the Biopôle campus in Epalinges near Lausanne, space is a strategic resource: it must accommodate the growth of companies while adapting to constantly evolving modes of work. More than 160 players from research and industry share a common infrastructure here. «Our most important requirement? Flexibility», says Nasri Nahas, CEO of Biopôle. The shared areas form the centre of this ecosystem: «A sense of community and exchange are part of our DNA.»

teo jakob supports this dynamic with furnishing solutions that avoid rigid concepts. At the heart of this approach is «Second Cycle» – a specialised service dedicated to the certified reuse of high-quality furniture. Elements from previous teo jakob projects are carefully inspected, refurbished and integrated into new concepts. Provenance, condition and usage history are fully documented. This is not anonymous second-hand furniture, but a traceable inventory designed for long-term use.

In this versatile shared area, a «Second Cycle» configuration of the USM Haller system serves both as seating and as storage. Complementary tables and chairs, easy to handle and robust in use, allow the space to be quickly adapted to the needs of the community.

USM Haller is emblematic of this approach, although other leading brands can also be integrated into this circular model. «This logic allows us to bring together quality, innovation and sustainability», explains Nasri Nahas. teo jakob is valued here for its comprehensive support, precisely coordinating new furniture and circular elements. Furnishing becomes an adaptable infrastructure. In the multifunctional zones, a USM module that once served as archival storage is transformed into seating with integrated storage space. «Second Cycle» allows spaces to grow in step with the companies – without compromising on design.

Exclusive to teo jakob: USM Haller modules from «Second Cycle» can be flexibly extended with new components, such as the «USM Haller Soft Panels». These magnetic textile panels improve room acoustics while adding colour, materiality and comfort to the modular system.

Perforated metal panels also make it possible to integrate plant containers, introducing a living green layer directly into the furniture system.

Thanks to long-standing partnerships with major European manufacturers, teo jakob has access to a broad design portfolio. In this area, bar stools, tables and seating combine «Second Cycle» elements with new furniture. They are suited to a range of uses – from the cafeteria to informal meetings.

«On the Biopôle campus, flexibility is not an option, but an essential condition for our development. Our spaces must support the growth of companies, encourage exchange and remain permanently adaptable. With teo jakob and the Second Cycle approach, we can bring together quality, sustainability and agility while preserving the spirit of community and exchange that defines Biopôle’s DNA.»

– Nasri Nahas, CEO Biopôle

In this conference room, «USM Kitos» tables from the «Second Cycle» programme structure the space. The fixed tabletops are complemented by new chairs and selected accessories, including a Linck vase made from handcrafted Swiss ceramics. The result is a restrained and functional atmosphere.

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