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Curved and straight Hampton banquette seating with privacy screens

Collections Catalog

Hampton Collection

Available in a variety of configurations, the Hampton offers adaptable form and function allowing users to sit in comfort, while meeting in style.

The basic Hampton is perfect for a casual and open space, while optional surrounds can be added to envelop users for more seclusion. Both the curved and straight Hampton can be covered in chic fabrics, backed in sleek veneers or high pressure laminate. The Hampton can rest on metal or caster legs, or a plinth base. For additional separation, custom privacy screens may be added. An ability to stand alone or build-in allows the Hampton to provide ultimate flexibility in space configuration.

The curved Hampton comes in 90 degree segments that can expand to a 180 degree curve to accommodate larger groups. The Hampton features a shorter seat, taller back and a pitch 10 degrees more upright than other AGATI lounge chairs, making it ideal for wherever a work sit is preferable. Both the curve and the straight Hampton can utilize additional surrounds for extra privacy wherever free standing meeting places are needed.

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Installations with Hampton Banquette

Collaborative Furniture in a college library

Armstrong Atlantic State University

Maryville University

Group study library tables

SUNY – State University of New York

Scroll down to read about the history, development and uses of the Hampton Banquettes.

1. Human Centered Design

The Origin of Booths in Libraries

TAKING A CUE FROM RESTAURANT SEATING

In the 1990’s, a giant shift happened in library furniture. A forward-thinking architect asked me to build restaurant-style booths for Warren-Newport Public Library’s teen section. Up until then, standard library furniture was comprised of tables-and-chairs, carrels and lounge chairs. Restaurants had long catered to the comfort of their customers by offering booths. However, in all the libraries I had been to, I had never seen a booth in a library! This seminal request would launch a revolution in library furniture…

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Pictured (Top: Agati tables and chairs 1990’s. Bottom: The first Agati Library Booths installed at Warren-Newport Public Library, 1990’s.)

Unsure how this dramatic shift would play out, I visited the library and found the booths packed full of teenagers. The booths brought a communal feel to the space and encouraged group study. The booths actually provided more useful space than before, because people tend to spread out and leave empty seats when given the table-and-chairs option. However, they’re more likely to share personal space when offered a cozy booth.

From Straight to Curved Banquette Units

THE RESPONSE THAT LAUNCHED A COLLECTION

Shortly after that, we were asked to build curved banquettes at Northwestern University. As we were installing them, students filled them up! They immediately sat down and got to work. Clearly, they responded to the coziness of a curved booth (who doesn’t!?). Students immediately got to work studying -both collaboratively in groups, and independently while sharing a table.

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Pictured (Top: Early Curved Booths at Northwestern, 2000. below: Scottsdale Community College 2015)

Up until now, we simply called the furniture “banquettes”. When we saw how effective the curved units were, and the endless possibilities, we decided to develop the Hampton Collection.

Adding Partitions

DESIGNING FOR THE HUMAN PERSPECTIVE AND EMOTIONS

With more focus on improving user experience, we sought ways to further reduce stress and create comfort.

What’s the most sought-after seat in a restaurant? The corner booth! People are most comfortable when their backs are covered. We built surround panels to further encase users and provide even more comfort for learners. With partition booth seating, one can have the feeling of a corner booth, even in the middle of a room.

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NEXT LEVEL COMFORT

We specifically designed the raised panels to be high enough to provide a sense of private territory for users, yet low enough that librarians and passersby can see if someone is sitting there.

The back walls worked well when added to both straight and curved booths. Wood booth panels provided a sense of architectural stability and upholstered banquette partitions supplied acoustical support.

Ergonomics

DESIGNING A SUPPORTED SIT

User experience is also greatly enhanced through proper ergonomics. From observing how people sit and work, I realized that, although booths have the cushioned appeal of a lounge seat, library booth seating had to function more like a pull-up chair, because users are working on the tabletop. I saw how people tend to pull their legs back when they sit at a pull up chair. Therefore, the front seat had to be angled so people could bring their legs back. This style is not typically seen in restaurant style booths.

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PITCH 10 DEGREES MORE UPRIGHT

The study style booth seat had to be higher, flatter and more vertical than a lounge chair, so one could sit back, and benefit from lumbar support, while working at a table.

Today there are still many library booths on the market that are too deep, low, and pitched back, causing users to hunch over their work. The Hampton features a shorter seat, taller back and a pitch 10 degrees more upright, making it ideal for wherever a work sit is preferable

2. Furniture as Architecture

USING PANELS TO SHAPE THE ENVIRONMENT

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