WO2025074110A1 - Freestanding workspace assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A freestanding workspace assembly has a substantially-multilayer structure and comprises at least one modular structure, wherein the or each modular structure comprises a plurality of primary panels (P), wherein two or more of the primary panels are each bendable from a delivery configuration to an assembled configuration which is non coplanar, wherein two or more of the primary panels form a core section of the multi-layer structure, wherein adjacent primary panels are interconnected to define an internal space with an access opening, wherein two or more of the primary panels each have at least one fold line (29) extending between opposing edges of the panel (P) and each have a shape which is bent about the or each fold line to provide a substantially planar face (30) on either side of the or each fold line.

Description

FREESTANDING^WORKSPACE^ASSEMBLY^ [0001] The^present^invenƟon^relates^to^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly,^to^a^method^of^ construcƟng^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^and^to^a^kit^for^construcƟng^a^freestanding^^ workspace^assembly.^^^ [0002] In^parƟcular,^the^present^invenƟon^relates^to^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^ a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure.^ ^ [0003] Oĸces^are^increasingly^open^plan^with^the^resulƟng^problem^that^users^are^distracted^by^ environmental^ factors^such^as^ambient^noise^and^movement^of^people.^ ^TradiƟonal^open^plan^ workspace^layouts^may^include^cubicles^to^try^to^address^this^but^this^does^not^signiĮcantly^reduce^ ambient^noise,^for^example.^^^With^the^use^of^mobile^phones^and^laptops,^people^now^work^on^ the^move^so^there^is^also^a^need^to^provide^quiet^workspaces^in^other^communal^areas.^^^^ [0004] As^result,^there^is^a^growing^market^for^privacy^booths,^pods^and^the^ like^which^can^be^ installed^in^open^plan^oĸce^environments^and^other^communal^areas^to^reduce^distracƟon^and^ increase^the^focus^of^users.^^Also,^with^the^increase^in^number^of^people^working^from^home,^the^ construcƟon^of^garden^structures^to^provide^private^workspaces^is^increasingly^popular.^ ^^These^^ internally^ and^ externally^located^ structures^ are^ generally^ assembled^ on^ site^ by^ construcƟon^ workers^ employed^ by^ the^ structure^provider.^ ^ They^ are^ generally^ designed^ as^ substanƟal,^ permanent^structures^which^are^cuboid^in^shape.^ [0005] There^ is^a^need^ to^provide^workspace^ structures^with^ improved^ internal^and^external^^ acousƟc^ properƟes.^ ^ Designers^ may^ therefore^ consider^ other^ structural^ shapes.^ ^ However,^ workplace^structures^which^are^non^cuboid^in^shape^are^generally^more^complicated^to^build^than^ cuboid^shaped^structures^and^are^not^commonplace.^^^^ [0006] The^present^ invenƟon^ seeks^ to^provide^an^ improved^ freestanding^workplace^assembly^^ which^is^adaptable^in^terms^of^size^and^conĮguraƟon^and^is^suitable^for^indoor^or^outdoor^use.^^It^ also^seeks^to^provide^an^acousƟcally^opƟmised,^quiet^and^private^environment^to^enable^more^ eĸcient^work.^ ^ Further,^ it^ seeks^ to^provide^ a^ freestanding^workplace^ assembly^which^ can^be^ assembled^on^site^by^a^user.^ ^ [0007] The^present^invenƟon^provides^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^ independent^claim^1^and^a^method^of^construcƟng^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^ claimed^in^the^independent^method^claim.^^The^dependent^claims^specify^preferred^but^opƟonal^ features.^ ^ [0008] The^freestanding^workspace^assembly^of^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^modular^system^^ which^oīers^an^adaptable,^private^and^ergonomic^workspace^for^locaƟon^in,^for^example,^oĸce^ spaces,^ conference^ centres,^ gardens,^ hotels,^ clubs,^ lobbies,^ airports,^ train^ staƟons^ and^ other^ communal^spaces.^^^^ ^ [0009] In^a^Įrst^aspect,^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^^ having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure,^ wherein^the^or^each^modular^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^wherein^two^or^ more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^an^assembled^ conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^form^a^core^ secƟon^of^the^mulƟ^layer^structure,^^wherein^adjacent^primary^panels^are^conƟguously^joined^to^^ deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^access^opening,^wherein^a^Įrst^modular^structure^comprises^ primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels,^one^ceiling^panel^and^one^back^panel^ and^wherein^the^opposing^walls^are^substanƟally^non^parallel.^^^ ^ [0010] The^primary^panels,^once^interconnected,^serve^as^core^structural^components^of^the^^ modular^structure.^^^ ^ [0011] The^delivery^conĮguraƟon^of^the^bendable^primary^panels^may^be^substanƟally^Ňat.^^ ^ [0012] The^bendable^primary^panels^are^preferably^bendable^by^hand^during^assembly^at^a^site^^ locaƟon.^ ^ [0013] A^majority^of^the^primary^panels^are^preferably^each^non^coplanar,^meaning^that^a^single^ primary^panel^does^not^lie^in^a^single^geometric^plane;^more^preferably,^each^primary^panel^is^ non^coplanar.^ ^ ^ [0014] The^opposing^wall^panels^are^substanƟally^non^parallel^because^they^do^not^have^major^ porƟons^or^all^porƟons^thereof^in^parallel.^^Opposing^wall^panels^are^considered^substanƟally^ non^parallel^in^the^case^where^minor^porƟons^of^the^opposing^wall^panels^are^parallel.^^^ ^ ^ [0015] Three^or^four^primary^panels^may^provide^the^two^opposing^wall^panels,^one^ceiling^ panel^and^one^back^panel.^ 2^ ^ ^ [0016] The^mulƟlayer^structure^of^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^preferably^comprises^a^ plurality^of^bendable^primary^panels^and^at^least^one^outer^layer^member.^^It^may^also^comprise^ at^least^one^inner^layer^member^with^the^bendable^primary^panels^being^intermediate^the^outer^^ layer^member(s)^and^the^inner^layer^member(s).^^^^^ ^ [0017] The^primary^panels,^the^outer^layer^member(s)^and/or^the^inner^layer^member(s)^may^ themselves^each^comprise^one^or^more^layers^and/or^one^or^more^materials.^ ^ ^ [0018] A^plurality^of^outer^layer^panels^may^be^modular^or^unitary.^ ^ [0019] A^plurality^of^inner^layer^panels^may^be^modular^or^unitary.^ ^ [0020] An^inner^layer^member^may^be^conĮgured^to^absorb^sound.^^An^inner^layer^member^may^^ be^an^acousƟc^panel.^^^ ^ [0021] In^one^embodiment,^a^second^modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^ provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^preferably^ substanƟally^non^parallel.^Two^or^three^primary^panels^may^provide^the^two^opposing^wall^^ panels^and^one^ceiling^panel.^ ^ [0022] In^another^embodiment,^a^third^modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^ provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel.^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^preferably^ substanƟally^non^parallel.^^Two^or^three^primary^panels^may^provide^the^two^opposing^wall^^ panels^and^one^ceiling^panel.^ ^ [0023] In^a^further^embodiment,^a^fourth^modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^ provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel.^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^preferably^ substanƟally^non^parallel.^^Two^or^three^primary^panels^may^provide^the^two^opposing^wall^^ panels^and^one^ceiling^panel.^ ^ [0024] Each^wall^panel,^ceiling^panel^and^back^panel^may^be^provided^by^a^separate^primary^ panel.^^^ ^ ^ [0025] AlternaƟvely,^a^single^primary^panel^may^provide^a^wall^panel^and^at^least^part^of^a^ ceiling^panel;^or^a^single^primary^panel^may^provide^a^wall^panel^and^at^least^part^of^a^back^ 3^ ^ panel;^or^a^single^primary^panel^may^provide^a^ceiling^panel^and^at^least^part^of^a^wall^panel;^or^a^ single^primary^panel^may^provide^a^back^panel^and^at^least^part^of^ceiling^panel^and/or^a^wall^ panel,^for^example.^ ^ ^ [0026] The^access^opening^may^be^provided^with^a^frame^which^opƟonally^has^a^threshold^ member.^^ ^ [0027] A^door^may^be^mounted^on^the^frame^to^close^the^access^opening.^ ^ ^ [0028] The^freestanding^workspace^assembly^may^comprise^a^base^and^at^least^one^modular^ structure^mounted^on^the^base.^^ ^ [0029] In^one^embodiment,^the^base^does^not^provide^a^Ňoor^to^the^one^or^more^modular^ structures.^ ^ ^ [0030] In^another^embodiment,^the^base^provides^a^Ňoor^to^the^one^or^more^modular^ structures.^^^ ^ [0031] The^base^may^be^modular.^ ^ ^ [0032] By^way^of^example,^the^or^each^modular^structure^may^be^provided^with^a^base^module.^^ The^base^module^may^be^a^frame^member^which^opƟonally^provides^a^Ňoor^to^the^or^each^ modular^structure.^ ^ ^ [0033] In^an^embodiment^where^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^comprises^a^single^ modular^structure^being^the^Įrst^modular^structure,^the^base^module^is^a^frame^member^which^ extends^rearwardly^beyond^the^footprint^of^the^wall^panels^and^the^back^panel.^^The^wall^panels^ and^the^back^panel^are^mounted^on^the^frame^member.^^^ ^ ^ [0034] One^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^may^be^at^least^parƟally^glazed.^^At^least^one^primary^ panel^may^comprise^a^glazing^unit^or^glazing^units^to^allow^natural^light^into^the^internal^space.^^ ^ [0035] In^one^embodiment,^where^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^comprises^the^Įrst^to^ fourth^modular^structures,^the^wall^panels^and/or^the^ceiling^panels^of^the^third^modular^^ structure^are^glazed.^^The^invenƟon^is^not^limited^to^this^arrangement:^diīerent^or^addiƟonal^ primary^panels^may^be^glazed.^ 4^ ^ ^ [0036] In^a^preferred^embodiment,^with^the^excepƟon^of^any^glazed^primary^panels,^all^the^ primary^panels^are^bendable,^meaning^that^the^panels^themselves^are^bendable.^^Providing^ panels^which^are^hinged^together,^as^in^the^prior^art,^does^not^make^the^panels^themselves^^ bendable.^^^^^ ^ [0037] In^this^or^another^embodiment,^each^bendable^primary^panel^is^preferably^intermediate^ at^least^one^outer^layer^member^and^at^least^one^inner^layer^member.^ ^ ^ [0038] The^bendable^primary^panels^are^preferably^substanƟally^rigid.^^^ ^ [0039] The^freestanding^workspace^assembly^may^be^prefabricated.^This^means^that^the^ freestanding^workplace^assembly^is^manufactured^in^secƟons^to^enable^assembly^on^site.^ ^ ^ [0040] In^a^second^aspect,^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^method^of^construcƟng^a^ freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^comprising^at^least^ one^modular^structure,^the^method^comprising^the^step^of^assembling^a^Įrst^modular^structure^ by^conƟguously^joining^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels,^one^ ceiling^panel^and^one^back^panel^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^a^Įrst^access^opening,^wherein^^ two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^an^ assembled^conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar;^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^form^ a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟ^layer^structure^and^wherein^the^opposing^wall^panels^are^ substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ ^ [0041] The^method^may^further^comprise^the^step^of^mounƟng^the^wall^panels^and^the^back^ panel^of^the^Įrst^modular^structure^on^a^base.^^The^method^may^further^comprise^the^step^of^ conƟguously^joining^a^frame^to^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^the^Įrst^access^opening,^wherein^the^ frame^opƟonally^has^a^threshold^member.^^^ ^ ^ [0042] A^Įrst^compartment^module^may^be^formed^comprising^a^single^modular^structure^being^ the^Įrst^modular^structure.^ ^ [0043] In^one^embodiment,^the^method^further^comprises^the^step^of^assembling^a^second^ modular^structure^by^conƟguously^joining^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^provide^two^opposing^^ wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel,^and^conƟguously^joining^the^second^modular^structure^to^the^ 5^ ^ Įrst^modular^structure^at^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^the^Įrst^access^opening^to^deĮne^an^internal^ space^with^a^second^access^opening.^ ^ [0044] The^method^may^further^comprise^the^step^of^mounƟng^the^wall^panels^of^the^second^^ modular^structure^on^a^base.^^The^method^may^further^comprise^the^step^of^conƟguously^joining^ a^frame^to^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^the^second^access^opening,^wherein^the^frame^opƟonally^has^a^ threshold^member.^^^The^method^may^further^comprise^the^step^of^mounƟng^a^door^on^the^ frame.^^^ ^ ^ [0045] A^second^compartment^module^may^be^formed^comprising^two^modular^structures^ being^the^Įrst^modular^structure^and^the^second^modular^structure.^ ^ [0046] In^another^embodiment,^the^method^further^comprises^the^step^of^assembling^a^third^ modular^structure^by^conƟguously^joining^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^provide^two^opposing^^ wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel,^and^conƟguously^joining^the^third^modular^structure^to^the^ second^modular^structure^at^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^the^second^access^opening^to^deĮne^an^ internal^space^with^a^third^access^opening.^^The^method^may^further^comprise^the^step^of^ mounƟng^the^wall^panels^of^the^third^modular^structure^on^a^base.^ ^ ^ [0047] The^method^may^further^comprise^the^step^of^assembling^a^fourth^modular^structure^by^ conƟguously^joining^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ ceiling^panel,^and^conƟguously^joining^the^fourth^modular^structure^to^the^third^modular^ structure^at^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^the^third^access^opening^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^a^ fourth^access^opening.^ ^ ^ [0048] The^method^may^further^comprise^the^step^of^mounƟng^the^wall^panels^of^the^fourth^ modular^structure^on^a^base.^^The^method^may^further^comprise^the^step^of^conƟguously^joining^ a^frame^to^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^the^fourth^access^opening,^wherein^the^frame^opƟonally^has^a^ threshold^member.^^The^method^may^further^comprise^the^step^of^mounƟng^a^door^on^the^^ frame.^^^ ^ [0049] A^third^compartment^module^may^be^formed^comprising^the^Įrst^to^fourth^modular^ structures.^^^ ^ 6^ ^ [0050] The^primary^panels^may^be^joined^together^using^fasteners^such^as^clips,^nuts^and/or^ bolts.^^For^ease^of^assembly,^the^primary^panels^may^Įrst^be^temporarily^joined^together^using^ fasteners^such^as^plasƟc^rivets^before^using^stronger^fasteners.^ ^ ^ [0051] The^Įrst^compartment^module^is^relaƟvely^compact,^while^the^second^compartment^ module^is^mid^sized^and^the^third^compartment^module^is^relaƟvely^large.^^A^user^can^select^ which^size^of^compartment^module^to^use^as^a^freestanding^workplace^assembly.^^The^modular^ nature^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^provides^a^range^of^sizes^of^compartment^ modules^for^users^to^select^from^and^also^enables^a^user^to^upgrade^to^a^larger^compartment^^ module.^^The^present^invenƟon^therefore^provides^Ňexible^workspaces^which^are^adaptable.^ ^ [0052] The^present^invenƟon^is^not^limited^to^these^conĮguraƟons^of^compartment^modules.^^A^ compartment^module^may^comprise^one^to^six^modular^structures,^by^way^of^example.^ ^ ^ [0053] When^modular^structures^are^connected^at^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^an^access^opening,^a^ frame^may^be^absent^from^the^perimeter^porƟon^of^the^access^opening^in^quesƟon.^^A^frame^ may^be^present^at^the^outermost^access^opening^to^provide^structural^integrity^and^to^provide^ means^for^mounƟng^a^door,^if^required.^ ^ ^ [0054] The^freestanding^workspace^assembly^may^be^prefabricated.^^In^this^regard,^the^primary^ panels,^the^outer^layer^member^(s),^the^inner^layer^member^(s),^any^base,^any^frame^and^any^ door^may^be^prefabricated^and^transported^to^the^locaƟon^site^for^assembly.^ ^ [0055] For^outdoor^use^in^parƟcular,^a^chassis^may^be^provided^below^the^freestanding^^ workplace^assembly^to^raise^it^from^the^ground^by,^for^example,^10^to^15^cm^to^provide^an^air^ gap^underneath^and^to^protect^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^from^the^ingress^of^damp.^^ A^ramp^may^be^provided^for^accessibility.^^The^chassis^may^be^made^of^metal,^for^example^steel.^ ^ [0056] In^a^third^aspect,^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^^ having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure, ^ wherein^the^or^each^modular^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^wherein^ adjacent^primary^panels^are^interconnected^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^access^opening,^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^ an^assembled^conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^wherein^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^^ comprises^a^plurality^of^inner^primary^panels^which^form^a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟlayer^ 7^ ^ structure,^and^wherein^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^further^comprises^one^or^more^ removable^outer^layer^members.^^ ^ [0057] The^or^each^removable^outer^layer^member^covers^the^inner^primary^panels^in^the^^ substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^either^directly^or^indirectly;^addiƟonal^materials^including^ material^layers^may^be^present^between^the^inner^primary^panels^and^the^or^each^removable^ outer^layer^member.^ ^ [0058] The^inner^primary^panels^may^be^bendable^panels.^ ^ ^ [0059] In^one^embodiment,^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^ removable^outer^layer^members^which^are^removably^connected^to^the^inner^primary^panels.^ ^ [0060] The^removable^outer^layer^members^may^be^substanƟally^rigid^outer^panels^and^at^least^^ one^outer^panel^may^be^removably^connected^to^each^inner^primary^panel.^ ^ [0061] Adjacent^outer^panels^may^or^may^not^abut^one^another;^this^means^that^they^may^or^ may^not^touch^along^their^respecƟve^edges.^ ^ ^ [0062] The^outer^panels^may^be^removably^connected^to^the^inner^primary^panels^by^ connectors^such^as^clips^or^press^studs.^^AlternaƟvely,^the^outer^panels^may^be^permanently^ connected^to^the^inner^primary^panels.^ ^ [0063] In^one^example,^one^or^two^outer^panels^are^removably^connected^to^each^inner^^ primary^panel.^ ^ [0064] In^another^embodiment,^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^comprises^a^removable^ outer^layer^member^which^is^conƟnuous^and^non^rigid.^^It^may^provide^a^soŌ^and^Ňexible^jacket^ for^the^hard^structure^underneath.^ ^ ^ [0065] The^removable^outer^layer^member^may^comprise^a^plurality^of^non^rigid^panel^ members^which^are^conƟguously^joined.^ ^ [0066] The^conƟnuous^non^rigid^removable^outer^layer^member^may^comprise^woven^fabrics,^^ nonwoven^fabrics,^rubber,^plasƟc^and^other^Ňexible^materials.^^The^conƟnuous^non^rigid^ removable^outer^layer^member^may^be^provided^in^a^sheet^form.^^The^conƟnuous^non^rigid^ 8^ ^ removable^outer^layer^member^may^comprise^non^rigid^panel^members^of^Ňexible^material(s).^^ The^panel^members^may^be^conƟguously^joined^by,^for^example,^seaming^or^welding^adjacent^ edges^or^by^providing^linear^fasteners,^such^as^zip^fasteners^or^hook^and^loop^fasteners,^along^ adjacent^edges.^^The^panel^members^may^be^laminates^which^may,^for^example,^be^conƟguously^^ joined^by^the^presence^of^a^common^layer^which^may^provide^a^hinge^between^adjacent^panel^ members.^^^ ^ [0067] The^removable^outer^layer^member(s)^may^be^durable^and^weatherproof.^^They^may^ provide^a^substanƟally^waterproof^outer^layer^to^protect^against^wet^weather^when^the^^ freestanding^workplace^assembly^is^located^outdoors.^ ^ [0068] The^removable^outer^layer^member(s)^may^extend^over^substanƟally^the^enƟre^structure^ of^the^workplace^assembly.^^Preferably,^the^removable^outer^layer^member(s)^has^transparent^ secƟons^to^extend^over^any^glazing^provided^in^the^external^surface^of^the^workplace^assembly,^^ thereby^allowing^light^into^the^internal^space^and^allowing^users^to^see^outside.^^^ ^ [0069] The^or^each^removable^outer^layer^member^may^be^insulated.^^An^insulated^removable^ outer^layer^member^may^assist^with^acousƟc^insulaƟon^and/or^with^thermal^insulaƟon.^ ^ ^ [0070] The^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^may^further^comprise^at^least^one^inner^layer^ member^with^the^bendable^primary^panels^being^intermediate^the^or^each^removable^outer^ layer^member^and^the^or^each^inner^layer^member.^ ^ [0071] The^primary^panels,^the^outer^layer^member(s)^and/or^the^inner^layer^member(s)^may^^ themselves^each^comprise^one^or^more^layers^and/or^one^or^more^materials.^ ^ [0072] In^one^embodiment,^the^internal^space^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^is^ provided^with^furnishing^panels.^ ^ ^ [0073] The^primary^panels^and/or^the^outer^panels^and/or^the^furnishing^panels^may^be^ insulated^panels.^^This^may^assist^with^acousƟc^insulaƟon^and/or^with^thermal^insulaƟon.^ ^ [0074] One^or^more^of^the^furnishing^panels^may^be^inner^layer^members^which^are^removably^ connected^to^the^internal^surfaces^of^the^primary^panels.^^The^removable^connecƟon^may^assist^^ with^assembly^and/or^with^replacement^of^furnishing^panels.^ ^ 9^ ^ [0075] One^or^more^of^the^furnishing^panels^may^be^sound^absorbing^panels.^ ^ [0076] In^one^embodiment,^one^or^more^of^the^furnishing^panels^are^upholstered^panels.^ ^ ^ [0077] In^a^fourth^aspect,^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^method^of^construcƟng^a^ freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^ least^one^modular^structure,^the^method^comprising^the^steps^of^assembling^the^modular^ structure^by^interconnecƟng^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^ access^opening^and^adding^one^or^more^removable^outer^layer^members,^wherein^two^or^more^^ of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^an^assembled^ conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^wherein^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^comprises^a^ plurality^of^inner^primary^panels^which^form^a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟlayer^structure,^and^^ wherein^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^further^comprises^the^one^or^more^removable^ outer^layer^members.^^ ^ ^ [0078] The^method^may^further^comprise^the^step^of^furnishing^the^internal^space^by^ connecƟng^furnishing^panels^to^internal^surfaces^of^one^or^more^of^the^primary^panels.^ ^ [0079] The^removable^outer^layer^member(s),^the^primary^panels,^any^inner^layer(s)^and^any^^ furnishing^panels^are^as^described^in^relaƟon^to^the^third^aspect^of^the^present^invenƟon.^ ^ [0080] The^freestanding^workplace^assembly^of^the^present^invenƟon^is^conĮgurable^according^ to^a^user’s^choice^and/or^the^environment^where^it^is^located.^ ^ ^ [0081] In^a^ĮŌh^aspect,^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^ having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure,^ wherein^the^or^each^modular^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^wherein^two^or^ more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^an^assembled^ conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^form^a^core^^ secƟon^of^the^mulƟ^layer^structure,^wherein^adjacent^primary^panels^are^conƟguously^joined^to^ deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^access^opening,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^ each^have^at^least^one^fold^line^extending^between^opposing^edges^of^the^panel^and^each^have^a^ shape^which^is^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^line^to^provide^a^substanƟally^planar^face^on^either^ side^of^the^or^each^fold^line.^^ ^ ^ 10^ ^ [0082] When^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^is^in^an^installed^posiƟon,^a^majority^of^the^ fold^lines^may^extend^substanƟally^horizontally.^ ^ [0083] Each^bendable^primary^panel^has^a^shape^which^is^inwardly^or^outwardly^bent^about^the^^ or^each^fold^line.^^Preferably,^a^majority^of^the^bendable^primary^panels^have^a^shape^which^is^ inwardly^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^line.^^More^preferably,^all^the^bendable^primary^panels^have^ a^shape^which^is^inwardly^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^line.^ ^ [0084] The^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^may^comprise^a^plurality^of^bendable^primary^^ panels^and^at^least^one^outer^layer^member.^ ^ [0085] The^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^may^further^comprise^at^least^one^inner^layer^ member^with^the^bendable^primary^panels^being^intermediate^the^or^each^removable^outer^ layer^member^and^the^or^each^inner^layer^member.^ ^ ^ [0086] The^primary^panels,^the^outer^layer^member(s)^and/or^the^inner^layer^member(s)^may^ themselves^each^comprise^one^or^more^layers^and/or^one^or^more^materials.^ ^ [0087] The^modular^structure^may^have^at^least^two^opposing^wall^panels^provided^by^at^least^^ two^primary^panels^which^each^have^at^least^one^fold^line,^and^wherein^each^wall^panel^has^at^ least^two^substanƟally^planar^faces^which^are^not^co^planar.^^Preferably^each^wall^panel^has^two^ to^four^substanƟally^planar^faces.^^Opposing^planar^faces^about^are^preferably^substanƟally^non^ parallel,^meaning^that^opposing^planar^faces^which^are^equally^spaced^from^a^horizontal^Ňoor^ level^(for^example)^are^substanƟally^not^parallel^with^each^other.^^ ^ ^ [0088] The^modular^structure^may^have^at^least^one^ceiling^panel^provided^by^at^least^one^ primary^panel^which^has^at^least^one^fold^line,^and^wherein^the^ceiling^panel^has^at^least^two^ substanƟally^planar^faces^which^are^not^co^planar.^^Preferably^each^ceiling^panel^has^two^to^four^ substanƟally^planar^faces.^^^ ^ ^ [0089] The^modular^structure^may^have^at^least^one^back^panel^provided^by^at^least^one^ primary^panel^which^has^at^least^one^fold^line,^and^wherein^the^back^panel^has^at^least^two^ substanƟally^planar^faces^which^are^not^co^planar.^^Preferably^each^back^panel^has^two^to^four^ substanƟally^planar^faces.^^^ ^ ^ 11^ ^ [0090] Two^substanƟally^planar^faces^of^a^wall^panel,^ceiling^panel^or^back^panel^may^be^on^ either^side^of^a^fold^line^of^a^primary^panel.^^AlternaƟvely,^the^two^substanƟally^planar^faces^of^a^ wall^panel,^ceiling^panel^or^back^panel^may^be^on^either^side^of^a^join^line^between^two^ conƟguously^joined^primary^panels.^^ ^ ^ [0091] In^one^embodiment,^at^least^one^substanƟally^planar^face^of^a^wall^panel,^ceiling^panel^ or^back^panel^comprises^a^glazing^unit.^^^ ^ [0092] A^Įrst^modular^structure^may^comprise^two^opposing^wall^panels,^one^ceiling^panel^and^^ one^back^panel^provided^by^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^and^wherein^each^of^the^wall^panels,^ ceiling^panel^and^back^panel^has^at^least^two^substanƟally^planar^faces.^^The^opposing^wall^ panels^are^preferably^substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ [0093] A^second^modular^structure^may^comprise^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^^ panel^provided^by^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^and^wherein^each^of^the^wall^panels^and^ceiling^ panel^has^at^least^two^substanƟally^planar^faces.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^preferably^ substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ [0094] A^third^modular^structure^may^comprise^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^^ provided^by^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^and^wherein^each^of^the^wall^panels^and^ceiling^panel^ has^at^least^two^substanƟally^planar^faces.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^preferably^substanƟally^ non^parallel.^ ^ [0095] At^least^one^substanƟally^planar^face^of^each^wall^panel^and/or^the^ceiling^panel^may^^ comprise^a^glazing^unit.^^In^one^embodiment,^each^wall^panel^and^ceiling^panel^has^two^ substanƟally^planar^faces^which^comprise^glazed^units.^ ^ [0096] A^fourth^modular^structure^comprises^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^ provided^by^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^and^wherein^each^of^wall^panels^and^ceiling^panel^has^^ at^least^two^substanƟally^planar^faces.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^preferably^substanƟally^ non^parallel.^ ^ [0097] When^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^is^in^an^installed^posiƟon,^the^fold^line(s)^in^ the^back^panel^may^be^substanƟally^aligned^with^the^fold^line(s)^in^each^adjacent^wall^panel.^^^ When^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^comprises^more^than^one^modular^structure,^the^ 12^ ^ fold^line(s)^in^each^wall^panel^may^be^substanƟally^aligned^with^the^fold^line(s)^in^an^adjacent^ wall^panel^to^provide^a^conƟnuous^common^fold^line.^^^^ ^ [0098] Two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^which^each^have^at^least^one^fold^line^may^be^^ bendable^about^the^or^each^fold^line^to^provide^the^bendable^primary^panels^and^the^bendable^ primary^panels^may^opƟonally^each^comprise^a^substanƟally^rigid^sheet^member^which^is^ bendable^about^the^or^each^fold^line.^^^The^sheet^member^may^be^metal,^for^example^steel^or^ aluminium^or^a^suitable^metal^alloy.^^The^sheet^member^is^preferably^bendable^using^human^ strength^such^that^mechanical^strength^from^use^of^a^machine^or^tool^is^not^essenƟal.^^The^^ substanƟally^rigid^sheet^material^may^provide^structural^integrity^to^a^modular^structure.^ ^ [0099] When^a^primary^panel^is^bendable^about^a^fold^line,^the^fold^line^may^comprise^a^linear^ indentaƟon^or^colinear^indentaƟons^or^colinear^perforaƟons.^^^^ ^ ^ [0100] AlternaƟvely,^a^primary^panel^may^not^be^bendable^about^a^fold^line,^for^example^if^the^ primary^panel^forms^a^wall,^ceiling^or^back^panel^comprising^a^glazing^unit.^^Such^a^primary^panel^ may^be^pre^formed^into^a^bent^shape^about^a^fold^line^but^the^panel^itself^is^not^bendable^about^ the^fold^line^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^an^assembled^conĮguraƟon^during^assembly.^^Such^ a^fold^line^may^not^comprise^a^linear^indentaƟon^or^colinear^indentaƟons^or^colinear^^ perforaƟons^since^bending^per^se^may^not^be^required^or^possible.^^The^glazing^unit^may^be^ single,^double^or^triple^glazed^and^may^comprise^toughened^or^laminated^glass.^ ^ [0101] The^or^each^bendable^primary^panel^may^comprise^means^for^controlling^the^degree^to^ which^the^primary^panel^is^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^line.^ ^ ^ [0102] The^means^for^controlling^the^degree^to^which^the^bendable^primary^panel^is^bent^about^ the^or^each^fold^line^may^comprise^an^angular^stop.^ ^ [0103] In^one^embodiment,^some^or^all^of^the^primary^panels^are^provided^with^perimeter^^ Ňanges.^^The^Ňanges^may^provide^rigidity^to^the^primary^panels.^ ^ [0104] The^Ňanges^may^be^used^to^interconnect^primary^panels^and/or^to^interconnect^modular^ structures.^^The^Ňanges^may^be^provided^with^apertures^to^allow^adjacent^primary^panels^to^be^ connected^using^fasteners^such^as^clips,^nuts^and/or^bolts.^^In^one^example,^a^bolt^is^used^with^a^^ panel^clip^having^a^capƟve^nut.^^For^ease^of^assembly,^the^primary^panels^may^Įrst^be^ temporarily^joined^together^using^fasteners^such^as^plasƟc^rivets.^^This^may^provide^a^self^ 13^ ^ supporƟng^structure^of^primary^panels^which^can^then^be^securely^interconnected^using^ stronger^fasteners.^ ^ [0105] The^primary^panels^may^be^provided^with^a^plurality^of^perimeter^Ňanges.^^Each^primary^^ panel^may^be^provided^with^a^plurality^of^perimeter^Ňanges.^ ^ [0106] When^the^primary^panel^has^a^shape^which^is^inwardly^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^line,^ perimeter^Ňanges^may^be^provided^either^side^of^the^fold^line;^the^perimeter^Ňanges^may^be^ conĮgured^such^that^an^end^of^the^perimeter^Ňange^on^one^side^of^the^fold^line^abuts^the^end^of^^ the^perimeter^Ňange^on^the^other^side^of^the^fold^line.^^ ^ [0107] The^end^of^the^perimeter^Ňange^adjacent^the^fold^line^may^have^an^edge^shaped^to^ provide^the^angular^stop.^ ^ ^ [0108] When^a^primary^panel^has^a^shape^which^is^inwardly^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^line^to^ provide^a^substanƟally^planar^face^on^either^side^of^the^or^each^fold^line,^an^internal^angle^ between^a^substanƟally^planar^face^on^one^side^of^a^fold^line^with^a^substanƟally^planar^face^on^ an^opposite^side^of^the^fold^line^may^be^between^140^degrees^and^170^degrees,^opƟonally^ between^150^and^160^degrees.^ ^ ^ [0109] The^primary^panels^preferably^provide^a^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure.^^This^may^be^a^ consequence^of^mulƟple^primary^panels^having^a^bent^shape.^ ^ [0110] As^result,^the^primary^panels^may^be^conĮgured^to^provide^an^aerodynamic^structure,^^ presenƟng^a^streamlined^proĮle^in^terms^of^airŇow^in^a^host^space.^^^ ^ ^ [0111] In^a^sixth^aspect,^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^method^of^construcƟng^a^freestanding^ workspace^assembly^having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^^ modular^structure,^the^method^comprising^the^step^of^assembling^the^modular^structure^by^ conƟguously^joining^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^access^ opening,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^ conĮguraƟon^to^an^assembled^conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^ primary^panels^form^a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟ^layer^structure,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^^ bendable^primary^panels^each^have^at^least^one^fold^line^extending^between^opposing^edges^of^ the^panel^and,^before^the^step^of^interconnecƟng^the^primary^panels,^two^or^more^of^the^ 14^ ^ bendable^primary^panels^are^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^line^to^provide^a^substanƟally^planar^ face^on^either^side^of^the^or^each^fold^line.^^ ^ [0112] The^bendable^primary^panel^is^preferably^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^line^by^a^ ^ predetermined^angle.^ ^ [0113] The^resulƟng^freestanding^workspace^assembly^has^one^or^more^of^the^features^ described^herein.^^ ^ ^ [0114] In^a^seventh^aspect,^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^kit^for^construcƟng^a^freestanding^ workspace^assembly^having^one^or^more^of^the^features^described^herein,^wherein^the^kit^ comprises^bendable^primary^panels^which^are^substanƟally^Ňat^packed.^^Not^all^the^primary^ panels^may^be^bendable^or^Ňat^packed.^^One^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^may^have^a^ prefabricated^shape^which^is^non^planar,^for^example^if^the^primary^panel^forms^a^wall^panel,^^ ceiling^panel^or^back^panel^comprising^a^glazing^unit.^^^ ^ [0115] In^an^eighth^aspect,^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^ having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^mulƟ^faceted^modular^ structure,^wherein^the^or^each^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^^ panels,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^ conĮguraƟon^to^an^assembled^conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^ primary^panels^form^a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟ^layer^structure,^^wherein^adjacent^primary^ panels^are^conƟguously^joined^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^access^opening,^and^wherein^ the^primary^panels^are^conĮgured^to^provide^a^plurality^of^external^panel^faces,^wherein^the^^ access^opening^provides^an^open^end^to^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure,^wherein^the^ substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^has^a^closed^end^opposite^the^open^end,^and^wherein,^in^plan^ view,^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^has^at^least^one^region^which^tapers^towards^the^ closed^end,^such^that,^in^plan^view,^the^closed^end^is^narrower^than^the^open^end.^ ^ ^ [0116] This^shape^of^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^the^mulƟ^faceted^conĮguraƟon^ of^the^modular^structure^may^assist^in^providing^a^streamlined^acousƟc^proĮle^in^an^acousƟc^ Įeld.^^This^shape^and^conĮguraƟon^may^also^reduce^reŇecƟon^and^improve^scaƩering^of^incident^ sound^from^an^external^source^in^comparison^to^a^cuboid^structure,^for^example.^ ^ ^ [0117] The^shape^of^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^may^also^assist^in^providing^a^ streamlined^proĮle^in^terms^of^airŇow^in^a^host^space.^^The^airŇow^in^the^host^space^may^ originate^from^a^natural^source^such^as^wind^or^from^a^mechanical^source^such^as^a^venƟlaƟon^ 15^ ^ system^or^an^air^condiƟoning^system.^^The^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^may^therefore^be^ considered^as^aerodynamic^in^shape.^ ^ [0118] In^this^respect,^the^height^of^the^closed^end^of^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure,^^ when^assembled,^may^be^shorter^than^the^height^of^the^open^end.^ ^ [0119] Opposing^primary^panels^extending^from^the^closed^end^to^the^access^opening^may^ generally^taper^gently^away^from^the^closed^end,^while^converging^more^sharply^at^the^closed^ end.^ ^ ^ [0120] The^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^may^comprise^a^plurality^of^bendable^primary^ panels^and^at^least^one^outer^layer^member.^ ^ [0121] The^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^may^further^comprise^at^least^one^inner^layer^^ member^with^the^bendable^primary^panels^being^intermediate^the^or^each^removable^outer^ layer^member^and^the^or^each^inner^layer^member.^ ^ [0122] The^primary^panels,^the^outer^layer^member(s)^and/or^the^inner^layer^member(s)^may^ themselves^each^comprise^one^or^more^layers^and/or^one^or^more^materials.^ ^ ^ [0123] The^freestanding^workspace^assembly^may^further^comprise^a^base,^wherein^at^least^ one^modular^structure^is^mounted^on^the^base.^^ ^ [0124] The^presence^of^a^base^assists^with^the^formaƟon^of^an^acousƟc^enclosure^to^retain^^ internally^originaƟng^sound^inside^the^internal^space^and^to^reduce^transmission^of^externally^ originaƟng^sound^into^the^internal^space.^ ^ [0125] For^providing^an^acousƟc^enclosure,^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^may^be^ provided^with^a^frame^at^the^access^opening^and^a^door^mounted^on^the^frame^as^described^^ herein.^ ^ [0126] In^one^embodiment,^a^Įrst^modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^ two^opposing^wall^panels,^one^ceiling^panel^and^one^back^panel^and^wherein^the^primary^panels^ are^conĮgured^to^provide^at^least^six,^preferably^six^to^ten,^more^preferably^eight^external^panel^^ faces.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^preferably^substanƟally^non^parallel.^^The^back^panel^may^ have^a^maximum^dimension^along^its^length^that^is^shorter^than^the^maximum^dimension^of^ 16^ ^ each^wall^panel^along^its^length^such^that^the^closed^end^of^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^ is^lower^in^height^than^the^open^end.^^ ^ [0127] In^another^embodiment,^a^second^modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^^ provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^and^wherein^the^primary^panels^are^ conĮgured^to^provide^at^least^four,^preferably^four^to^eight,^more^preferably^six^external^panel^ faces.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^preferably^substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ [0128] In^a^further^embodiment,^a^third^modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^^ provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^and^wherein^the^primary^panels^are^ conĮgured^to^provide^at^least^four,^preferably^four^to^eight,^more^preferably^six^external^panel^ faces.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^preferably^substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ [0129] A^fourth^modular^structure^may^be^provided^and^comprise^three^primary^panels^being^^ two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^and^wherein^the^primary^panels^are^conĮgured^ to^provide^at^least^four,^preferably^four^to^eight,^more^preferably^six^external^panel^faces.^^The^ opposing^wall^panels^are^preferably^substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ [0130] The^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^may^be^conĮgured^to^scaƩer^incident^sound^waves^^ from^an^external^sound^source.^ ^ [0131] The^provision^of^a^plurality^of^external^panel^faces^to^form^a^mulƟ^faceted^modular^ structure^provides^an^angular^external^surface.^^^The^freestanding^workplace^assembly^may^have^ a^faceted^chamfered^form^which^has^the^advantage^of^reducing^the^visual^mass.^^^ ^ ^ [0132] The^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^may^have^a^majority^of^external^panel^faces^which^ are^substanƟally^non^parallel^to^an^adjacent^wall,^Ňoor^and/or^ceiling.^^Preferably,^substanƟally^ all^the^external^panel^faces^are^substanƟally^non^parallel^to^an^adjacent^wall,^Ňoor^and/or^ceiling.^^^ ^ ^ [0133] In^one^embodiment,^no^more^than^three^external^panel^faces^and^preferably^only^one^ external^panel^face^is^parallel^to^an^adjacent^wall,^Ňoor^and/or^ceiling^and^the^remainder^are^ non^parallel.^^Accordingly,^no^more^than^three^external^panel^faces^and^preferably^only^one^ external^panel^face^extends^in^a^substanƟally^verƟcal^plane;^the^other^external^panel^faces^ extend^in^planes^which^are^non^horizontal^and^non^verƟcal.^^By^way^of^example,^the^upper^^ external^panel^face^of^the^back^panel^may^extend^in^a^substanƟally^verƟcal^plane.^ ^ 17^ ^ [0134] The^shape^and^conĮguraƟon^of^the^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^is^preferably^able^to^ provide^a^streamlined^acousƟc^proĮle^in^an^acousƟc^Įeld.^^This^means^that^the^modular^ structure^will^allow^more^sound^to^Ňow^in^a^host^space^(in^which^the^freestanding^workplace^ assembly^is^located)^and^will^scaƩer^incident^sound^waves^away^from^an^external^ambient^or^^ direct^sound^source.^^^This^has^the^beneĮt^of^reducing^reŇected^sound^in^the^immediate^vicinity^ of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly.^^^ ^ [0135] When^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^is^opƟonally^provided^with^one^or^more^ removable^outer^layer^members^as^described^herein,^it^is^preferred^that^the^or^each^removable^^ outer^layer^member^is^conĮgured^to^allow^the^sound^scaƩering^properƟes^of^the^freestanding^ workplace^assembly^to^substanƟally^remain.^ ^ [0136] Comparing^the^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^ of^the^present^invenƟon^with^a^reference^cubic^enclosure^(which^has^the^same^internal^head^^ room^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^of^the^present^invenƟon^and^just^encloses^the^ external^structure^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^of^the^present^invenƟon),^a^ signiĮcantly^smaller^external^surface^area^is^provided.^^As^a^result,^an^acousƟc^beneĮt^may^be^ realised,^in^parƟcular^in^terms^of^a^reducƟon^in^transmiƩed^sound^pressure^from^a^surrounding^ sound^Įeld^to^the^internal^space^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly.^ ^ ^ [0137] The^unique^shape^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^means^that,^if^the^ freestanding^workplace^assembly^is^posiƟoned^adjacent^a^sound^radiaƟng^surface^such^as^a^ parƟƟon^wall,^the^acousƟc^energy^from^the^sound^radiaƟng^surface^can^readily^Ňow^around^the^ mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly.^^^This^means^that^less^^ acousƟc^energy^will^be^transmiƩed^into^the^internal^space^of^the^freestanding^workplace^ assembly.^^Conversely,^the^reference^cubic^enclosure^traps^the^acousƟc^energy^between^its^ structure^and^the^sound^radiaƟng^surface,^such^that^more^acousƟc^energy^will^transmit^into^its^ internal^space.^ ^ ^ [0138] The^primary^panels^may^be^conĮgured^to^provide^a^plurality^of^internal^panel^faces^to^ form^a^mulƟ^faceted^internal^surface^of^the^modular^structure.^ ^ [0139] The^provision^of^a^plurality^of^internal^panel^faces^to^form^a^mulƟ^faceted^internal^ surface^provides^an^angular^internal^surface.^^^ ^ ^ 18^ ^ [0140] The^internal^space^may^be^provided^with^a^seat^member^adjacent^the^closed^end^of^the^ substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure,^wherein^the^seat^member^faces^the^access^opening,^and^ wherein^a^tapered^region^of^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^may^be^provided^at^the^closed^ end^such^that^the^seat^is^substanƟally^surrounded^by^converging^primary^panels.^ ^ ^ [0141] At^least^two^internal^panel^faces^may^be^provided^in^a^region^of^the^internal^surface^of^ the^or^each^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^that^is^rearward^of^and/or^surrounding^the^seat^ member.^ ^ ^ [0142] This^provides^an^angular^internal^surface^adjacent^the^seat^member.^^Having^a^mulƟ^ faceted^internal^surface^region^rearward^of^and/or^surrounding^the^seat^member^means^that^a^ user,^sat^in^the^seat^member^and^listening^to^a^sound^originaƟng^internally^and^adjacent^the^ access^opening,^hears^the^sound^clearly.^^This^clarity^of^sound^is^assisted^by^a^reducƟon^in^ reŇecƟon^of^high^frequency^sounds^(as^found^in^fricaƟve^consonants/and^sibilance),^this^^ reducƟon^being^assisted^by^the^angular^internal^surface^adjacent^the^seat^member^and^the^ absence^of^a^Ňat^internal^surface^adjacent^the^seat^member.^ ^ [0143] The^provision^of^an^angular^internal^surface^along^the^walls^of^the^freestanding^ workplace^assembly^also^means^that^a^user,^sat^in^the^seat^and^listening^to^a^sound^originaƟng^^ internally^and^adjacent^the^access^opening,^hears^the^sound^clearly.^^^There^is^an^increased^level^ in^the^acousƟc^Įeld^for^the^listener^(user)^sat^in^the^seat^member^when^a^person^speaking^(a^ guest)^is^located^adjacent^the^access^opening^(for^example,^sat^on^a^guest^seat).^This^may^be^of^ beneĮt^to^ensure^conversaƟon^is^focused^between^the^user^and^the^guest.^ ^ ^ [0144] The^angular^internal^surface^along^the^wall^panels^may^also^ensure^that^a^suĸcient^ porƟon^of^the^early^sound^arrives^from^the^side^of^the^wall^panels,^maintaining^an^inƟmate^ spaƟal^impression.^^In^general^terms,^an^auditory^event^and^sound^image^perceived^by^the^user^ in^relaƟon^to^their^posiƟon,^orientaƟon^and^surroundings^provides^an^'inƟmate^spaƟal^ impression'.^ ^ ^ [0145] In^this^regard,^a^Ɵme^delay^between^the^direct^and^Įrst^reŇected^sound^may^be^less^than^ 20ms.^^This^is^important^for^percepƟon^of^speech.^The^internal^acousƟc^Įeld^within^the^internal^ space^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^can^be^described^as^inƟmate^with^good^deĮniƟon.^ [0146] ^ ^ [0147] Preferably,^the^mulƟ^faceted^internal^surface^of^the^modular^structure^is^provided^with^a^ plurality^of^sound^absorbing^panels^which^may^comprise^one^or^more^materials^for^absorbing^ 19^ ^ sound.^^These^sound^absorbing^panels^may^include^the^seat^member.^^These^sound^absorbing^ panels^may^include^upholstered^panels.^^The^sound^absorbing^panels^may^be^termed^acousƟc^ panels^in^view^of^their^acousƟc^eīect,^preferably^providing^echo^free^soŌ^acousƟcs.^^More^than^ 50%^of^the^mulƟ^faceted^internal^surface^area^of^the^modular^structure^may^be^substanƟally^^ covered^with^a^plurality^of^sound^absorbing^panels,^preferably^more^than^70%.^^^ ^ [0148] A^door^may^be^mounted^on^the^frame^to^close^the^access^opening^to^assist^with^acoustic^ insulation.^^A^door^seal^may^be^provided^(for^example^a^magnetic^seal)^to^further^improve^the^ acoustic^properties^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly.^ ^ ^ [0149] The^sound^absorbing^panels^may^be^one^type^of^inner^layer^member^of^the^substanƟally^ mulƟ^layer^structure.^ ^ [0150] In^one^example,^the^sound^absorbing^panels^are^medium^density^Įbreboard^and^open^^ cell^foam^wrapped^in^fabric.^ ^ [0151] The^primary^panels^described^herein^may^bendable^or^non^bendable.^^They^may^be^at^ least^parƟally^glazed.^^Preferably^the^glazed^primary^panels^are^non^bendable.^ ^ ^ [0152] The^primary^panels^may^be^provided^with^insulaƟon^on^their^internal^and^external^faces^ (except^where^glazed).^^Such^insulaƟon^may^be^factory^ĮƩed.^^The^non^glazed^primary^panels^in^ one^example^are^steel^panels^with^Įbrous^wadding^on^their^internal^and^external^faces.^ ^ [0153] In^one^example,^the^outer^layer^member^is^an^outer^panel^of^plywood.^^In^another^^ example,^the^outer^layer^member^is^a^laminate^of^diīerent^Ňexible^sheet^materials^preferably^ including^a^waterproof^material^layer.^ ^ [0154] The^substanƟally^mulƟ^layer^structure^provides^layered^arrangements^of^materials^of^ diīering^densiƟes.^^The^variaƟon^in^densiƟes^of^these^materials^provides^a^useful^acousƟc^^ proĮle,^wherein^diīerent^sound^frequencies^are^absorbed^by^diīerent^materials.^^^This^provides^ a^freestanding^workplace^assembly^with^improved^acousƟc^characterisƟcs.^ ^ [0155] In^a^ninth^aspect,^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^ having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure,^^ wherein^the^or^each^modular^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^wherein^two^or^ more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^configuration^to^an^assembled^ 20^ ^ configuration^which^is^non^coplanar,^^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^form^a^core^ section^of^the^multi^layer^structure,^wherein^adjacent^primary^panels^are^contiguously^joined^to^ define^an^internal^space^with^an^access^opening,^wherein^a^first^modular^structure^comprises^ primary^panels^including^a^back^panel^and^a^plurality^of^non^verƟcal^wall^panels^providing^a^^ mulƟ^faceted^structure,^wherein^the^internal^space^is^provided^with^a^seat^member^adjacent^the^ back^panel^and^facing^the^access^opening,^wherein^the^internal^space^is^provided^with^a^table^ opposite^the^seat^member,^and^wherein^the^table^is^mounted^for^pivotal^movement^about^a^ substantially^vertical^axis^and^providing^at^least^one^load^path^other^than^via^the^wall^panels^to^ allow^a^user^to^enter^or^exit^the^internal^space^through^the^access^opening^and^to^approach^or^^ leave^the^seat^member^without^obstruction.^ ^ [0156] The^orientation^of^the^seat^member^relative^to^the^access^opening^and^the^orientation^ of^the^table^relative^to^the^seat^member^is^important^for^achieving^the^private,^compact^working^ environment^provided^by^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly.^^The^mounting^of^the^table^^ enables^a^user^to^enter^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^and^to^reach^the^seat^member^by^ moving^the^table^out^of^the^way.^^^ ^ [0157] The^first^modular^structure^may^comprise^primary^panels^including^a^back^panel,^a^ plurality^of^non^vertical^wall^panels^and,^optionally,^one^or^more^substantially^vertical^wall^^ panels.^ ^ [0158] The^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^may^comprise^a^plurality^of^bendable^primary^ panels^and^at^least^one^outer^layer^member.^ ^ ^ [0159] The^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^may^further^comprise^at^least^one^inner^layer^ member^with^the^bendable^primary^panels^being^intermediate^the^or^each^removable^outer^ layer^member^and^the^or^each^inner^layer^member.^ ^ [0160] The^primary^panels,^the^outer^layer^member(s)^and/or^the^inner^layer^member(s)^may^^ themselves^each^comprise^one^or^more^layers^and/or^one^or^more^materials.^ ^ [0161] The^table^may^be^mounted^on^the^seat^member^via^a^cantilever^which^may^be^a^bracket.^^^ ^ [0162] MounƟng^the^table^on^the^seat^member^enables^forces^applied^to^the^table^to^transmit^^ to^the^ground^via^the^seat^member^and^provides^at^least^one^load^path^other^than^via^adjacent^ 21^ ^ primary^panels.^^Its^support^bracket^is^indirectly^canƟlevered^to^adjacent^primary^panels^such^as^ the^non^verƟcal^wall^panels.^^^^ ^ [0163] The^use^of^a^bracket^may^provide^a^canƟlevered^structure^allowing^free^movement^of^a^^ user’s^limbs^within^the^conĮned^internal^space^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^when^ the^user^is^sat^in^the^seat^member.^ ^ [0164] The^bracket^may^be^mounted^with^a^horizontal^porƟon^connected^to^the^underside^of^ the^seat^member^and^a^verƟcal^porƟon^supporƟng^the^table^and^providing^the^substanƟally^^ verƟcal^axis.^^The^bracket^may^be^substanƟally^L^shaped.^^The^pivot^point^for^the^table^may^be^ oīset.^ ^ [0165] The^table^may^be^height^adjustable.^ ^ ^ [0166] In^one^embodiment,^a^first^modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^ two^opposing^wall^panels,^one^ceiling^panel^and^one^back^panel^to^define^an^internal^space^with^ a^first^access^opening.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^preferably^substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ [0167] The^table^may^be^located^such^that^it^extends,^at^least^in^part,^externally^of^the^internal^^ space^via^the^first^access^opening.^^^^ ^ [0168] A^Įrst^compartment^module^may^have^this^conĮguraƟon.^ ^ [0169] In^another^embodiment,^a^second^modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^^ provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^to^define^an^internal^space^with^a^ second^access^opening,^and^wherein^the^second^modular^structure^is^connected^to^the^first^ modular^structure^at^a^perimeter^portion^of^the^first^access^opening.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^ are^preferably^substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ ^ [0170] The^second^access^opening^may^be^provided^with^a^frame,^wherein^a^door^may^be^ mounted^on^the^frame^to^close^the^second^access^opening.^ ^ [0171] A^second^compartment^module^may^have^this^configuration.^ ^ ^ [0172] In^a^further^embodiment,^a^third^modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^ provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^to^define^an^internal^space^with^a^third^ 22^ ^ access^opening,^and^wherein^the^third^modular^structure^is^connected^to^the^second^modular^ structure^at^a^perimeter^portion^of^the^second^access^opening.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^ preferably^substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ ^ [0173] The^third^access^opening^may^be^provided^with^a^frame,^wherein^a^door^may^be^ mounted^on^the^frame^to^close^the^third^access^opening.^^ ^ [0174] Alternatively,^a^fourth^modular^structure^may^be^provided^which^comprises^primary^ panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^to^define^an^internal^space^^ with^a^fourth^access^opening,^wherein^the^fourth^modular^structure^is^connected^to^the^third^ modular^structure^at^a^perimeter^portion^of^the^third^access^opening.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^ are^preferably^substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ [0175] The^fourth^access^opening^may^be^provided^with^a^frame^and^a^door^may^be^mounted^^ on^the^frame^to^close^the^fourth^access^opening.^ ^ [0176] A^third^compartment^module^may^have^this^configuration.^ ^ [0177] Any^doors^mounted^in^frames^may^be^at^least^partially^glazed,^optionally^with^tinted^^ and/or^obscure^glass.^ ^ [0178] One^or^more^wall^panels^or^ceiling^panels^may^be^at^least^partially^glazed,^optionally^ with^tinted^and/or^obscure^glass.^ ^ ^ [0179] Preferably,^the^internal^space^is^provided^with^module^furniture^parts.^ ^ [0180] The^module^furniture^parts^may^comprise^one^or^more^of^a^shelf,^a^seat^cushion,^a^seat^ back,^a^headrest,^an^armrest,^a^coat^hook,^a^guest^seat,^a^console^and^a^storage^compartment.^^ The^console^may^be^provided^with^a^storage^pocket.^ ^ ^ [0181] Preferably,^the^internal^space^is^provided^with^module^electrical^parts.^ ^ [0182] The^module^electrical^parts^may^comprise^one^or^more^of^a^display^monitor,^a^touch^ screen^controller,^audio^speaker(s),^ventilation^fan(s),^an^air^condiƟoning^unit,^light(s),^socket^^ outlet(s),^an^internet^point,^a^Wi^Fi^modem,^a^router,^a^locking^device^and^an^electronic^console.^^^ 23^ ^ ^ [0183] The^freestanding^workspace^assembly^of^the^present^invention^may^be^provided^with^ adjustable^feet^and^optionally^with^castors.^^^The^adjustable^feet^allow^levelling^of^the^ freestanding^workplace^assembly.^^The^castors,^if^present,^allow^the^freestanding^workplace^^ assembly^to^be^wheeled^to^a^new^location:^any^feet^would^first^be^elevated^above^the^ground.^ ^ [0184] In^a^tenth^aspect,^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^method^of^construcƟng^a^ freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^ least^one^modular^structure,^the^method^comprising^the^step^of^assembling^the^modular^^ structure^by^conƟguously^joining^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^ access^opening,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^ conĮguraƟon^to^an^assembled^conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^ primary^panels^form^a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟ^layer^structure,^wherein^the^freestanding^ workspace^assembly^is^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^described^herein.^ ^ ^ [0185] The^resulƟng^freestanding^workspace^assembly^has^one^or^more^of^the^features^ described^herein.^^ ^ [0186] The^diīerent^aspects^of^the^present^invenƟon^and^the^features^described^for^each^^ aspect^are^combinable^with^other^aspects^of^the^present^invenƟon^and^their^features.^^ ^ [0187] The^freestanding^workspace^assembly^of^the^present^invenƟon^combines^modularity,^a^ mulƟ^layer^structure^and^core^bendable^panels^to^provide^an^adaptable^and^quiet^compartment^ module^for^occupants.^^It^may^be^pre^fabricated^and^arrive^with^Ňat^packed^panels^for^ease^of^^ assembly^and^versaƟlity^of^locaƟon.^^Its^interior^is^designed^to^be^customizable,^organised^and^ comfortable.^ ^ [0188] The^freestanding^workspace^assembly^is^described^as^having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^ structure^as^it^may^not^be^fully^mulƟlayer^in^structure.^^For^example,^one^or^more^of^the^primary^^ panels^may^be^at^least^parƟally^glazed^and^may^therefore^not^form^a^core^secƟon^of^a^mulƟlayer^ structure;^it^may^not^be^desirable^for^light^and^visibility^reasons^to^cover^the^glazed^panels^with^ inner^and/or^outer^layer^members.^ ^ [0189] The^freestanding^workspace^assembly^of^the^present^invenƟon^may^be^a^permanent^or^^ semi^permanent^structure.^^It^may^not^be^designed^for^ease^of^dismantling^such^that^it^may^not^ conĮgured^as^a^collapsible^temporary^structure.^ 24^ ^ ^ [0190] The^present^invention^will^now^be^described,^by^way^of^example^only,^with^reference^to^ the^accompanying^diagrammatic^drawings,^where:^ ^ ^ [0191] figure^1^is^a^front^perspective^view^of^a^compartment^module^according^to^a^first^ embodiment^of^the^present^invention;^ [0192] figure^2^is^a^rear^perspective^view^of^the^compartment^module^of^figure^1;^ [0193] figure^3^is^a^rear^perspective^view^showing^part^of^the^assembly^of^the^compartment^ module^of^figure^1;^ ^ [0194] figure^4^shows^a^table^fitted^to^a^seat^bench^according^to^the^compartment^module^of^ figure^1;^ [0195] figure^5^is^an^exploded^view^of^the^compartment^module^of^figure^1;^ [0196] figure^6^is^a^side^view^of^the^compartment^module^of^figure^1;^ [0197] figure^7^is^a^front^view^of^the^compartment^module^of^figure^1;^ ^ [0198] figure^8a^and^figure^8b^are^plan^views^of^a^seat^member^and^table^according^to^the^ compartment^module^of^figure^1;^ [0199] figure^9^is^a^cross^sectional^plan^view^of^a^compartment^module^according^to^a^second^ embodiment^of^the^present^invention;^ [0200] figure^10^is^a^cross^sectional^plan^view^of^a^compartment^module^according^to^a^third^^ embodiment^of^the^present^invention;^ [0201] figure^11^is^a^perspective,^partially^exploded^view^of^the^construction^of^the^ compartment^module^according^to^the^second^embodiment;^ [0202] figure^12^is^a^perspective,^partially^exploded^view^of^the^further^construction^of^the^ compartment^module^of^figure^11;^ ^ [0203] figure^13^is^an^exploded^view^of^the^compartment^module^of^the^second^embodiment;^ [0204] figure^14^is^a^perspective,^partially^exploded^view^of^the^further^construction^of^the^ compartment^module^of^figure^12;^ [0205] figure^15^is^a^perspective,^partially^exploded^view^of^the^further^construction^of^the^ compartment^module^of^figure^14;^ ^ [0206] figure^16^is^a^rear^perspective^view^of^the^compartment^module^according^to^the^second^ embodiment;^ [0207] figure^17^is^a^plan^view^of^the^compartment^module^of^figure^16;^ [0208] figure^18^is^a^front^perspective^view^of^the^compartment^module^of^figure^16;^ [0209] figure^19^is^a^cutaway,^front^perspective^view^of^the^compartment^module^of^figure^16^^ with^an^open^door;^ [0210] figure^20^is^a^cross^sectional^side^view^of^the^compartment^module^of^figure^16;^ 25^ ^ [0211] figure^21^is^an^exploded^view^of^a^compartment^module^according^to^the^third^ embodiment;^ [0212] figure^22^is^a^front^perspective^view^of^the^compartment^module^according^to^the^third^ embodiment;^ ^ [0213] figure^23^is^a^rear^perspective^view^of^the^compartment^module^of^figure^22;^ [0214] figure^24^is^a^cross^sectional^side^view^of^the^compartment^module^of^figure^22;^ [0215] figure^25a^is^a^perspective^view^of^a^plurality^of^flat^packed^primary^panels^for^the^ compartment^module^according^to^the^second^embodiment;^ [0216] figure^25b^is^a^perspective^view^of^the^primary^panels^of^figure^25a^in^a^bent^shape;^^ [0217] figures^26a^is^a^side^view^of^a^flat^primary^panel;^ [0218] figures^26b^to^26e^are^perspective^views^of^a^primary^panel^being^bent^about^a^fold^line;^ [0219] figure^27^is^a^view^of^part^of^a^primary^panel^at^its^fold^line;^ [0220] figure^28^is^a^side^view^of^part^of^a^primary^panel^in^a^bent^shape,^annotated^with^ angles;^ ^ [0221] figure^29^is^a^perspective,^partially^exploded^view^of^panel^layers;^^ [0222] figure^30a^is^a^truncated^cross^sectional^side^view^of^a^multi^layer^panel^structure;^ [0223] figure^30b^is^a^truncated^front^view^of^the^multi^layer^panel^structure^of^figure^30a;^^ [0224] figure^30c^is^a^truncated^front^perspective^view^of^the^multi^layer^panel^structure^of^ figure^30a;^and^ ^ [0225] figure^31^is^a^side^view^of^multiple^compartment^modules^in^a^modular^system.^ ^ [0226] Referring^to^Įgures^1^and^2,^a^Įrst^compartment^module^K1^is^formed^from^a^Įrst^ modular^structure^M1^comprising^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^P^with^adjacent^primary^panels^ being^conƟguously^joined^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^S^with^an^access^opening^O1.^^Two^primary^^ panels^P1^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^1,^one^primary^panel^P2^provides^one^ceiling^panel^2^ and^one^primary^panel^P3^provides^one^back^panel^3.^^In^alternaƟve^embodiment,^two^primary^ panels^each^provide^a^wall^panel^and^one^half^of^a^ceiling^panel^and^one^primary^panel^provides^ one^back^panel.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ ^ [0227] The^primary^panels,^once^interconnected^to^form^Įrst^modular^structure^M1,^are^ mounted^on^a^base^frame^member^4^as^shown^in^Įgure^3.^^Referring^to^Įgure^2,^base^frame^ member^4^extends^rearwardly^beyond^the^footprint^of^wall^panels^1^and^back^panel^3.^ ^ [0228] First^compartment^module^K1^is^a^mulƟ^layer^assembly^structure^with^the^primary^^ panels^forming^a^core^secƟon^of^this^structure.^^Primary^panels^P1^to^P3^of^Įrst^modular^ structure^M1^are^intermediate^bendable^members^in^the^mulƟ^layer^assembly^structure.^^^ 26^ ^ ^ [0229] Referring^to^Įgure^5,^the^mulƟ^layer^assembly^structure^of^Įrst^compartment^module^K1^ comprises^primary^panels^P1^to^P3,^outer^panels^5^removably^connected^to^the^intermediate^ primary^panels^and^sound^absorbing^panels^6^mounted^internally^of^the^primary^panels.^^The^^ outer^panels^are^outer^layer^members^and^the^sound^absorbing^panels^are^inner^layer^members.^ ^ [0230] A^seat^member^7^is^located^in^internal^space^S.^^Seat^member^7^has^a^seat^porƟon^8^ mounted^on^a^seat^bench^9,^a^back^porƟon^10,^a^headrest^porƟon^11^and^two^armrest^porƟons^ 12.^^Seat^porƟon^8,^back^porƟon^10,^headrest^porƟon^11^and^armrest^porƟons^12^are^^ upholstered.^^Seat^member^7^provides^sound^absorbing^panels.^^The^internal^surface^of^the^ modular^structure^is^substanƟally^covered^by^a^plurality^of^sound^absorbing^panels^provided^by^ seat^member^7^and^sound^absorbing^panels^6.^ ^ [0231] Referring^to^Įgures^1^and^7,^seat^member^7^is^located^within^internal^space^S^adjacent^^ back^panel^3^and^facing^access^opening^O1.^^Within^the^internal^space,^a^table^13^is^provided^ opposite^seat^member^7.^^ ^ [0232] Table^13^is^mounted^on^the^seat^member^via^a^bracket^14^as^shown^in^Įgure^4.^^Bracket^ 14^is^substanƟally^L^shaped^and^has^a^horizontal^porƟon^14h^connected^to^the^underside^of^seat^^ bench^9^and^a^verƟcal^porƟon^14v^supporƟng^the^table^and^providing^a^substanƟally^verƟcal^axis^ about^which^the^table^is^mounted^for^pivotal^movement.^^An^oīset^pivot^point^is^provided^in^the^ arrangement^shown^in^Įgure^4.^ ^ [0233] With^reference^to^the^plan^views^of^Įgures^8a^and^8b,^table^13^pivots^between^two^^ posiƟons.^^This^applies^to^Įrst^compartment^module^K1,^a^second^compartment^module^K2^of^ Įgure^9^and^a^third^compartment^module^K3^of^Įgure^10.^^^ ^ [0234] When^the^table^length^is^parallel^to^back^panel^3,^a^user^sat^in^the^compartment^module^ can^use^the^table.^^When^the^table^length^is^rotated^to^be^perpendicular^to^back^panel^3,^a^user^is^^ able^to^exit^or^enter^the^compartment^module^without^obstrucƟon^from^the^table.^^^ ^ [0235] Table^13^is^provided^with^both^a^pivot^mechanism^and^a^stop^mechanism^to^control^the^ degree^of^movement^about^the^verƟcal^axis.^^These^mechanisms^are^provided^at^a^point^where^ bracket^14^meets^the^underside^of^table^13.^^A^socket^outlet^15^is^also^provided^adjacent^the^^ underside^of^seat^bench^9.^ ^ 27^ ^ [0236] Referring^to^Įgure^6,^table^13^is^located^such^that^it^extends,^in^part,^externally^of^ internal^space^S^via^access^opening^O1.^^^^ ^ [0237] First^compartment^module^K1^is^provided^with^a^frame^16^at^access^opening^O1^of^Įrst^^ modular^structure^M1:^frame^16^is^connected^to^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^access^opening^O1.^^First^ compartment^module^K1^is^not^provided^with^a^threshold^strip^or^a^door.^^First^compartment^ module^K1^provides^a^compact^workspace^with^a^seat^and^a^table^for^a^user^having^beneĮcial^ acousƟc^properƟes.^^First^compartment^module^K1^is^also^provided^with^a^shelf^17^and^a^light^18.^ ^ ^ [0238] Referring^to^Įgures^9^and^11^to^15,^second^compartment^module^K2^is^formed^from^Įrst^ modular^structure^M1^and^a^second^modular^structure^M2.^ ^ [0239] Second^modular^structure^M2^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^P.^^Adjacent^ primary^panels^of^second^modular^structure^M2^are^conƟguously^joined^with^each^other^and^^ with^adjacent^primary^panels^of^Įrst^modular^structure^M1^to^deĮne^internal^space^S^with^access^ opening^O2.^^Second^modular^structure^M2^is^connected^to^Įrst^modular^structure^M1^at^a^ perimeter^porƟon^of^access^opening^O1.^ ^ [0240] Referring^to^Įgures^16^to^18,^two^primary^panels^P21^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^^ 21^and^one^primary^panel^P22^provides^one^ceiling^panel^22^of^second^modular^structure^M2.^^In^ an^alternaƟve^embodiment,^two^primary^panels^each^provide^a^wall^panel^and^one^half^of^a^ ceiling^panel.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ [0241] The^primary^panels^of^Įrst^modular^structure^M1^are^interconnected^and^mounted^on^a^^ base^member^24^as^shown^in^Įgure^11.^^^The^primary^panels^of^second^modular^structure^M2^are^ interconnected^and^then^mounted^on^planar^base^member^24^as^shown^in^Įgure^12.^^^^^ ^ [0242] Second^compartment^module^K2^is^a^mulƟ^layer^assembly^structure^with^the^primary^ panels^forming^a^core^secƟon^of^this^structure.^^Primary^panels^P21^and^P22^of^second^modular^^ structure^M2^are^intermediate^bendable^members^in^the^mulƟ^layer^assembly^structure.^^^ ^ [0243] Second^compartment^module^K2^is^provided^with^a^frame^19^at^access^opening^O2^of^ second^modular^structure^M2:^frame^19^is^connected^to^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^access^opening^ O2.^^Second^compartment^module^K2^is^provided^with^a^threshold^strip^20^and^a^door^25.^^ ^ 28^ ^ [0244] Referring^to^Įgures^13^to^15,^the^mulƟ^layer^assembly^structure^of^second^compartment^ module^K2^comprises^primary^panels^P1,^P2,^P3,^P21^and^P22,^outer^panels^5^removably^ connected^to^the^primary^panels^and^sound^absorbing^panels^6^mounted^internally^of^the^ primary^panels.^^^ ^ ^ [0245] Referring^to^Įgures^19^and^20,^second^compartment^module^K2^is^provided^with^seat^ member^7,^table^13^and^socket^15^courtesy^of^Įrst^modular^structure^M1;^and^a^shelf^17,^a^light^ 18,^two^opposing^consoles^26^for^storage^and^a^touch^screen^controller^27^courtesy^of^second^ modular^structure^M2.^ ^ ^ [0246] With^seat^member^7^located^in^internal^space^S^and^surrounding^sound^absorbing^panels^ 6^in^Įrst^modular^structure^M1^and^second^modular^structure^M2,^at^least^70%^of^the^internal^ surface^of^the^modular^structure^is^substanƟally^covered^by^a^plurality^of^sound^absorbing^panels^ provided^by^seat^member^7^and^sound^absorbing^panels^6.^^Consoles^26^have^a^panel^form^and^^ are^mounted^internally^of^the^primary^panels:^they^may^be^less^sound^absorbing^than^sound^ absorbing^panels^6.^^ ^ [0247] Referring^to^Įgures^10^and^21^to^23,^third^compartment^module^K3^is^formed^from^Įrst^ modular^structure^M1,^second^modular^structure^M2,^a^third^modular^structure^M3^and^a^fourth^^ modular^structure^M4.^ ^ [0248] Third^modular^structure^M3^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^P.^^Adjacent^primary^ panels^of^third^modular^structure^M3^are^conƟguously^joined^with^each^other^and^with^adjacent^ primary^panels^of^second^modular^structure^M2^to^deĮne^internal^space^S^with^access^opening^^ O3.^^Third^modular^structure^M3^is^connected^to^second^modular^structure^M2^at^a^perimeter^ porƟon^of^access^opening^O2.^ ^ [0249] Two^primary^panels^P31^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^31^and^one^primary^panel^P32^ provides^one^ceiling^panel^32^of^third^modular^structure^M3.^^The^opposing^wall^panels^are^^ substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ [0250] Third^modular^structure^M3^has^glazed^wall^panels^31^to^allow^a^user^to^see^through^a^ window^and^to^allow^light^inside.^^To^provide^privacy^and/or^to^reduce^glare,^the^glass^used^may^ be^Ɵnted^or^obscure.^^Similarly,^door^25^may^be^fully^or^parƟally^glazed^and^the^glass^used^may^^ be^Ɵnted^or^obscure.^ ^ 29^ ^ [0251] Third^compartment^module^K3^is^a^mulƟ^layer^assembly^structure^with^primary^panels^ P32^forming^a^core^secƟon^of^this^structure.^^Primary^panels^P31^and^P32^are^structural^like^the^ other^primary^panels^but^they^are^not^bendable^in^view^of^the^glazing^units;^they^are^also^not^ mulƟ^layer^unless^double^^or^triple^glazing^is^used.^ ^ ^ [0252] In^an^alternaƟve^embodiment,^one^or^more^primary^panels^P31^and/or^primary^panels^ P32^of^third^modular^structure^M3^are^intermediate,^non^glazed^bendable^members^in^the^mulƟ^ layer^assembly^structure.^ ^ ^ [0253] Fourth^modular^structure^M4^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^P.^^Adjacent^ primary^panels^of^fourth^modular^structure^M4^are^conƟguously^joined^with^each^other^and^with^ adjacent^primary^panels^of^third^modular^structure^M3^to^deĮne^internal^space^S^with^access^ opening^O4.^^Fourth^modular^structure^M4^is^connected^to^third^modular^structure^M3^at^a^ perimeter^porƟon^of^access^opening^O3.^ ^ ^ [0254] Two^primary^panels^P41^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^41^and^one^primary^panel^P42^ provides^one^ceiling^panel^42^of^fourth^modular^structure^M4.^^In^alternaƟve^embodiment,^two^ primary^panels^each^provide^a^wall^panel^and^one^half^of^a^ceiling^panel.^^The^opposing^wall^ panels^are^preferably^substanƟally^non^parallel.^ ^ ^ [0255] To^assemble^the^third^compartment^module^K3,^the^primary^panels^of^Įrst^modular^ structure^M1^are^interconnected^and^mounted^on^a^base^member^24^as^shown^in^Įgure^11;^the^ primary^panels^of^second^modular^structure^M2^are^interconnected^and^mounted^on^base^ member^24;^the^primary^panels^of^third^modular^structure^M3^are^interconnected^and^mounted^^ on^base^member^24;^and^the^primary^panels^of^fourth^modular^structure^M4^are^interconnected^ and^mounted^on^base^member^24.^^^^Base^member^24^is^opƟonally^modular^wherein^each^ modular^structure^has^its^own^base^member^module^and^the^base^member^modules^are^ conƟguously^joined^to^form^base^member^24.^ ^ ^ [0256] Fourth^compartment^module^K4^is^a^mulƟ^layer^assembly^structure^with^the^primary^ panels^forming^a^core^secƟon^of^this^structure.^^Primary^panels^P41^and^P42^of^fourth^modular^ structure^M4^are^intermediate^bendable^members^in^the^mulƟ^layer^assembly^structure.^^^ ^ [0257] Fourth^compartment^module^K4^is^provided^with^a^frame^19^at^access^opening^O3^of^^ third^modular^structure^M3:^frame^19^is^connected^to^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^access^opening^O3.^^ Fourth^compartment^module^K4^is^provided^with^a^threshold^strip^and^a^door^25.^ 30^ ^ ^ [0258] To^provide^an^acousƟc^enclosure,^the^door^of^compartment^modules^K2^and^K3^is^ provided^with^a^magneƟc^seal,^for^example.^ ^ ^ [0259] Referring^to^Įgures^10^and^21^to^23,^the^mulƟ^layer^assembly^structure^of^third^ compartment^module^K3^comprises^primary^panels^P1,^P2,^P3,^P21,^P22,^P31,^P32,^P41,^P42,^ outer^panels^5^removably^connected^to^the^primary^panels^and^sound^absorbing^panels^6^ mounted^internally^of^the^primary^panels.^^^ ^ ^ [0260] Referring^to^Įgures^10,^21^and^24,^third^compartment^module^K3^is^provided^with:^seat^ member^7,^table^13^and^socket^15^courtesy^of^Įrst^modular^structure^M1;^shelf^17,^light^18,^two^ opposing^consoles^26^for^storage^and^touch^screen^controller^27^courtesy^of^second^modular^ structure^M2;^windows^44^courtesy^of^third^modular^structure^M3;^and^a^fold^down^guest^seat^ 28^and^coat^hooks^43^courtesy^of^fourth^modular^structure^M4.^ ^ ^ [0261] With^seat^member^7^located^in^internal^space^S^and^surrounding^sound^absorbing^panels^ 6^in^Įrst^modular^structure^M1,^second^modular^structure^M2^and^fourth^modular^structure^M4,^ at^least^70%^of^the^internal^surface^of^the^modular^structure^is^substanƟally^covered^by^a^ plurality^of^sound^absorbing^panels^provided^by^seat^member^7^and^sound^absorbing^panels^6.^^^ Consoles^26^have^a^panel^form^and^are^mounted^internally^of^the^primary^panels.^^Consoles^26^ and^windows^44^may^be^less^sound^absorbing^than^sound^absorbing^panels^6.^^^ ^ [0262] In^an^alternaƟve^embodiment^of^a^compartment^module^(not^shown),^access^opening^ O3^of^third^modular^structure^M3^is^provided^with^a^frame^which^is^connected^to^a^perimeter^^ porƟon^of^access^opening^O2.^^A^door^is^mounted^on^the^frame.^^Third^modular^structure^M3^is^ not^connected^to^fourth^modular^structure^M4^in^this^embodiment.^ ^ [0263] It^can^be^appreciated^that^the^modular^nature^of^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^ allows^a^user^to^select^a^size^and^conĮguraƟon^which^suits^a^parƟcular^purpose,^locaƟon^and/or^^ budget^and^that^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^may^be^upgraded^if^circumstances^change^ by^adding^one^or^more^further^modular^structures^to^provide^a^larger^workspace.^ ^ [0264] As^shown^in^the^Įgures,^the^primary^panels^each^have^a^shape^which^is^bent^about^one^ or^two^fold^lines^29^to^provide^a^substanƟally^planar^face^30^on^either^side^of^the^or^each^fold^^ line.^^Each^modular^structure^is^therefore^mulƟ^faceted.^^The^bent^shape^is^advantageous^for^ structural,^aerodynamic^and^acousƟc^reasons.^ 31^ ^ ^ [0265] The^primary^panels^are^thereby^conĮgured^to^provide^a^plurality^of^internal^panel^faces^ to^form^a^mulƟ^faceted^internal^surface^of^each^modular^structure.^ ^ ^ [0266] Primary^panels^P1,^P2,^P3,^P21,^P22,^P32,^P41^and^P42^are^bendable^about^the^or^each^ fold^line.^^These^primary^panels^are^steel^sheets,^for^example.^^^ ^ [0267] Primary^panels^P31^each^comprise^a^pair^of^glazed^units^separated^by^one^fold^line:^ these^panels^each^have^a^shape^which^is^bent^about^the^fold^line^but^the^panels^themselves^are^^ not^bendable^about^the^fold^line^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^an^assembled^conĮguraƟon^ during^assembly.^^^ ^ [0268] Referring^to^Įgures^25^to^28,^the^bendable^primary^panels^each^have^one^or^two^fold^ lines^line^extending^between^opposing^edges^of^the^primary^panel.^ ^ ^ [0269] To^provide^a^bendable^primary^panel,^fold^line^29^comprises^a^linear^indentaƟon^or^ colinear^indentaƟons^or^colinear^perforaƟons.^^When^perforaƟons^are^used,^each^perforaƟon^33^ may^have^an^elongate^shape^extending^along^the^fold^line.^^In^one^example,^each^perforaƟon^has^ a^length^of^30mm^along^the^fold^line^and^a^width^of^1.2mm,^with^an^interval^of^6mm^between^^ adjacent^ends^of^the^perforaƟons.^^ ^ [0270] The^freestanding^workplace^assembly^is^prefabricated.^^The^components^required^to^ assemble^the^compartment^module^in^quesƟon^are^packaged^into^boxes^or^crates^and^delivered^ for^assembly^in^a^chosen^locaƟon,^whether^this^be^in^indoors^or^outdoors.^^The^bendable^primary^^ panels^in^this^kit^are^substanƟally^Ňat^packed.^ ^ [0271] Base^member^24^is^unpacked:^it^is^provided^with^mulƟple^adjustable^feet^which^can^be^ altered^in^height^to^create^a^stable^and^level^base^for^the^compartment^module.^Base^member^ 24^may^be^plywood.^ ^ ^ [0272] The^posiƟon^of^seat^7^in^the^Įrst^modular^structure^provides^a^commanding^view^once^ the^compartment^module^has^been^assembled.^It^is^advisable^to^take^this^into^account^when^ considering^where^to^place^and^orientate^the^base^member.^^^ ^ ^ [0273] The^primary^panels^for^forming^wall^panels^1,^ceiling^panels^2^and^back^panel^3^are^ unpacked.^^The^panels^arrive^in^a^substanƟally^Ňat^state^as^shown^in^Įgures^25a,^26a^and^26b.^^ 32^ ^ ^ [0274] Referring^to^Įgures^26^to^28,^the^primary^panels^have^perimeter^Ňanges^34^which^are^ provided^with^apertures^35^for^fasteners^and^clips^37^for^aƩaching^inner^layer^members.^^Each^ primary^panel^has^a^single^fold^line^29^and^perimeter^Ňanges^34^are^provided^either^side^of^the^^ fold^line.^^ ^ [0275] Referring^to^Įgures^26c,^26d,^26e^and^27,^to^form^the^Ňat^primary^panels^into^the^ disƟncƟve^faceted^shape^of^the^compartment^module,^a^person^applies^Įrm^pressure^to^one^half^ of^primary^panel^P^and^gently^liŌs^the^other^half^of^the^primary^panel^unƟl^an^end^of^the^^ perimeter^Ňange^on^one^side^of^the^fold^line^meets^the^end^of^the^perimeter^Ňange^on^the^other^ side^of^the^fold^line.^^^ ^ [0276] The^end^of^each^parameter^Ňange^34^adjacent^fold^line^29^has^an^edge^36^shaped^to^ provide^an^angular^stop^which^controls^the^degree^to^which^primary^panel^P^is^bent^about^the^^ fold^line.^^As^a^result,^as^shown^in^Įgures^25b,^26c,^26d,^26e^and^28,^primary^panel^P^has^a^shape^ which^is^inwardly^bent^about^the^fold^line.^^^^^^^ ^ [0277] An^internal^angle^between^a^substanƟally^planar^face^on^one^side^of^a^fold^line^with^a^ substanƟally^planar^face^on^an^opposite^side^of^the^fold^line^is^between^140^degrees^and^170^^ degrees,^opƟonally^between^150^and^160^degrees.^^In^one^example,^this^internal^angle^is^156^ degrees^as^shown^in^Įgure^28.^ ^ [0278] To^make^compartment^module,^Įrst^modular^structure^M1^is^assembled^Įrst.^Its^four^ primary^panels^are^bent^into^shape^by^hand.^To^connect^both^primary^panels^P1^with^primary^^ panel^P2,^temporary^fasteners^such^as^plasƟc^rivets^are^inserted^into^apertures^35^provided^in^ perimeter^Ňanges^34^of^respecƟve^adjacent^primary^panels^P.^The^resulƟng^assembly^is^self^ supporƟng,^allowing^secure^connecƟon^using^stronger^fasteners^such^as^Ňanged^head^screws.^ Primary^panel^P3^is^then^connected^to^the^structure^formed^of^primary^panels^P1^and^P2^in^the^ same^way.^^The^primary^panels^of^Įrst^modular^structure^M1^provide^substanƟally^planar^faces^^ 30^on^either^side^of^each^fold^line,^thereby^providing^eight^external^panel^faces.^ ^ [0279] First^modular^structure^M1^is^placed^on^base^24^and^secured^thereto^using^screw^ fasteners,^for^example.^^Edge^fasteners^such^as^panel^clips^with^capƟve^nuts^are^ĮƩed^to^the^ primary^panels^in^preparaƟon^for^receiving^the^primary^panels^of^second^modular^structure^M2^^ to^form^compartment^module^K2.^^^ ^ 33^ ^ [0280] AlternaƟvely,^Įrst^modular^structure^M1^is^placed^on^frame^member^4^to^form^ compartment^module^K1.^ ^ [0281] Second^modular^structure^M2^is^assembled^next.^^Its^three^primary^panels^are^bent^into^^ shape^by^hand,^primary^panels^P21^are^posiƟoned^on^base^member^24^and^temporary^fasteners^ are^used^followed^by^stronger^fasteners,^making^use^of^the^edge^fasteners^of^Įrst^modular^ structure^M1.^^^Primary^panel^P22^is^then^connected^to^the^structure^formed^of^primary^panels^ P1,^P2,^P3^and^P21^in^the^same^way.^^The^primary^panels^of^second^modular^structure^M2^ provide^substanƟally^planar^faces^30^on^either^side^of^each^fold^line,^thereby^providing^another^^ six^external^panel^faces.^ ^ [0282] In^terms^of^subsequent^assembly^steps,^frame^19^is^ĮƩed^by^being^fastened^to^access^ opening^O2^of^the^second^modular^structure^and^door^25^is^mounted^on^outboard^hinges^ provided^by^frame^19.^^An^internal^Ňooring^may^be^secured^to^base^member^24.^^MulƟple^^ brackets^are^ĮƩed^to^the^interior^surfaces^of^the^primary^panels^and^items^such^as^seat^bench^9,^ socket^15,^shelf^17,^light^18,^opposing^consoles^26^and^touch^screen^controller^27^are^mounted^ accordingly^and,^where^applicable,^connected^to^a^power^source.^ ^ [0283] Inner^layer^members^are^ĮƩed^next.^^Suitable^inner^layer^members^include^sound^^ absorbing^panels^6^and^furnishing^panels^(also^being^sound^absorbing^panels)^such^as^the^ upholstered^panels^forming^seat^member^7^including^back^porƟon^10,^headrest^porƟon^11^and^ armrest^porƟons^12.^^Bracket^14^and^table^13^are^installed^by^Įxing^the^bracket^to^the^underside^ of^seat^bench^9.^^Seat^porƟon^8^is^mounted^on^seat^bench^9.^ ^ ^ [0284] A^Įnal^step^is^to^connect^outer^panels^to^the^primary^panels^being^inner^primary^panels.^^ In^the^embodiment^of^Įgure^15,^a^single^outer^panel^5^is^removably^connected^to^each^external^ panel^face^of^the^primary^panels^of^the^Įrst^and^second^modular^structures.^^Connectors^having^ male^and^female^elements^may^be^used.^^Referring^to^Įgure^26,^a^plurality^of^clips^37^(being^ female^clips^in^this^embodiment)^are^provided^on^each^primary^panel^P^having^the^dual^purpose^^ of^connecƟng^outer^panels^to^one^face^of^a^primary^panel^and^an^inner^layer^member^to^an^ opposite^face^of^the^primary^panel.^^Corresponding^interlocking^clips^(being^male^clips^in^this^ embodiment)^are^provided^on^outer^panels^6^and^inner^panels^members^5^respecƟvely.^ ^ [0285] Outer^panels^5^are^substanƟally^rigid^and^provide^an^outer^layer^L^of^the^workplace^^ assembly.^ ^ 34^ ^ [0286] Compartment^module^K3^is^assembled^by^Įrst^assembling^Įrst^modular^structure^M1^ and^second^modular^structure^M2^as^described^herein.^^The^primary^panels^of^the^third^modular^ structure^M3^arrive^glazed^and^in^a^pre^bent^shape;^the^primary^panels^have^perimeter^Ňanges^ with^apertures^for^connecƟng^to^adjacent^primary^panels^of^second^modular^structure^M2^and^^ fourth^modular^structure^M4.^^Fourth^modular^structure^M4^is^assembled^and^connected^in^the^ same^way^as^Įrst^modular^structure^M1^and^second^modular^structure^M2.^^No^outer^panels^are^ connected^to^the^glazed^primary^panels^of^third^modular^structure^M3.^ ^ [0287] The^primary^panels^of^third^modular^structure^M3^and^fourth^modular^structure^M4^^ provide^substanƟally^planar^faces^30^on^either^side^of^each^fold^line,^thereby^each^providing^ another^six^external^panel^faces.^ ^ [0288] Since^compartment^module^K3^has^a^larger^internal^surface^area,^further^module^furniture^ parts^and^module^electrical^parts^may^be^ĮƩed.^^For^example,^there^is^space^for^guest^seat^28,^a^^ larger^ touch^ screen^controller^27^and^coat^hooks^43.^ ^Guest^seat^28^ is^strategically^posiƟoned^ within^the^ internal^space^to^facilitate^easy^ interacƟon^and^clear^conversaƟon^between^a^seated^ occupant^and^a^seated^guest.^ ^ [0289] OpƟonal^module^electrical^parts^include^one^or^more^of^a^display^monitor,^a^touch^^ screen^controller,^audio^speaker(s),^venƟlaƟon^fan(s),^an^air^condiƟoning^unit,^an^internet^point,^ a^Wi^Fi^modem,^a^router,^a^locking^device^and^an^electronic^console.^ ^ [0290] Compartment^modules^having^outer^panels^5^are^suitable^for^indoor^use.^They^may^be^ adapted^for^outdoor^use^if^a^sealing^means^is^used^between^adjacent^outer^panels^5.^^ ^ [0291] An^indoor^compartment^module^may^be^taken^apart^and^reassembled^outdoors,^or^ wheeled^outdoors^on^its^casters.^^In^one^embodiment,^outer^panels^5^are^removed^from^the^ inner^primary^panels^and^replaced^by^a^removable^outer^layer^member^which^is^conƟnuous^and^ non^rigid^and^provides^a^replacement^outer^layer^of^the^workplace^assembly.^^AlternaƟvely,^a^^ compartment^module^may^be^built^from^scratch^outdoors^and^provided^with^this^conƟnuous,^ non^rigid^removable^outer^layer^member^in^place^of^outer^panels^5.^ ^ [0292] In^one^example,^the^conƟnuous,^non^rigid^removable^outer^layer^member^is^a^laminate^ of^insulaƟon^material,^a^breathable^membrane^and^a^waterproof^outer^layer.^^It^may^be^formed^^ as^a^single^piece^or^in^mulƟple^pieces^(which^may^be^shaped^and^sized^as^panels)^that^are^ interconnected^with^waterƟght^seams.^^^When^providing^an^outer^layer^L^of^Įrst^compartment^ 35^ ^ module^K1^or^second^compartment^module^K2,^the^conƟnuous,^non^rigid^removable^outer^layer^ member(s)^may^cover^the^external^panel^faces^of^all^the^primary^panels.^^When^providing^an^ outer^layer^L^of^third^compartment^module^K3,^the^conƟnuous,^non^rigid^removable^outer^layer^ member(s)^may^cover^the^external^panel^faces^of^all^the^bendable^primary^panels^and^the^glazed^^ wall^panels^and^the^glazed^ceiling^panels^of^third^modular^structure^M3:^the^outer^layer^ member(s)^may^include^transparent^regions^to^cover^the^glazed^wall^panels^and^the^glazed^ ceiling^panels^to^allow^natural^light^to^enter.^ ^ [0293] With^reference^to^Įgures^16,^17,^18,^22^and^23,^the^external^surface^of^each^ ^ compartment^module^has^a^unique^mulƟ^faceted^shape^which^is^able^to^scaƩer^incident^sound^ waves^from^an^external^sound^source,^whether^this^external^sound^source^be^direct^or^ambient.^ ^ [0294] The^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^of^each^compartment^module^K1,^K2^and^K3^has^ only^the^upper^external^panel^face^of^the^back^panel^extending^in^a^substanƟally^verƟcal^plane.^^^ The^remaining^external^panel^faces^extend^in^planes^which^are^non^horizontal^and^non^verƟcal^ and^are^therefore^substanƟally^non^parallel^to^an^adjacent^wall,^Ňoor^and/or^ceiling.^ ^ [0295] The^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^of^the^present^embodiments^is^conĮgured^to^ provide^a^streamlined^acousƟc^proĮle^in^an^acousƟc^Įeld.^^^ ^ ^ [0296] Comparing^the^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^ of^the^present^invenƟon^with^a^reference^cubic^enclosure^(which^has^the^same^internal^head^ room^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^of^the^present^invenƟon^and^just^encloses^the^ external^structure^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^of^the^present^invenƟon),^a^smaller^^ external^surface^area^is^provided.^^As^a^result,^an^acousƟc^beneĮt^can^be^realised,^in^parƟcular^in^ terms^of^a^reducƟon^in^transmiƩed^sound^pressure^from^a^surrounding^sound^Įeld^to^the^ internal^space^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly.^^In^this^regard,^we^refer^to^the^following^ calculaƟons.^^ ^ ^ [0297] If^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^is^sited^in^a^reverberant^sound^Įeld,^such^as^in^a^ larger^room^or^enclosed^public^space^with^general^background^noise,^and^the^internal^ambient^ sound^pressure^level^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^is^governed^by^the^transmission^ through^its^wall^panels^(including^any^glazing^units),^ceiling^panel(s)^and^door,^the^diīerence^in^ levels^of^the^reverberant^sound^inside^and^outside^can^be^calculated^using:^ ^{^ ^} 1_{. ^^^^^ െ ^^^^^^ ൌ ^ െ 10 log10 ^ ^ 10 log10 ^} 36^ ^ ^ Where^^ ^ ^^is^the^average^sound^reducƟon^of^the^walls/door/glazing^ ^^is^the^total^external^surface^area^of^the^walls/door/glazing^ ^^is^the^acousƟc^absorpƟon^in^the^receiving^room^space^ ^ ^ [0298] The^surface^area^term^is^independent^of^the^absorpƟon^or^sound^reducƟon,^and^ therefore^if^equivalent^spaces^are^created^with^diīerent^external^surface^areas^an^acousƟc^ beneĮt^can^be^realised.^ ^ ^ [0299] The^acousƟc^beneĮt^can^be^quanƟĮed^according^to:^ ^

^ [0300] This^can^be^demonstrated^by^comparing^the^surface^area^of^a^freestanding^ workplace^assembly^of^the^present^invention^with^the^reference^cubic^enclosure.^ ^ ^ ^ S_{urface area of} Surface area of reference ǻdB module ass 2 ²embly, cubic enclo 1 ^(m2sure, S ^{(m ) S )} 4-module assembly 11.0 17.6 -2.0 2-module assembly 8.6 12.3 -1.6 ^ [0301] The^unique^geometry^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^exhibits^a^smaller^external^^ surface^area^than^a^cubic^reference^enclosure^and^this^can^reduce^the^transmiƩed^sound^ pressure^level^by^as^much^as^2dB.^^This^reducƟon^is^considered^signiĮcant^since^the^freestanding^ workplace^assembly^of^the^present^invenƟon^may^have^a^total^dB^raƟng^of^29dB^(for^example).^ ^ [0302] Referring^to^Įgures^16^to^18,^access^opening^O2^of^compartment^module^K2^provides^an^^ open^end^(closable^by^door^25)^and^back^panel^3^provides^a^closed^end.^^When^viewed^in^plan^ view,^compartment^module^K2^has^a^region^R^which^tapers^along^its^length^towards^the^closed^ end,^such^that,^in^plan^view,^the^closed^end^is^narrower^than^the^open^end.^^ ^ [0303] This^shape^assists^in^providing^a^streamlined^acousƟc^proĮle^in^an^acousƟc^Įeld.^^It^also^^ assists^in^providing^a^streamlined^proĮle^in^terms^of^airŇow^in^a^host^space.^^^First^modular^ structure^M1^and^second^modular^structure^M2^are^therefore^contoured^to^provide^a^ freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^shape^with^aerodynamic^properƟes.^ 37^ ^ ^ [0304] With^reference^to^Įgure^1,^seat^member^7^is^located^adjacent^the^closed^end^of^Įrst^ modular^structure^M1^and^faces^the^access^opening^O1:^at^least^two^internal^panel^faces^are^ provided^in^a^region^of^the^internal^surface^of^the^modular^structure^that^is^rearward^of^and/or^^ surrounding^the^seat^member.^^This^is^advantageous^for^the^acousƟc^properƟes^within^the^ compartment^module.^ ^ [0305] Referring^to^Įgures^29^and^30,^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structures^are^disclosed^having^ intermediate^bendable^primary^panels^forming^a^core^secƟon,^parƟcularly^structurally,^and^also^^ having^outer^layer^members^and^inner^layer^members.^ ^ [0306] In^the^embodiment^of^Įgure^29,^primary^panel^P1A^has^two^parallel^fold^lines^29^about^ which^the^panel^is^bent^to^provide^three^external^panel^faces,^all^bent^inwardly^about^the^fold^ lines.^^The^lower^two^external^panel^faces^are^intermediate^layers^of^wall^panel^1^and^the^upper^^ external^face^panel^is^an^intermediate^layer^of^half^of^ceiling^panel^2.^^One^or^more^sound^ absorbing^panels^6^are^connected^to^an^internal^surface^of^primary^panel^P1A^in^either^modular^ or^unitary^pieces.^^One^or^more^outer^panels^5^are^connected^to^an^external^surface^of^primary^ panel^P1A^in^either^modular^or^unitary^pieces.^^Adjacent^assembled^primary^panels^form^ opposing^wall^panel^1,^the^opposing^half^of^ceiling^panel^2,^walls^21^and^ceiling^22^(in^two^^ halves).^ ^ [0307] These^layers^are^shown^in^the^mulƟlayer^panel^structures^of^Įgure^30.^^Primary^panel^ P1A^is^provided^with^insulaƟng^layers^38^on^internal^and^external^faces^of^steel^sheet^39,^sound^ absorbing^panels^6^are^medium^density^Įbreboard^40^and^open^cell^foam^41^wrapped^in^fabric^^ and^outer^panels^5^are^plywood^pieces^42^shaped^to^abut^one^another.^ ^ [0308] Referring^to^Įgure^31,^the^present^invenƟon^provides^a^system^of^modular^structures,^ which,^in^the^present^embodiments,^starts^with^compartment^module^K1,^builds^to^ compartment^module^K2^and^Įnishes^with^compartment^module^K3.^^^ ^ ^ [0309] The^present^invenƟon^is^not^limited^to^these^embodiments.^^In^parƟcular,^further^or^ alternaƟve^modular^structures^may^be^used^to^provide^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^of^ the^appended^claims.^ ^ ^ [0310] It^can^be^appreciated^that^the^present^invenƟon^provides^assembly^and^component^ funcƟonality^that^enables^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^to^be^upgraded,^expanded^and^ 38^ ^ reconĮgured^through^the^modular^system,^components^and^Įƫngs^described.^^This^funcƟonality^ may^also^encompass^interchangeable^interior^panels^(inner^layer^members)^and^exterior^panels^ (outer^layer^members)^which^allows^for^simple^and^rapid^assembly^and^panel^replacement^or^ updaƟng.^^Modularity^also^enables^the^possibility^to^upgrade^to^a^chassis^which^is^designed^for^^ exterior^use.^ ^ [0311] The^provision^of^bendable^primary^panels^may^enable^a^Ňat^pack^assembly^and^a^reliable^ method^of^creaƟng^the^mulƟ^faceted^design^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly.^^Users^may^ manually^fold^the^primary^panels^to^a^predeĮned^angle^in^a^consistent^and^repeatable^manner^^ without^any^addiƟonal^tooling.^^When^the^primary^panels^are^connected^together,^the^structure^ of^the^workplace^assembly^is^completed.^ ^ [0312] The^conĮguraƟon^of^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^preferably^sits^a^user^in^a^ forward^facing^posiƟon,^directly^opposite^to^an^entry^door^and^Ňanked^by^upholstered^panels.^^^ The^entry^door^may^be^a^transparent^Ɵnted^glass^door;^this^allows^the^user^to^enter^the^space^ and^have^a^direct^line^of^sight^to^the^host^space.^^This^unique^arrangement^may^aīord^a^‘fully^ private’^environment^for^the^user,^whereby^personal^data^on^screens^and^devices^cannot^be^seen^ by^passersby^either^accidentally^or^intenƟonally.^^This^arrangement^is^made^possible^through^the^ interrelaƟng^posiƟons^and^features^of^the^entry^door,^the^seat^member^and^the^translaƟng^table^^ (which^moves^out^of^the^way^to^access^the^seat).^^ ^ [0313] CLAUSES^ [0314] SET^ONE^ 1.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substantially^multilayer^structure^and^comprising^^ at^least^one^modular^structure,^ wherein^the^or^each^modular^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^configuration^to^an^ assembled^configuration^which^is^non^coplanar,^^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^form^a^core^section^of^the^multi^layer^structure,^^^ wherein^adjacent^primary^panels^are^contiguously^joined^to^define^an^internal^space^with^an^access^ opening,^ wherein^a^first^modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels,^ one^ceiling^panel^and^one^back^panel^and^wherein^the^opposing^wall^panels^are^substantially^non^ parallel.^ ^ ^ 39^ ^ 2.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^1,^wherein^the^substantially^multilayer^ structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^bendable^primary^panels^and^at^least^one^outer^layer^member.^ ^ 3.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^2,^wherein^the^substantially^multilayer^^ structure^further^comprises^at^least^one^inner^layer^member^and^wherein^the^bendable^primary^ panels^are^intermediate^the^or^each^outer^layer^member^and^the^or^each^inner^layer^member.^ ^ 4.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^a^second^ modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^^ panel.^ ^ 5.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^4,^wherein^a^third^modular^structure^ comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel.^ ^ ^ 6.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^5,^wherein^a^fourth^modular^structure^ comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel.^ ^ 7.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^access^ opening^is^provided^with^a^frame^which^optionally^has^a^threshold^member.^^ ^ ^ 8.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^7,^wherein^a^door^is^mounted^on^the^ frame^to^close^the^access^opening.^ ^ 9.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause^further^comprising^a^base^^ and^at^least^one^modular^structure^mounted^on^the^base.^^ ^ 10.^A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^9,^wherein^the^base^is^modular.^ ^ 11.^A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^one^or^more^^ primary^panels^are^at^least^partially^glazed.^ ^ 12.^A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause^that^is^prefabricated.^ ^ 13.^A^method^of^constructing^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substantially^multilayer^^ structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure,^the^method^comprising^the^step^of^ assembling^a^first^modular^structure^by^contiguously^joining^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^provide^ 40^ ^ two^opposing^wall^panels,^one^ceiling^panel^and^one^back^panel^to^define^an^internal^space^with^a^ first^access^opening,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^ configuration^to^an^assembled^configuration^which^is^non^coplanar,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^ primary^panels^form^a^core^section^of^the^multi^layer^structure,^and^wherein^the^opposing^wall^^ panels^are^substantially^non^parallel.^ ^ 14.^A^method^as^clause^in^clause^13,^further^comprising^the^step^of^contiguously^joining^a^frame^to^a^ perimeter^portion^of^the^first^access^opening,^wherein^the^frame^optionally^has^a^threshold^ member.^^ ^ ^ 15.^A^method^as^stated^in^clause^13,^further^comprising^the^step^of^assembling^a^second^modular^ structure^by^contiguously^joining^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^ and^one^ceiling^panel,^and^contiguously^joining^the^second^modular^structure^to^the^first^modular^ structure^at^a^perimeter^portion^of^the^first^access^opening^to^define^an^internal^space^with^a^second^^ access^opening.^ ^ 16.^A^method^as^clause^in^clause^15,^further^comprising^the^step^of^connecting^a^frame^to^a^ perimeter^portion^of^the^second^access^opening,^wherein^the^frame^optionally^has^a^threshold^ member.^^ ^ ^ 17.^A^method^as^stated^in^clause^16,^further^comprising^the^step^of^mounting^a^door^on^the^frame.^^^ ^ 18.^A^method^as^stated^in^clause^15,^further^comprising^the^step^of^assembling^a^third^modular^ structure^by^contiguously^joining^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^^ and^one^ceiling^panel,^and^contiguously^joining^the^third^modular^structure^to^the^second^modular^ structure^at^a^perimeter^portion^of^the^second^access^opening^to^define^an^internal^space^with^a^ third^access^opening.^ ^ 19.^A^method^as^stated^in^clause^18,^further^comprising^the^step^of^assembling^a^fourth^modular^^ structure^by^contiguously^joining^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^ and^one^ceiling^panel,^and^contiguously^joining^the^fourth^modular^structure^to^the^third^modular^ structure^at^a^perimeter^portion^of^the^third^access^opening^to^define^an^internal^space^with^a^fourth^ access^opening,^^ ^ 41^ ^ 20.^A^method^as^stated^in^clause^19,^further^comprising^the^step^of^contiguously^joining^a^frame^to^a^ perimeter^portion^of^the^fourth^access^opening,^wherein^the^frame^optionally^has^a^threshold^ member.^ ^ ^ 21.^A^method^as^stated^in^clause^20,^further^comprising^the^step^of^mounting^a^door^on^the^frame.^^^ ^ 22.^A^method^as^stated^in^any^one^of^clauses^15^to^21,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^ are^each^bendable^from^a^substantially^flat^delivery^configuration^to^an^assembled^configuration^ which^is^non^coplanar.^ ^ ^ 23.^A^method^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^comprising^the^step^of^mounting^the^or^each^ modular^structure^on^a^base.^ ^ 24.^A^method^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^is^^ the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^of^any^one^of^clauses^1^to^12.^^^ ^ [0315] SET^TWO^ 1.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^ comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure,^ ^ wherein^the^or^each^modular^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^^ wherein^adjacent^primary^panels^are^interconnected^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^access^ opening,^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^ an^assembled^conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^ ^ wherein^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^inner^primary^panels^ which^form^a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟlayer^structure,^and^^ wherein^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^further^comprises^one^or^more^removable^outer^ layer^members.^ ^ ^ 2.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^1,^wherein^the^inner^primary^ panels^are^bendable^panels.^ ^ 3.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^1^or^clause^2,^wherein^the^ substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^the^removable^outer^layer^members^^ which^are^removably^connected^to^the^inner^primary^panels.^ ^ 42^ ^ 4.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^3,^wherein^the^removable^outer^ layer^members^are^substanƟally^rigid^outer^panels,^and^wherein^at^least^one^outer^panel^is^ removably^connected^to^each^inner^primary^panel.^ ^ ^ 5.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^1^or^clause^2,^wherein^the^ substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^comprises^a^removable^outer^layer^member^which^is^ conƟnuous^and^non^rigid.^ ^ 6.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^5,^wherein^the^removable^outer^^ layer^member^comprises^a^plurality^of^non^rigid^panel^members^which^are^conƟguously^joined.^ ^ 7.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^ removable^outer^layer^member(s)^provide^a^substanƟally^waterproof^outer^layer.^ ^ ^ 8.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^or^ each^removable^outer^layer^member^is^insulated.^ ^ 9.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^inner^ primary^panels^are^insulated^panels.^ ^ ^ 10.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^ substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^further^comprises^at^least^one^inner^layer^member^and^ wherein^the^bendable^primary^panels^are^intermediate^the^or^each^removable^outer^layer^ member^and^the^or^each^inner^layer^member.^ ^ ^ 11.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^ internal^space^is^provided^with^furnishing^panels.^ ^ 12.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^11,^wherein^one^or^more^of^the^^ furnishing^panels^are^inner^layer^members^which^are^removably^connected^to^the^internal^ surfaces^of^the^primary^panels.^ ^ 13.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^11^or^clause^12,^wherein^one^or^ more^of^the^furnishing^panels^are^upholstered^panels.^ ^ ^ 43^ ^ 14.^ A^method^of^construcƟng^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substanƟally^ mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure,^the^method^comprising^the^ steps^of^assembling^the^modular^structure^by^interconnecƟng^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^ deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^access^opening^and^adding^one^or^more^removable^outer^layer^^ members,^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^ an^assembled^conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^ wherein^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^inner^primary^panels^ which^form^a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟlayer^structure,^and^^ ^ wherein^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^further^comprises^the^one^or^more^removable^ outer^layer^members.^ ^ 15.^ A^method^as^stated^in^clause^14,^further^comprising^the^step^of^furnishing^the^internal^ space^by^connecƟng^furnishing^panels^to^internal^surfaces^of^one^or^more^of^the^primary^panels.^^ ^ 16.^ A^method^as^stated^in^clause^15,^wherein^the^freestanding^workplace^assembly^is^the^ freestanding^workplace^assembly^of^any^one^of^clauses^1^to^13.^ ^ [0316] SET^THREE^ ^ 1.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^ comprising^at^least^one^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure,^ wherein^the^or^each^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^ an^assembled^conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^^ ^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^form^a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟ^layer^structure,^^^ wherein^adjacent^primary^panels^are^interconnected^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^access^ opening,^^ wherein^the^primary^panels^are^conĮgured^to^provide^a^plurality^of^external^panel^faces,^^ wherein^the^access^opening^provides^an^open^end^to^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure,^^^ wherein^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^has^a^closed^end^opposite^the^open^end,^and^ wherein,^in^plan^view,^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^has^at^least^one^region^which^tapers^ towards^the^closed^end,^such^that,^in^plan^view,^the^closed^end^is^narrower^than^the^open^end.^ ^ 2.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^1,^wherein^the^substanƟally^^ mulƟlayer^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^bendable^primary^panels^and^at^least^one^outer^ layer^member.^ 44^ ^ ^ 3.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^2,^wherein^the^substanƟally^ mulƟlayer^structure^further^comprises^at^least^one^inner^layer^member^and^wherein^the^ bendable^primary^panels^are^intermediate^the^or^each^outer^layer^member^and^the^or^each^inner^^ layer^member.^ ^ 4.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause^further^comprising^ a^base,^wherein^at^least^one^modular^structure^is^mounted^on^the^base.^^ ^ ^ 5.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^a^Įrst^ modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels,^one^ ceiling^panel^and^one^back^panel^and^wherein^the^primary^panels^are^conĮgured^to^provide^at^ least^six,^preferably^six^to^ten,^more^preferably^eight,^external^panel^faces.^ ^ ^ 6.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^5,^wherein^a^second^modular^ structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^ panel^and^wherein^the^primary^panels^are^conĮgured^to^provide^at^least^four,^preferably^four^to^ eight,^more^preferably^six,^external^panel^faces.^ ^ ^ 7.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^6,^wherein^a^third^modular^ structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^ panel^and^wherein^the^primary^panels^are^conĮgured^to^provide^at^least^four,^preferably^four^to^ eight,^more^preferably^six,^external^panel^faces.^ ^ ^ 8.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^7,^wherein^a^fourth^modular^ structure^comprises^three^primary^panels^being^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^ and^wherein^the^primary^panels^are^conĮgured^to^provide^at^least^four,^preferably^four^to^eight,^ more^preferably^six,^external^panel^faces.^ ^ ^ 9.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^or^ each^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^is^conĮgured^to^scaƩer^incident^sound^waves^from^an^ external^sound^source.^ ^ 10.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^^ primary^panels^are^conĮgured^to^provide^a^plurality^of^internal^panel^faces^to^form^a^mulƟ^ faceted^internal^surface^of^the^or^each^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure.^ 45^ ^ ^ 11.^ A^freestanding^prefabricated^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^ wherein^the^internal^space^is^provided^with^a^seat^member^adjacent^the^closed^end^of^the^ substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure,^wherein^the^seat^member^faces^the^access^opening,^and^^ wherein^a^tapered^region^of^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^is^provided^at^the^closed^end^ such^that^the^seat^is^substanƟally^surrounded^by^converging^primary^panels.^ ^ 12.^ A^freestanding^prefabricated^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^11^when^ dependent^on^clause^10,^wherein^at^least^two^internal^panel^faces^are^provided^in^a^region^of^the^^ internal^surface^of^the^or^each^mulƟ^faceted^modular^structure^that^is^rearward^of^and/or^ surrounding^the^seat^member.^ ^ 13.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^11^or^clause^12,^wherein^the^ mulƟ^faceted^internal^surface^of^the^modular^structure^is^provided^with^a^plurality^of^sound^^ absorbing^panels,^and^wherein^the^sound^absorbing^panels^opƟonally^include^the^seat^member.^ ^ 14.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^a^door^is^ mounted^on^the^frame^to^close^the^access^opening.^ ^ ^ 15.^ A^method^of^construcƟng^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substanƟally^ mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure,^the^method^comprising^the^ step^of^assembling^the^modular^structure^by^interconnecƟng^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^ deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^access^opening,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^ each^bendable^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^an^assembled^conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^^ coplanar,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^form^a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟ^layer^ structure,^wherein^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^is^the^freestanding^workspace^ assembly^stated^in^any^preceding^clause.^ ^ [0317] SET^FOUR^ ^ 1.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^structure^and^comprising^at^ least^one^modular^structure,^ wherein^the^or^each^modular^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^conĮguraƟon^to^an^ assembled^conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^^ ^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^form^a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟ^layer^structure,^wherein^ adjacent^primary^panels^are^interconnected^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^an^access^opening,^ 46^ ^ wherein^a^Įrst^modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^including^a^back^panel^ and^a^plurality^of^non^verƟcal^wall^panels^providing^a^mulƟ^faceted^structure,^^ wherein^the^internal^space^is^provided^with^a^seat^member^adjacent^the^back^panel^and^facing^the^ access^opening,^^ ^ wherein^the^internal^space^is^provided^with^a^table^opposite^the^seat^member,^and^ wherein^the^table^is^mounted^for^pivotal^movement^about^a^substanƟally^verƟcal^axis^and^providing^at^ least^one^load^path^other^than^via^the^wall^panels^to^allow^a^user^to^enter^or^exit^the^internal^space^ through^the^access^opening^and^to^approach^or^leave^the^seat^member^without^obstrucƟon.^^^ ^ ^ 2.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^1,^wherein^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^ structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^bendable^primary^panels^and^at^least^one^outer^layer^member.^ ^ 3.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^2,^wherein^the^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^ structure^further^comprises^at^least^one^inner^layer^member^and^wherein^the^bendable^primary^panels^^ are^intermediate^the^or^each^outer^layer^member^and^the^or^each^inner^layer^member.^ ^ 4.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^table^is^ mounted^on^the^seat^member^via^a^canƟlever.^^^^ ^ ^ 5.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^a^Įrst^modular^ structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels,^one^ceiling^panel^and^one^ back^panel^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^a^Įrst^access^opening.^ ^ 6.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^table^is^^ located^such^that^it^extends,^at^least^in^part,^externally^of^the^internal^space^via^the^Įrst^access^opening.^ ^ 7.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^5^or^clause^6,^wherein^a^second^modular^ structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^to^ deĮne^an^internal^space^with^a^second^access^opening,^and^wherein^the^second^modular^structure^is^^ connected^to^the^Įrst^modular^structure^at^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^the^Įrst^access^opening.^ ^ 8.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^7,^wherein^the^second^access^opening^is^ provided^with^a^frame^and^wherein^a^door^is^mounted^on^the^frame^to^close^the^second^access^opening.^ ^ ^ 9.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^one^of^clauses^5^to^7,^wherein^a^third^ modular^structure^comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^ 47^ ^ panel^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^a^third^access^opening,^and^wherein^the^third^modular^structure^is^ connected^to^the^second^modular^structure^at^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^the^second^access^opening.^ ^ 10.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^9,^wherein^the^third^access^opening^is^^ provided^with^a^frame^and^wherein^a^door^is^mounted^on^the^frame^to^close^the^third^access^opening.^^ ^ 11.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^9,^wherein^a^fourth^modular^structure^ comprises^primary^panels^which^provide^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^to^deĮne^an^ internal^space^with^a^fourth^access^opening^and^wherein^the^fourth^modular^structure^is^connected^to^^ the^third^modular^structure^at^a^perimeter^porƟon^of^the^third^access^opening.^ ^ 12.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^11,^wherein^the^fourth^access^opening^is^ provided^with^a^frame^and^wherein^a^door^is^mounted^on^the^frame^to^close^the^fourth^access^opening.^ ^ ^ 13.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^8,^clause^10^or^clause^12,^wherein^the^ door^is^at^least^parƟally^glazed,^opƟonally^with^Ɵnted^and/or^obscure^glass.^ ^ 14.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^one^or^more^ primary^panels^are^at^least^parƟally^glazed,^opƟonally^with^Ɵnted^and/or^obscure^glass.^ ^ ^ 15.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^internal^ space^is^provided^with^module^furniture^parts.^ ^ 16.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^15,^wherein^the^module^furniture^parts^^ comprise^one^or^more^of^a^shelf,^a^seat^cushion,^a^seat^back,^a^headrest,^an^armrest,^a^coat^hook,^a^guest^ seat,^a^console,^and^a^storage^compartment.^^ ^ 17.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^internal^ space^is^provided^with^module^electrical^parts.^ ^ ^ 18.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^clause^17,^wherein^the^module^electrical^parts^ comprise^one^or^more^of^a^display^monitor,^a^touch^screen^controller,^audio^speaker(s),^venƟlaƟon^fan(s),^ an^air^condiƟoning^unit,^light(s),^socket^outlet(s),^an^internet^point,^a^Wi^Fi^modem,^a^router,^a^locking^ device^and^an^electronic^console.^^ ^ ^ 48^ ^ 19.^ A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^stated^in^any^preceding^clause,^wherein^the^workspace^ assembly^is^provided^with^adjustable^feet^and^opƟonally^with^castors.^^ ^ 20.^ A^method^of^construcƟng^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substanƟally^mulƟlayer^^ structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure,^the^method^comprising^the^step^of^assembling^ the^modular^structure^by^interconnecƟng^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^to^deĮne^an^internal^space^with^ an^access^opening,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^ conĮguraƟon^to^an^assembled^conĮguraƟon^which^is^non^coplanar,^wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^ panels^form^a^core^secƟon^of^the^mulƟ^layer^structure,^wherein^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^is^^ the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^stated^in^any^one^of^clauses^1^to^19.^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 49^ ^

Claims

Claims^ ^ 1. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substantially^multilayer^structure^and^ comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure,^ ^ wherein^the^or^each^modular^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^configuration^ to^an^assembled^configuration^which^is^non^coplanar,^^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^form^a^core^section^of^the^multi^layer^structure,^^ wherein^adjacent^primary^panels^are^interconnected^to^define^an^internal^space^with^an^^ access^opening,^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^each^have^at^least^one^fold^line^extending^ between^opposing^edges^of^the^panel^and^each^have^a^shape^which^is^bent^about^the^or^each^ fold^line^to^provide^a^substantially^planar^face^on^either^side^of^the^or^each^fold^line.^^ ^ ^

2. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^1,^wherein^the^substantially^ multilayer^structure^comprises^a^plurality^of^bendable^primary^panels^and^at^least^one^outer^ layer^member.^ ^

3. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^2,^wherein^the^substantially^ ^ multilayer^structure^further^comprises^at^least^one^inner^layer^member^and^wherein^the^ bendable^primary^panels^are^intermediate^the^or^each^outer^layer^member^and^the^or^each^ inner^layer^member.^ ^

4. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^any^preceding^claim,^wherein^the^modular^^ structure^has^at^least^two^opposing^wall^panels^provided^by^at^least^two^primary^panels^which^ each^have^at^least^one^fold^line,^and^wherein^each^wall^panel^has^at^least^two^substantially^ planar^faces^which^are^not^co^planar.^ ^

5. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^any^preceding^claim,^wherein^the^modular^^ structure^has^at^least^one^ceiling^panel^provided^by^at^least^one^primary^panel^which^has^at^ least^one^fold^line,^and^wherein^the^ceiling^panel^has^at^least^two^substantially^planar^faces^ which^are^not^co^planar.^ ^ 50^ ^

6. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^any^preceding^claim,^wherein^the^modular^ structure^has^at^least^one^back^panel^provided^by^at^least^one^primary^panel^which^has^at^ least^one^fold^line,^and^wherein^the^back^panel^has^at^least^two^substantially^planar^faces^ which^are^not^co^planar.^ ^ ^

7. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^any^preceding^claim,^wherein^a^first^ modular^structure^comprises^two^opposing^wall^panels,^one^ceiling^panel^and^one^back^panel^ provided^by^a^plurality^of^primary^panels,^and^wherein^each^of^the^wall^panels,^ceiling^panel^ and^back^panel^has^at^least^two^substantially^planar^faces.^^ ^ ^

8. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^7,^wherein^a^second^modular^ structure^comprises^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^provided^by^a^plurality^of^ primary^panels,^and^wherein^each^of^the^wall^panels^and^ceiling^panel^has^at^least^two^ substantially^planar^faces.^ ^ ^

9. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^8,^wherein^a^third^modular^structure^ comprises^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^provided^by^a^plurality^of^primary^ panels^and^wherein^each^of^the^wall^panels^and^ceiling^panel^has^at^least^two^substantially^ planar^faces.^ ^ ^

10. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^9,^wherein^a^fourth^modular^structure^ comprises^two^opposing^wall^panels^and^one^ceiling^panel^provided^by^a^plurality^of^primary^ panels,^and^wherein^each^of^wall^panels^and^ceiling^panel^has^at^least^two^substantially^planar^ faces.^ ^ ^

11. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^any^preceding^claim,^wherein^two^or^more^ of^the^primary^panels^which^each^have^at^least^one^fold^line^are^bendable^about^the^or^each^ fold^line^to^provide^the^bendable^primary^panels^and^wherein^the^bendable^primary^panels^ optionally^each^comprises^a^substantially^rigid^sheet^member^which^is^bendable^about^the^or^^ each^fold^line.^ ^

12. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^11,^wherein^the^fold^line^comprises^a^ linear^indentation^or^colinear^indentations^or^colinear^perforations.^^^^ ^ 51^ ^

13. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^11^or^12,^wherein^the^or^each^ bendable^primary^panel^comprises^means^for^controlling^the^degree^to^which^the^primary^ panel^is^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^line.^ ^ ^ 14. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^13,^wherein^the^means^for^controlling^ the^degree^to^which^the^bendable^primary^panel^is^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^line^comprises^ an^angular^stop.^ ^ 15. ^A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^any^preceding^claim,^wherein^one^or^more^^ of^the^primary^panels^are^provided^with^a^plurality^of^perimeter^flanges.^^ ^ 16. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^15,^wherein^the^perimeter^flanges^are^ provided^with^apertures^for^fasteners.^ ^ ^ 17. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^15^or^claim^16,^wherein^the^primary^ panel^has^a^shape^which^is^inwardly^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^line,^wherein^perimeter^ flanges^are^provided^either^side^of^the^fold^line,^and^wherein^the^perimeter^flanges^are^ configured^such^that^an^end^of^the^perimeter^flange^on^one^side^of^the^fold^line^abuts^the^end^ of^the^perimeter^flange^on^the^other^side^of^the^fold^line.^^ ^ ^ 18. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^17^when^dependent^on^claim^14,^ wherein^the^end^of^the^perimeter^flange^adjacent^the^fold^line^has^an^edge^shaped^to^provide^ the^angular^stop.^ ^ ^ 19. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^any^preceding^claim,^wherein^an^internal^ angle^between^a^substantially^planar^face^on^one^side^of^a^fold^line^with^a^substantially^planar^ face^on^an^opposite^side^of^the^fold^line^is^between^140^degrees^and^170^degrees,^optionally^ between^150^and^160^degrees.^ ^ ^ 20. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^any^preceding^claim,^wherein^the^primary^ panels^provide^a^multi^faceted^modular^structure.^ ^ 21. A^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^claim^20,^wherein^the^primary^panels^are^ configured^to^provide^an^aerodynamic^structure.^ ^ ^ 22. A^method^of^constructing^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^having^a^substantially^ multilayer^structure^and^comprising^at^least^one^modular^structure,^the^method^comprising^^ 52^ ^ the^step^of^assembling^the^modular^structure^by^interconnecting^a^plurality^of^primary^panels^ to^define^an^internal^space^with^an^access^opening,^^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^are^each^bendable^from^a^delivery^configuration^ to^an^assembled^configuration^which^is^non^coplanar,^^ ^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^primary^panels^form^a^core^section^of^the^multi^layer^structure,^ wherein^two^or^more^of^the^bendable^primary^panels^each^have^at^least^one^fold^line^ extending^between^opposing^edges^of^the^panel^and,^before^the^step^of^interconnecting^the^ primary^panels,^two^or^more^of^the^bendable^primary^panels^are^bent^about^the^or^each^fold^ line^to^provide^a^substantially^planar^face^on^either^side^of^the^or^each^fold^line.^^^ ^ 23. A^method^as^claimed^in^claim^22,^wherein^the^bendable^primary^panel^is^bent^about^the^or^ each^fold^line^by^a^predetermined^angle.^ ^ 24. A^method^as^claimed^in^claim^22^or^claim^23,^wherein^the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^is^^ the^freestanding^workspace^assembly^claimed^in^any^one^of^claims^1^to^21.^ ^ 25. A^kit^for^constructing^a^freestanding^workspace^assembly^as^claimed^in^any^one^of^claims^1^to^ 21,^wherein^the^kit^comprises^bendable^primary^panels^which^are^substantially^flat^packed.^ ^ ^ ^ 53^ ^