Arper refers to it as work-life while Knoll says it’s a r/evolution. The work-life r/evolution is one way to describe the many vogue terms brands are using to nominalize the newest in contemporary commercial furniture design on display at NeoCon, at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart from today, June 15, until Wednesday, June 17.
Knoll, for one, will be presenting a number of new products that are designed expressly for the contemporary workplace: “The Office Network crystallizes the relationship between the evolving role of social networks in the workplace and the technology networks and on-demand power and data access that enable them.” Within the broader context of Knoll’s r/evolution workplace™ platform, these new pieces reflect Knoll’s continued commitment to meeting the ever-changing needs of users in the digital age.
Clockwise from top left: “Pixel” table, “Horsepower” collection, and “Pop Up” divider by Knoll.
From the space-saving “Pixel” table to the “Remix” task chair, which is now in production, the versatile offerings are suited to any office space. Also launching at NeoCon 2015 are two new products from Antenna Design: “Horsepower,” a collection of slim infrastructural elements, and “Pop Up,” a simple temporary partition.
Remix Task Chair by Knoll.
Prism Series by David Adjaye for Knoll.
But perhaps the biggest-name collaboration from the longtime furniture powerhouse is the new “Prism” series by David Adjaye. Following up on the Washington Chair, the British architect has designed his first soft seating for Knoll — a club chair, an ottoman, and a side table, to be precise — which strikes a perfect, prismatic balance between sculptural form and user-friendly comfort.
Of course, Knoll is just one of the hundreds of brands and manufacturers that will be exhibiting at Merchandise Mart and beyond in Chicago. Here are some other brands to look out for, with their directory numbers for easy access (Knoll is at #1111).
Beyond Wall Systems by Allsteel — #1120
While transparency and information sharing is the norm in commercial office design today, Allsteel is one key player in making this happen. Their Beyond Wall Systems moveable walls will be showcased at Booth #1120, promoting the idea that coworkers can be visually connected with acoustic privacy.
Sample Office and Bowl Chair (in honor of Lina Bo Bardi) by Arper — #339
Arper’s mix of function and taste assembles furniture with recyclable materials. Check out booth #339 at the show this week and join Arper for Lina Bo Bardi’s Brazilian cocktail bowl chair launch party tonight from 5 to 8.
BuzziHive by BuzziSpace — #10-111
You can count on BuzziSpace to offer environmentally friendly and innovative acoustic solutions with walls and furniture. Discover their multifunctionalism in recycled wool fabric furniture at booth #10-111.
CRL GRS TAPER-LOC® Dry Glaze Glass Railing System by C.R. Lawrence Aluminum — #8-1022
Visit A+Awards finalist CRL-U.S. Aluminum at #8-1022 to discover their industry-leading hardware systems with precision in engineering, short lead times, and installer-friendly products.
Tre-Bench and Ginko Lounge by Davis Furniture — #3-115
New at NeoCon 2015 are more than 10 contemporary and cutting-edge seating options for the workplace for Davis’ 2015 line, which can be viewed at their product catalog here.
PCS 78 Utilitarian Power Grommet by Doug Mockett and Co. — #7-8030
Celebrating 35 years in the industry, Doug Mockett and Co. will be serving cocktails at booth 7-8030 today from 3 p.m. onward. “Stay organized with simplicity and spareness in execution” with the company’s architectural hardware, wire management, and more.
Wheels Collection by Keilhauer — #373
At booth #373, Keilhauer’s “Wheels” collection is one of many revolutionary solutions to accommodate a wide range of meetings “from private formal to lounge and public and coffee table ” Also noteworthy are Keilhauer’s ergonomic seats that recognize gender differences to “ensure both men and women are supported in a task chair … bringing oxygenated movement to both kinds of bodies.”
Absolute Collection by Moore and Giles — #8-1089
Discover leather’s infinite possibilities with Moore and Giles at booth #8-1089 and enter to win a leather bag.
“Experience more with less” and “long-term flexibility without compromising design” are Nucraft’s slogans for NeoCon. Their sleek and lightweight contemporary furniture and creative, innovative collaborative spaces with elegant materials can be found at booth #1166.
Colored Finishes by Rigidized Metals — #8-3139
Even if gold isn’t your go-to finish for the workplace, make sure to check out Rigidized’s many metal finishes of high-impact and scratch-resistance at booth #8-3139.
© Charlie Simokaitis
AER-DEC Integrated Sink by Sloan — #8-3097
Visit booth #8-3097 to discover Sloan’s beautiful green and sustainable restroom solutions. Their plumbing is touch-free, hygienic, and highly efficient.
Ridge by Stylex is one of two new lines the brand is launching this week at showroom #346. The brand seeks to balance ergonomics and sustainability with aesthetics and uses bio-foam and reworks scrap during the manufacturing process.
Sunbrella says durability is the new luxury. This year, visit booth #7-6042 for their award-winning fabrics. In ID Magazine, Subrella describes this shift to durable fabric design: “The way we are living in our own homes has changed. New homes are filled with an abundance of natural light. Dining rooms are a lot less formal.”
Gärdesgard Line by UHURU — #7-1029
UHURU brings a fresh perspective to office seating at NeoCon: they mostly use materials that are “recycled, repurposed, reused, and otherwise rejected from their original function.” Each piece is built by hand in their Red Hook, Brooklyn, studio. Pay a visit to the ultimate hybrid of avant-garde and sustainability at booth #7-1029.
IN with Triimension by Wilkhahn — #7-4042
And finally, visit Wilkhahn at #7-4042 for their new office chair made in one piece connected to swivel arms that can be moved separately via distinctive pivot points. Developed from 3D Formstrick (form-fit knot), the different thickness zones support the body. Adjust the height and change the pressure and you will never want to leave your office chair!