After several years of pandemic-related disruption, NeoCon<\/a> was back for its usual June edition at Chicago\u2019s massive theMART<\/a> (formerly Merchandise Mart). In addition to a spectacular array of new, cutting-edge materials and recently unveiled products, the buzzing atmosphere \u2014 palpable on all levels of the hulking building \u2014 was undeniable. Hallways were filled with lingering groups, and the showrooms resounding with indistinct chatter (in the mornings, over coffee; in the evenings, over drinks), as thousands of manufacturers, dealers, architects and designers and media gathered for the 53rd iteration of the event. Summing up the three-day experience in just two words is surprisingly easy: simply put, it felt like a community reunion.<\/p>\n Again and again, the rich discussions taking place, coupled with the impressive and strong displays put on by the various brands, proved the the value of these types of in-person events. (This year, an estimated 40,000 design professionals and more than 400 leading companies assembled in the Windy City.) For this reason, the looming question posed by attendees and brands alike was almost paradoxical: what will happen with return-to-the-office? Is the onus on architects to visualize and design office spaces that will lure employees back? Will residential and office building typologies, and the items they are furnished with, continue to elide as hybrid spaces?<\/p>\n Photo by Hannah Feniak<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Most brands seemingly anticipated such questions with a slew of products that were designed to maximize flexibility. Meanwhile, several other recurring themes cropped up: sustainability, of course, was a constant presence in most showrooms, while vibrant earth tones and saturated pastels also played starring roles. In addition, brands played with the dichotomy between contemporary design with subtle throw-back aesthetics. Many furniture designers opted for rounded edges and for fabrics or structures that could seamlessly transition from indoors to outdoors .<\/p>\n This year, Architizer opted to shake up their coverage<\/a> of the event. Rather than having journalists reflect on the show, we wanted to hear from practicing architects and designers about which brands and objects stood out to them and which rising trends they spotted. It was #NeoConByArchitects #ForArchitects. Throughout the event, we were delighted to share live coverage shot through the cellphones of Daniel Stromberg, a product designer for Gensler<\/a> in Los Angeles and Carl Boucher, of NEUF Architect(e)s<\/a> in Montreal. Chicago\u2019s own Patricia Rotondo of Antunovich Associates made memorable cameo appearances!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.architizer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG-8146-scaled.jpg\")
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