At this year’s edition of Ambiente, held from February 3-7, retailers from all over the world gathered in Frankfurt, Germany to view the latest consumer goods from more than 4,500 exhibitors. “We experienced a sensational comeback. Participants came to celebrate trends live, to order for their collections, and to celebrate the personal encounter again,” said Julia Uherek, vice president of consumer goods fairs, Messe Frankfurt.
Organizers Messe Frankfurt included an area focused on the Future of Work for the first time in the fair’s history, a response to the post-pandemic landscape. “The living, working, and lifestyle worlds of our time are changing rapidly and pose new challenges,” Uherek noted. “Home and office are merging into hybrid worlds—the lines between living and working are blurring. The Future of Work is not just about functionality, but a mindset.”
At the Future of Work Academy, industry experts gave talks on a range of topics, from hybrid working environments to sustainability. Not only did these professionals agree that the pandemic forever changed how we work, but how we use spaces is also different. Clearly defined sectors such as office space and meeting rooms are not going away, but there are now equally important focal points. Entrance areas double as lounges, corridors are stocked with bar tables, and kitchenettes expand into the creative areas of the office.
Divided into three sections, the Future of Work included Office Space, Collaboration, and Home Office. For each of these areas, MTTR Architekten + Stadtplaner designed a special presentation in a future-oriented setting with curated work environments and solutions. Uherek explained that connecting with others has become essential in the workplace, and each of the areas showcase products designed to make working together easier. “Workplaces are increasingly becoming social places where interaction and exchange take place. This requires adequate rooms and equipment for collaborative work, as well as professional, attractive communal areas.”
With the continued crossover of work and lifestyle, having an array of items at one show is the key to the success of the trade fair. Attendees were able to search for the latest innovative pieces in all areas without limitation. “We enabled visitors to experience all of the latest trends. The living concepts, lighting, textiles, and home accessories, were in the direct vicinity of office furniture. For planners, interior architects, facility managers, and buyers, this synergy opened up completely new possibilities,” Uherek said.
Exhibitor Ernesto Velasco Sánchez, founder of Spanish company Beaktor, made new contacts and was able to spend time demonstrating the product, something lacking at the other workplace shows. “Orgatec is so large and so specialized that Beaktor didn’t get the attention it deserves. And the smaller scale, with the Future of Work pavilion was good for us. People passed by and discovered us unexpectedly. The show exceeded my expectations,” he said.
“Out of sight, out of mind” was a major trend, with an emphasis on furniture designed to keep things tucked away and tidy. Pieces are made for smaller spaces, performing multiple functions. Practical filing systems, archiving options, and compact cabinets are necessary for productivity—and separating work and leisure within the home.
The Beaktor is a remote office in a single unit, with desk, lighting, and outlet that all fit in just one square-meter of space. The concept was developed during lockdown with certain requirements in mind, but as we settle into post- pandemic life, Vargas said that buyers are interested in its versatility. “We created it to comply with ergonomic and anthropometric standards. The desk had to be a certain height, and the technical aspects had to be correct for use in an office. Now everybody is talking about its flexibility. Many of us don’t have enough space to work in an optimal way. Beaktor is well-integrated and so simple to use, you don’t need all of this extra equipment,” he added.
German manufacturer Country Living showed examples of condensed furniture that serves multiple purposes. Alwin’s Space Box is a mobile cabinet with a set of drawers, and it also provides up to 110 centimeters of extra work surface. “Space Box is a unique hybrid space solution. It can be utilized in residential settings, commercial spaces, hotels, even libraries. One simple product fills so many voids with any modification. I have never seen such universal acceptance of a product in my 40 years in the commercial furniture business,” said Eugene M. Lisa, manufacturers’ representative.
Lisa explained that the most common desk solutions in recent seasons are the ubiquitous height-adjustable tables, but he expects that we will continue to see multifunctional pieces that don’t resemble traditional office furniture. “Space Box is a desk that doesn’t look like a desk because it is hidden,” he noted.
Uherek noted that the 2024 edition will feature more products and content dedicated to the workplace of tomorrow. “Many of the exhibitors are already planning to take part again next year, and even want to enlarge their booths. As it is a strategic field of development for Ambiente, we guarantee a representation of the latest trends and developments, which we can all look forward to with great anticipation.”
