NeoCon returns June 15-17 to Chicago’s Merchandise Mart for its 47th year, and we couldn’t be more excited! The three-day event will attract nearly 50,000 design professionals and showcase more than 700 companies. With more than one million square feet of exhibition space, the show this year will launch thousands of new products and cover a spectrum of vertical markets including workplace, healthcare, hospitality, retail, education, public spaces and government.
NeoCon 2015 officially kicks off at 9am Monday morning, and the first keynote, Patricia Urquiola, precedes that at a bright and early 8am.
If you haven’t already done so, we recommend you take a few minutes to gear up your NeoCon App with your favorite products/exhibitors, keynote speakers and seminars, appointments and parties to stay on schedule. Plan also to check out what the Merchandise Mart’s new kids on the block – Watson, Stir, 3form, Senator International, Concertex, Boss Design, as well as a host of other companies on floors 7 and 8 – have created for their NeoCon debuts. With more than 100 new exhibitors, we’re all bound to discover something new and fresh.
And while new products and redesigned showrooms will certainly capture our attention, NeoCon is also a great time to spend meeting new like-minded people and having thought-provoking conversations about current workplace design, the very thing we seek to improve each day. We at officeinsight challenge you (and ourselves) to seek out those meaningful interactions during your time at the show, and to take note of them. The chances of having a fruitful conversation greatly increase the more attention is paid. And seeing as we’ll be surrounded by more collaborative furniture than many know what to do with, the challenge should be a breeze.
There’s still time to find that perfect pair of NeoCon Shoes (it’s a thing) or NeoCon Pants, or to schedule your NeoCon Mani-Pedi. A shiny new NeoCon Umbrella might also be wise, according to the weather forecast.
And without further ado, we introduce our guide to many of the newest offerings from the contract interior furnishings industry. Happy NeoCon!
FLOOR 1
>Herman Miller (South Lobby)
>Koleksiyon (North Lobby)
>The Mohawk Group (Kinzie Wells Lobby)
Moving Floors, designed in collaboration with 13&9 Design of Innocad, examines the dialogue between the individual and the environment. It “explores the 4th dimension” with varying patterns designed to “move” dynamically based on the user’s changing point of view.
FLOOR 3
>Arcadia (3-340)
Avelina meeting tables by Ramsey Madsen & Jim Contois emphasize subtle details and expert craftsmanship. Features include concealed wire management, tech-friendly options and adjustable glides, plus a broad range of flexibility in sizes and finish selections.
Co-op Collection by Qdesign are open to semi-private meeting enclaves that can be positioned anywhere and require no elaborate construction to create a custom built-in feel.
Livia benches by Christopher Panichella for indoor or outdoor applications feature a scalloped wood beam design that creates a wave-like effect that ebbs and flows in varying degrees based on the viewing angle. This is further enhanced by a step progression that takes shape along its side profile for another layer of depth. http://arcadiacontract.com
>Arper (3-339)
Kinesit is Arper’s first office chair. Light and minimal in design, it has no visible technology. A mechanism hidden under the seat provides synchronized movement, height adjustment and lumbar support. It is available armless or with fixed or 2D armrests that are height-adjustable and swiveling.
Parentesit is a contemporary acoustic wall module that reduces extraneous background noise to create a space for concentration and collaboration. Three shapes are offered: a circle, a square and an oval. Customization options include LED backlighting and bluetooth speakers.
The Bowl Chair, a realization of a prototype by Italian-Brazilian Modernist designer Lina Bo Bardi, is available in a limited edition of 500. Arper is hosting a cocktail party Monday, June 15 at the Graham Foundation, 4 W Burton Pl., 5:00-8:00pm to celebrate the legacy of Lina Bo Bardi; please visit http://bit.ly/1JqCcwg to register. www.arper.com
>Bernhardt Design (3-399)
>Boss Design (3-10A)
>Dauphin (3-393)
The konstrux Teleconference Station allows users to have a formalized meeting with remote attendees or use the screen for presentations to onsite groups. It includes a reclaimed wood table and was designed to promote collaboration, inspire innovation and increase productivity. www.dauphin.com
>Davis Furniture (3-115)
Ginkgo Arm by Jehs+Laub is a new arm chair version of the popular Ginkgo guest chair released in 2011.
Ginkgo Lounge adapts the basic principles of the Ginkgo line to a big-scale lounge piece. Ginkgo is trademarked by the complex and sculptural curvature of the shell—folded in ever so slightly like the leaves of a tree. The gentle, sloping curves of the lounge profile create a waterfall effect from the headrest to the footrest.
Linq conference seating by Jonathan Prestwich offers a more advanced method of everyday seating comfort with a much simpler mechanism. Its lumbar support is designed to work with each individual user.
Tre Bar Table, counterpart to Tre barstool, takes Tre’s molded plywood technology to the next level.
Tre Bench is a beautifully sculpted lounge piece by Jehs+Laub that offers casual seating for lounge environments or workstation applications. www.davisfurniture.com
>Decca Contract and Élan by Decca (3-101)
Caid Collection by Jess Sorel establishes presence through subtle shifts in its clean, quiet geometry. The arms taper back from the base towards a diagonal fold line on each side and multiple back heights extend the faceted profile for increased privacy. Suited to either public or private settings, Caid’s articulated silhouette is balanced and grounded by a sculpted plinth base or, for a lighter look, wood legs. http://elanbydecca.com
>Encore (3-336)
Chirp guest chair makes a distinctive statement on its own or when paired with complementary Chirp lounge seating and Chirp stools. Details include tailored stitching and a subtly angled frame to provide visual intrigue, while a contoured seat and back deliver an extra measure of comfort and support.
Olé Guest Collection features a distinctive silhouette with a range of shell color and material options including wood and polypropylene, an available upholstered seat cushion, and two base selections. http://encoreseating.com
>Geiger (3-318)
>Grand Rapids Chair Company (3-394)
Leo Collection, the company’s third collaboration with industrial designer Joey Ruiter tests the limits of materials and engineering techniques. A technically complex multi-plane bending process tames steel tubing into soft and seamless curves. Options include wood or upholstered seat, optional arms, and wooden dowel or metal legs. www.grandrapidschair.com
>Haworth (3-312)
DownTown’s family of executive, conference and guest seating by Jean-Marie Massaud offers ergonomic features without sacrificing exceptional comfort and an elegant appearance.
Workware Wireless Pro supports unlimited simultaneous sharing and communication for multiple users in real time. Wireless and secure at an enterprise level, content sharing is simple and intuitive regardless of participant’s physical location or device used.
Openest Collection by Patricia Urquiola, last year’s BON Best of Competition winner, now incorporates work surfaces, power and data for individual and small group work. Haworth will also showcase an exploration by Ms. Urquiola of the balance between digital and analog to reflect the current state of work and life. Using Osman Kahn’s augmented reality approach, a cozy storefront space is infused with plants and interactive, playful projections that promise to surprise and delight visitors. www.haworth.com
>HBF (3-387)
Andaz Collection by Todd Bracher is a line of versatile stools and stackable café chairs. Andaz is the Urdu word for “unique style.” Designed for adaptabililty, it can provide a sophisticated, formal look for an executive office with upholstery in black leather and polished legs, or a playful, collaborative work/eat setting as a wood stool with grey or black powder coated legs.
Carlyle Seating Collection by Kevin Stark, VP of design at HNI Contract Furniture Group, is named for the historic Carlyle Hotel in New York City. It celebrates the classic beauty of minimalist design, influenced by contemporary architectural precedents. Highlights include a distinctive curved back, solid brushed metal footrests, and quarter-sawn ash veneer.
Parker Table, a sleek series of cocktail, console, side, bar, counter, work and conference tables, draws inspiration in part from the pure design of a classic Parsons table. It features a top inset that gives designers the ability to play with a variety of finishes to function in any environment, whether highly formal or relaxed and casual. A beam supports the span of the top’s weight; inset tops available in such materials as quartzite and Corian. www.hbf.com
>HBF Textiles (3-387)
Cork Cloth from the HBF Textiles Erin Ruby Collection, is an innovative fabric made from cork. This pattern explores its use in cloth form as an alternative to leather in four colorways: Birch, Brick, Earth and Slate. www.hbftextiles.com
Herman Miller (3-321)
Exclave – performance gear for team spaces – is a suite of products for collaboration spaces. Through work with numerous global customers, Herman Miller found that conference and breakout spaces are avoided because the surroundings, furnishings and tools are at odds with people and how they work. Exclave is designed to remove these frictions by harmonizing surroundings, furnishings and tools to create an environment where people are enabled to do their best work. www.hermanmiller.com
>Humanscale (3-351)
Occasional Chair by Niels Diffrient was designed to complement his mesh task chair line of Liberty, Smart and Diffrient World. Using patented form-sensing mesh technology, it contours to the natural shape of the body and eliminates the need for any separate lumbar support devices. It is stackable up to five high.
OfficeIQ is a software and sensor solution that integrates into ergonomic products and office furniture such as task chairs and sit/stand desks. Described as “the ultimate in office intelligence” in the transformation of traditional offices into active workspaces, it provides room occupancy insight and encourages movement in the workplace by monitoring monitors when users sit, stand or leave desks. www.humanscale.com
>ICF (3-365)
Airflake by Stefan Borselius is made from molded felt fiber formed into four different hexagonal component shapes (an optional magazine pouch is available, too). It is assembled using small plastic clips and can be hung on a straight or a curved rail to provide visual separation and sound absorption.
Remo Chair by Konstantin Grcic features a sophisticated interlocking joint that attaches the curved shell of its seat and back to a horizontal backrest. This two-piece construction combines mechanical production with hand finishing and results in a strong and exceptionally comfortable seat. It is produced in three versions – a stackable chair or a non-stackable chair with bent plywood legs, and a stackable metal-legged chair.
Tono Chair by Hans Thyge is a sound-absorbing armchair with a flexible seat shell designed for high comfort and strength that is made of 100% recycled PET bottles. Two frame types are presently available – a four-legged steel tube frame in traffic grey or slate grey powder coat or a four-legged wooden frame in white oiled oak or ash or in black lacquered ash. Tono’s seat shell is available in light or dark grey, and the seat cushion is upholstered.
Tratti by Laura Tuorila controls noise distraction from above by use of natural textiles and aluminum in soft forms that permit aesthetics and technology to work together. Available in 15 colors and standard sizes up to five meters in diameter, Tratti is a sculptural element and sound absorber designed for use in libraries, museums, waiting halls, restaurants, open offices and other indoor spaces where reverberant noise needs to be absorbed. Laura Tuorila is a young Finnish designer and artist who works in the fields of architecture, spatial art, dance and circus art.
www.icfsource.com
>JANUS et Cie (3-107)
Niwa Side Chair features a scooped seat and gentle back angle with a horizontal symmetrical cutout pattern. Sleek and sturdy – and “exceptionally comfortable” – it is designed for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Available in 16 bright colors.
Sheer Bench by Weatherend is inspired by the sweeping curves of a great yacht. It combines a contemporary aesthetic with maximum durability for the outdoors. The epoxy laminated curves of the base offer superior strength, while the shaped panel bench seat provides ample seating for three. It is available in bare woods, a proprietary yacht finish or a combination of woods and finishes.
Tiempo, designed by Jorge Pensi Design Studio, delivers enduring, sophisticated seating for indoor and outdoor settings. It is crafted from premium solid teak and innovative teak veneer into beautiful geometric angles. The modular collection combines to create countless configurations and arrangement possibilities range from intimate to expansive. www.janusetcie.com
JSI, Jasper Group (3-111)
Moto modular lounge and table series designed by David Allan Pesso encourages casual interaction, social gathering and collaborative work. Organic shapes and soft curves appeal to the youthful vibe and relaxed seating postures on campuses and in the workplace. The collection includes freestanding and modular lounge seating, linking and huddle tables, media units and modular storage components, plus numerous options.
http://jsifurniture.com
> Keilhauer (3-373)
Chemistry collection of interconnecting benches and tables is named for the appearance of the configurations – when Chemistry components (or ‘molecules’) are combined in configurations of various shapes, the results resemble the symbols of chemical compounds. The basic module is a two-seater V-shaped bench incorporating the magic angle of communication, which rests on a simple wire base and ground plate. Three different table shapes connect to the benches.
Wheels seven-piece collection of mobile seating and tables is designed to support an idea lab, where the spontaneous exchange of ideas fosters creativity. Entirely mobile, every piece – chair, stool, chaise, idea divider, and tables – is equipped with large casters and built with light wire structures to make the collection movable in an instant. www.keilhauer.com
>Leland International (3-337)
Leah occasional tables are inspired by the forms of naturally occurring puddles left behind after the rain. http://lelandinternational.com
>Martin Brattrud (3-349)
Felix collection, designed by Lee Pasteris, comprises an open metal arm side chair, an armless side chair, and a stool in both counter height and bar height. The stool body is available in mid-back and high-back. The Felix collection also includes a side table with stone, solid surface material, wood and back-painted glass options.
Xavier collection comprises lounge chairs and sofas with upholstered arm, open arm and armless options, plus a side chair and tables. The sofa has a split V or full back option. The occasional tables come in a multiple of shapes and heights with various tabletop options. http://martinbrattrud.com
>Mohawk Group (3-377)
Iconic Earth modular carpet collection, offered in 12×36-inch plank and traditional 24-inch x 24-inch formats, draws inspiration from natural stone formations over time. New metallic yarns create a lustrous effect that mimics the look of oxidized minerals with pops of sheen morphing and shifting throughout the floor. http://mohawkgroup.com
Lakir Collection by Durkan, the hospitality brand of Mohawk Group, is inspired by the simplicity of lines, reconstructed to create soft shadowy textures and tonal layerings for a handcrafted feel. With precision sculpted effects, its 15 patterns explore the technical ability exclusive to Durkan’s Definity manufacturing capabilities, which replicates the durability and look of Axminster. www.durkan.com/site/index.asp
Nienkamper (3-365)
Bay seating features an organic shape with smooth contours and clean lines. The soft upholstered molded shell rests in a sturdy, tapered base, which is available fully upholstered, veneer wrapped or in a painted finish.
Commander Conference Table boasts confident clean lines and a sculptural aluminum base designed for strong visual interest from every angle. Available with full connectivity.
Leaf is a light, low lounge chair that resembles the shape of its namesake in the shape of its soft seat. Its distinct horizontal profile and wide seat are generous and welcoming without appearing heavy or bulky.
River, with its organic and fluid form, is a highly flexible concept in public seating. It functions alone as individual pieces, but can also be used in various combinations for a wide range of settings. It features benches in various sizes and shapes, accented by optional tables and coat racks reminiscent of the branches and stones found along the river’s edge.
Vuelo Conference Seating features smooth contours and appealingly soft upholstery over the entire surface. Each line and every curve was designed to balance maximum comfort and functionality. www.nienkamper.com
>The Senator Group (3-123)
Ad-Lib Work Lounge by PearsonLloyd was designed to enable movement, flexibility and teamwork, breaking away from the static environments of traditional work settings. Described as a ‘mobile soft seat’, it allows the user to move location easily for breakout sessions or collaborative teamwork settings. www.thesenatorgroup.com
>Steelcase (3-300)
Brody WorkLounge is a microenvironment designed to help workers get into flow faster and stay in flow longer. It creates a shelter from visual distractions, provides privacy and provides an enhanced sense of psychological security for workers in open environments. Featuring patented LiveLumbar™ technology, Brody brings thoughtful ergonomic design to the lounge posture. www.steelcase.com/products/lounge-seating/brody
Ology is a height-adjustable desking solution that supports the physiology and biology of users to make the workplace a more health conscious environment. Smart integration of performance and function gives users choice and control of their posture, privacy, lighting and storage, ensuring productivity, efficiency and innovation. www.steelcase.com
Shortcut by Turnstone, available in both chair and stool height, is designed for dynamic, short-term sitting, whether in a conference room or a café. With elbow rests that stay out of the way, workers are free to move close to a desk or lean back. A flexible shell and comfortable seat cushion offer increased comfort. http://myturnstone.com/shortcut
Thread is a simple power distribution system that turns any carpeted floor into a power source by running power through ultra-thin tracks. The patented Thread system runs a building’s power through a 3/16” high modular track designed to be laid under carpet. www.steelcase.com/products/computer-support/thread
>Stylex (3-346)
NYC Lounge blends elegant design inspiration with executive presence. The result is a strong image that is more subtle than overpowering. It can be installed as either stand-alone units or large modular compositions appropriate for breakout spaces, informal meetings and executive reception.
Ridge Guest is a chair with sculptural definition embraced by the continuity of a delicate line and ergonomic form. A wide range of base options are available. www.stylexseating.com
>Tandus Centiva (3-391)
Indent broadloom carpet draws upon designer Suzanne Tick’s expertise in textiles to bring a high-tech aesthetic to floor. With a weave draft said to be unlike anything else in the marketplace, it incorporates the backing yarns into the overall carpet design and uses voided dents in the warp to create architectural patterning.
Linewave modular carpet, also by Suzanne Tick, explores pattern orientations inspired by circuit boards and digital electronics. Building upon the idea of digital connection and transformation that was originally explored in the Code Series, Linewave has a wide-width thread up with a subtle color shift across the width. Its color palette is a mixture of sophisticated brights and neutral-on-neutral combinations informed by rare earth metals. www.tandus-centiva.com>Unika Vaev (3-365)
Fusion Collection of Muse, Cocoon and Tailor pays homage to the classic tradition of finely crafted wool products with a nod to haute couture. Muse is a new design from the sustainable LIFE™ Textile collection that epitomizes simplicity and the provenance of traditional manufacturing. Cocoon is a soft and luxurious boucle that provides a tactile experience with its exaggerated surface. Tailor is a contemporary and classic textile woven from a mélange yarn and inspired by fine tailoring and traditional craftsmanship.
Ecoustic™ Sound Absorbing Tiles is an extensive collection, with ecoustic™ Bond and ecoustic™ Matrix Ceiling Tile being the latest additions. Bond (pictured) is inspired by alterations in atoms and molecules. By changing the color and orientation of these acoustic wall tiles, subtle or commanding patterns are created that play with light and shadow. www.unikavaev.com