NeoCon 2016: standout designs from Chicago’s commercial design fair

Design | 17 Jun 2016

BuzziJungle by Buzzispace

As the saying goes, all work and no play often results in a marked dullness in people, so why not combine both? The Belgian design firm Buzzispace has made its name for fun yet functional office solutions that bring whimsy to the workplace. This week, the company brought its BuzziJungle, a concept by Jonas Van Put that will appeal to colleagues looking for a collaborative space to get creative, while also bringing out their inner child...

...On a smaller scale, the firm also unveiled the ’BuzziBalance’ ottoman, which gives new meaning to keeping things in balance. Available to use as a seat or a balancing board, the ’BuzziBalance’ by 13&9 not only helps to animate a workspace, but probably provides a core workout as well.

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Plex Modular by Industrial Facility for Herman Miller

Sam Hecht and Kim Colin of London-based studio Industrial Facility have a penchant for the modular (see their collaboration with Emeco at this year’s Salone del Mobile for instance), and their latest collection for Herman Miller proves this once more...

...The seating system, created for U.S. furniture company Herman Miller, uses six elements that can be combined to form armchairs, sofas, ottomans and benches. In the true spirit of modularity, just about everything is adaptable: from the backrests, with or without integrated arms; to the wooden legs, casters and swivel bases; and even the textile upholstery, which can be matched to create a fetching two-tone effect or more sober monochromatic look. All adjustments are simple and achieved with small hooks located on the sides of the multitasking cubes. Portable tables and power points tucked beside the legs make them pretty perfect work stations.

Writer: Sam Rogers

Glass Gradients by Scholten & Baijings & Skyline

Dynamic duo Scholten & Baijings have always had a way with pattern, and their new works for Skyline Design are no different. In a inaugural collaboration with the innovative glass manufacturers, they have created poetic patterns with their digital printing techniques, producing subtle, yet mesmerisingly patterns in a muted palette...

...Available to mix and match, the panels allow you to get creative with how you design the room though their transparency and reflective qualities.

Writer: Sujata Burman

Zones by PearsonLloyd and Teknion

The open-plan workplace is still on the rise, and London studio PearsonLloyd’s new collection with Teknion caters to the continuing trend.

Focusing on creating different spaces – or Zones, as the collection is called – within the office. A semi-private pod combines two sofas, wrapped in a screen with small side-tables, to create an intimate meeting and work area, insulated from the general office atmosphere…

...A tall ’Canteen’ table can be used for stand-up meetings, while the ’Workshop’ table has benches and a square-shaped table to create a collaborative environment for different sized groups.

Using a common visual language of rounded, oblong shapes and muted finishes in natural tones, the collection aims to create a soothing work environment.

Writer: Sam Rogers

RBS by Steven Haulenbeek

Experimental works by Chicago-based designer Steven Haulenbeek stood out through their raw and natural forms. Following a stint at Holly Hunt, the Michigan native set up his own studio in 2010, specialising in industrial design, and more intriguingly, sculptural abstract works in unusual materials. The RBS (Resin-Bonded Sand) range of handcrafted pieces intricately displays detailing in the organic quality of the material...

...The collection is increasingly unique because the material is usually only used as an extra ingredient to a product, but here it is solely made of it.

Writer: Sujata Burman

’Meety’ by Arper

Arper’s sophisticated, restrained aesthetic has been applied to ’Meety’, a new adaptable table system that can be configured for a myriad of uses. Designed by Lievore Altherr Molina studio, each tabletop is available in several different shapes and supported by aluminium cast legs...

Photography: Marco Colvi

...Inspired by bridges, the solid tabletops are countered by slender legs to give the appearance of them hovering above. The system is completely customisable in both shape (round, square, trapezoidal and more) and material (options include laminated MDF wood or glass)...

Photography: Marco Colvi

...Lievore Altherr Molina studio also conceived a series of freestanding partitions known as ’Parentesit’. The interior architecture, which provides privacy and comfort and is inspired by classic Japanese interiors, allows different spaces to be carved out through the use of simple matte-black frames.

Photography: Marco Colvi

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Paul Smith and Hella Jongerius for Maharam

Maharam unveiled a new leather collection as well as two new textile collaborations: ’Assembled Check’ by Paul Smith (pictured) and ’Inlay’ by Hella Jongerius. Smith’s design riffs on a similar idea for a printed silk women’s blouse that was seen in his Spring/Summer 2015 collection. The layered patchwork grid draws from the sun-drenched hues and art deco architecture of Miami...

...Hella Jongerius’ ’Inlay’ design is influenced by traditional Dutch woven ribbons and was initially explored by layering pieces of tinted tape in a gridwork to investigate the effect of overlapping patterns. The design eventually evolved into a woven series of chequers and stripes that still retain a handcrafted feel...

... Maharam’s collections were presented in an installation designed by the American industrial designer Leon Ransmeier (pictured).

Photography: Sean Hemmerle

Writer: Pei-Ru Keh

Rockwell Group and Box Clever for Knoll

Design brand Knoll’s commitment to diverse modern design is reflected in their collaboration with architecture and design firm Rockwell Group and San Francisco-based agency Box Clever to debut new products with the practical aim of solving workplace solutions. This collaboration reflects the idea of enhancing modern workplace productivity through innovative design products...

...’Rockwell Unscripted’ is a furniture collection made to adapt to the spontaneity of the workday including freestanding, moveable pieces such as creative walls, lounges, tables and storage elements. As Rockwell Group founder and president David Rockwell says, ’you can craft the scene around what it is you’re doing that day’...

Box Clever introduces their new seat ’HiLo’ that ’keeps you on your feet’ as a dynamic, portable pogo-style chair with a fun, playful red and silver look. ’HiLo’ provides the worker with the perfect place to perch while maintaining a natural lean and healthy posture, striking a useful balance between sitting and standing.

Writer: Emma Holland

Essentials Workplace by Uhuru

Brooklyn-based design studio Uhuru combines minimalism, rich materiality and the refined simplicity that they are known for with a sense of practicality in this new, easily adaptable office furniture collection fittingly titled Essentials Workplace...

The bespoke collection includes communal benches and desks with walnut and oak surfaces, wide metal legs and easy access to tech power outlets, as well as vast storage units and divider accessories, allowing for adaptability for the modern open-plan office space

Writer: Emma Holland

KNOLL PAUL SMITH ARPER HELLA JONGERIUS MAHARAM SCHOLTEN & BAIJINGS DAVID ROCKWELL INDUSTRIAL FACILITY