Thirty years after it debuted at the Merchandise Mart, the National Exhibition of Contract Furniture, known as NeoCon, has grown into a crowded, dizzying display of the office industry’s newest product lines. More than 51,000 facility managers (professionals who plan offices), plus interior designers, architects and others previewed new lines from the 1,160 manufacturers represented at the recent three-day exhibition. Come fall, many of us may be sitting on or working at examples of these designs, whether in corporate or home offices. The three significant trends are:
– More companies want employees to rearrange their own furnishings for alternative work situations rather than call in a space planner each time they make changes. Some workers “hotel” or check in to the same office when in town, but colleagues use the space when they’re away. Some occupy a different “free address” each time at work, then stash belongings elsewhere when away.
– More individual furnishings are used with components that transmit electrical power, thus speeding regroupings.
– More of this year’s designs reflect a sophisticated aesthetic, such as Chicago architect Margaret McCurry’s collection for HBF.
As in the past, NeoCon gave awards for the best designs. This year 54 of 226 entries in 24 categories were recognized. Of those, here are some of our favorites.