{"id":43490,"date":"2018-06-14T12:02:34","date_gmt":"2018-06-14T16:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/architizer.com\/blog\/?p=43490"},"modified":"2018-06-21T09:10:31","modified_gmt":"2018-06-21T13:10:31","slug":"neocon-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.arc.ht\/blog\/inspiration\/industry\/neocon-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Here\u2019s What the Workplace of the Future Looks Like"},"content":{"rendered":"

Architizer arrived in Chicago this week for a particularly special edition of NeoCon<\/a>, the world\u2019s most important exhibition for commercial design. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the famous trade show, and Chicago\u2019s iconic Merchandise Mart was buzzing with as much activity as ever: Thousands of manufacturers showcased a wide variety of contract furniture and interior design solutions for commercial settings, from internationally renowned brands to innovative new design studios.<\/p>\n

Here, we take a broad sweep of the NeoCon showrooms to pick out key commercial design trends to watch out for in the year ahead. Looking at everything from materials and color to aesthetics and acoustics, the following themes serve to give you a glimpse of what the workplace of the near future could look like:<\/p>\n

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Left: Ginkgo Ply Lounge chair by Davis Furniture; right: The Muse chair by Davis Furniture; photography by Paul Keskeys<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

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Kiik modular furniture by Arper; photograph \u00a9 Bob Coscarelli<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Commercial Style \u2014 Residential Comfort<\/h2>\n

Davis Furniture<\/strong><\/a> exemplified the trend towards warm woods and soft textures in commercial furniture design, showcasing a series of conference and lounge chairs that appear elegant and relaxed in equal measure. The Ginkgo Ply Lounge<\/em> chair by Jeths+Laub sports a wood back that flexes gently as you lean back, with a comfortable form that verges on the residential. The Gingko Conferenc<\/em>e seat boasts a similarly elegant silhouette. Meanwhile, Muse<\/em> is a soft, sculptural lounge chair that \u201cembraces the body\u201d, once again striking a balance between comfort and corporate style.<\/p>\n

Arper<\/strong><\/a> launched Kiik<\/em>, a modular sofa system designed by Iwasaki Design Studio. The stylish, low-profile furniture \u2014 a combination of relaxed seating and side tables of multiple geometries \u2014 can be laid out in virtually unlimited variations, ideal for communal areas and waiting rooms.<\/p>\n