NeoCon 2024 brought new solutions to the most pressing needs of the modern office. A welcome addition to every solution was transparency about the sustainability behind every product from manufacturing to end of life. It was the colors, comfort, collaboration and more that caught the attention of our team and the designers who shopped the show with us this year. Special thanks to: Arthur Garcia-Clemente (Partners By Design), Nicole Zack (Ted Moudis), Sam Mason (Collective DC), Nisha Sewel (Arcadis) and Mahsa Saeedi (Arcadis).
It’s time to meet the standouts below!
Tables Takeover
Howe Folding Surfaces Tables with OE Electronics Power
This table’s powerful ability to connect people in the workplace was an all around favorite at NeoCon 2024.
As clients adjust to hybrid work models, it’s no secret that the number one reason staff are choosing to come into the office is to reconnect with colleagues and collaborate. In turn, as workplace designers, clients are demanding more innovation in flexible and collaborative spaces. This table is filling a gap in the market that workplace designers have been craving. Not only has the company designed a tasteful folding harvest table, which is, in itself, unique, but Howe partnered with OE Electrics to integrate portable power, and guess what that means? No core drills! This not only satisfies the collaborative needs of our clients, but it also addresses a budgetary concern. As the temperature of the workplace is still adjusting since returning to the office, this is a no fuss solution in a time of transition for users.
This answers 100 problems at once; but let’s focus on the biggest ones: flexibility in collaborative spaces and less of a headache for power coordination.
Nienkamper’s Vox Community Table
Vox’s community table offered a great shared work table designed for the new alternative office landscape.
With a table that can be used for meetings or individual work. the integration of plants, power and height adjustability mimicked the variety of uses for the piece.
This table would be super successful in a communal work lounge setting.
Bulo’s Senses Bench
This bean-shaped tabletop design stands out from the plethora of rectangular desks.
The organic shape offers ample workspace for everyone’s tools and technology while feeling inviting and more natural. The use of a textured paper material is a refreshing change from the standard laminate.
Framery Four Accessible Smart Pod
The new Framery Four Accessible Smart Pod takes equitable design to the next level by offering unparalleled user benefits to all regardless of ability.
The Framery Four Accessible is now the first smart pod in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Featuring a door designed for wheelchair access, low threshold, folding sofa and folding table, the Framery Four Accessible allows for T shaped turning in a compact, intuitively designed space. And with a bar installed for pushing and pulling the door from a wheelchair as well as the internal controls, screen and outlets being installed at an operative height, the Four Accessible allows for completely streamlined, unaided usage.
Sit Back and Relax
Thinkspace’s Neuron Activation Pod
The Neuron Activation Pod offered a relaxing and rejuvenating reprieve from the hustle of NeoCon.
The Neuron Activation Pod transmits very low frequency vibrations in the body promoting the body’s natural healing abilities, especially through the quality and power of sleep. This meditative pod would be a noteworthy addition to any wellness room.
Haworth’s Breck Task Chair
Haworth’s task chair sits at the intersection of function, form, budget, and sustainable design.
It is made of mostly recycled materials and is designed to be easily assembled. The color options work with any contemporary palette, and it is quite comfortable – at a shockingly low price. Simplicity (sometimes) is best!
Okamura’s Specere Chair
Channeling the philosophy of returning to the basics, Specere promotes a healthy and comfortable sitting experience, without being overly complicated.
Inspired by the drafting chairs of the 1950s, Specere has been reimagined for the modern office, uniting the charm of the past with the innovation of the future. The Specere chair encourages an active posture, supporting the user’s natural movement and fostering a sense of well-being while seated. Specere has been designed with the environment in mind. By limiting the number of materials and components, it has lowered the carbon footprint through production and distribution. While built to last, Specere’s components can be disassembled for recycling.
Shedding Some Light on the Subject
Haworth’s Pantaya Light by Pablo
Pantaya is a modular lighting system inspired by the lightweight construction inherent in camping tents.
The canopy-like knitted cover employs varying structures and patterns for a warm, tactile feeling. The integrated LED light passes through the knit structure, illuminating the entire canopy to create a captivating visual effect. 100% recycled polyester digital knit sleeves encase a lightweight aluminum exoskeleton like a sock, seamlessly conceal the frame and electrical components.
BuzziShroom
This new acoustic floor lamp, designed in collaboration with Cory Grosser, seamlessly integrates lighting and acoustics.
A Thoughtful Textile
Yinka Ilori x Momentum Collection
With names like Blossoms Time, Dream Catchers, Eyes in Reflection and Rhythms Surround You, this textile collection alerts all the senses with a playful aesthetic.
This collaboration marks the British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer’s first foray into commercial textiles and wall coverings. The collection blends Ilori’s signature, vibrant style, inspired by his love of color and passion for joyous design, with Momentum’s expertise in commercial textile and wall covering design. Ilori drew on his dual heritage for the inspiration for each design, emphasizing a commitment to affirmation and community that is essential to his artistic ethos.
Adding Accessories
Global’s Collaborative Spaces
These team carts elevate a space’s purpose with variety and versatility.
Collaborative Spaces includes a range of products that complement each other. One that stood out were the multipurpose team carts. The customizable carts incorporate elements to mark space, absorb ambient noise and afford visual privacy. From whiteboard carts to shelves with privacy screens, the range of carts offer mobile ways to optimize space.
The Standout Showroom
Sixinch
SIXINCH proved it’s more than lounge and seating furniture, it’s an experience as demonstrated with their 2024 showroom.
I didn’t know where the product started or where the showroom stopped. This is an exceptional example of a captivating experience that encourages discovery.
