Last week in Chicago, NeoCon celebrated its 50th anniversary and Azure was there to source the latest and greatest in the world of contract and office design. Here, seven of our favourite finds. Be sure to look for the September issue of Azure for more NeoCon 2018 coverage, available on newsstands and online August 7th.
Leeway Seating by Geiger
For his first solo collaboration with Geiger, Japense designer Keiji Takeuchi delivered a study in perfection with his Leeway seating. Defined by a cantilevered crescent-shaped back whose generous curve comfortably cradles the sitter, the open design allows for natural movements and shifting, all within a compact footprint.
The series includes side chairs and bar- and counter-height stools, all of which are available in ash, walnut or polyurethane with metal or wood frames. Upholstered versions are also offered. geigerfurniture.com
Linework Glass by Skyline Design
Developed in collaboration with mega firm Gensler, Linework uses seemingly simple linear patterns to produce a vast range of expressions. The five templates are superbly versatile, able to vary in scale, density, orientation, colour and degree of translucency.
Application possibilities are just as diverse for the safety glass, ranging from interior feature walls, wayfinding and dividers to exterior facades, canopies and railings. skydesign.com
Smart Ocean Chair by Humanscale
Presented as a prototype in 2017, the Smart Ocean chair was officially launched as a tangible product at this year’s NeoCon. Realized in partnership with Bureo, the initiative that works with fishermen to clean up the earth’s oceans, the task chair is made from nearly two pounds of discarded plastic fishing nets that have been repurposed into nylon pellets.
The ergonomic chair utilizes the same technology as the brand’s Diffrient Smart chair, with form-fitting mesh that adapts to and moves with the user. humanscale.com
Xorel Vue by Carnegie
Embroidery, crochet and lace may not be typical in the world of architectural textiles, but Carnegie‘s Xorel Vue collection of throwback patterns made from high-performance materials offer a beautiful alternative for creating flexible partitions, window screens and privacy panels.
The series comprises six tactile motifs that are lightweight and interact with natural light in artful ways to bring softness and warmth to office, healthcare and hospitality environments. carnegiefabrics.com
Untucked by Keilhauer
Another contribution from longtime collaborator EOOS, the Untucked collection by Keilhauer encapsulates the current workplace culture of comfort, collaboration and creativity.
The 10 pieces in the soft contract series serve an individual purpose, but can be combined together for a fully cohesive environment fostering everything from heads-down individual work to high-energy team meetings. keilhauer.com
BuzziMood by BuzziSpace
Nature-inspired motifs and biophilic principles have become firmly established in workplace design, and Cory Grosser’s BuzziMood acoustic wall panels for BuzziSpace are a fantastic combination of both. A maintenance-free alternative to live plants, the seven geometrically shaped metal panels are fitted with reindeer moss that has been treated and preserved so that no watering is needed.
The pieces can be mixed and matched to form customized designs, with the organic material acting as a sound absorber, humidity indicator and a vibrant visual installation. buzzi.space
Ruta Collection by Andreu World
London designers Luke Pearson and Tom Lloyd of PearsonLloyd were on-hand at the Andreu World showroom to debut their comprehensive Ruta collection. Defined by a tubular steel frame (which can be chrome, white or black lacquer) that wraps around and embraces voluminous upholstered cushions, the pleasing profiles offer a timeless and visually calming aesthetic to workspaces, lobbies and other public environments.
Versions include armchairs, sofas and ottomans along with unifying tables available in three heights, four diameters and surfaces that include marble, smoked glass and lacquered and natural wood. andreuworld.com
