haworth – DesignApplause

neocon 2024 sustainable solutions.

May 11, 2024

above> mindful materials impact area

below are a but a few from show-wide spotlights on impactful sustainable solutions, the 2024 lineup of experiences and activations promises to engage and inspire. make sure to add to your “must-see” list!

mindful materials impact area
west past-through, fl 1

as a designer, you wield immense influence over environments, behaviors, and the world we inhabit. every material you select has a ripple effect – ensure it’s positive. visit mindful materials’ activation, made possible by material bank, on the mart’s first floor to discover sustainable products and a common framework to evaluate them.

above> climate positive solutions gallery

climate positive solutions gallery
suite 7-1074, fl 7

the climate positive solutions gallery showcases low-carbon and carbon-negative materials and related technologies that meet the demands of commercial specification without sacrificing design, durability or budgets. journalist and ceu content creator kenn busch has invited leading suppliers to neocon to share their latest innovations and expertise with specifiers working to truly move the needle on climate change and sustainability. guided tours of the gallery will be available on request. come anytime! curated by material intelligence and climate positive now.

above> material bank

material bank
fl 1

with over 550 brands and more than 300 product filters, material bank is the most powerful way to discover, search, and sample materials. visit material bank brand partners exhibiting at neocon and order samples during the show to find them on your desk when you get home. your design process, empowered by material bank.

above> metropolis sustainability lab

metropolis sustainability lab
suite 1120, fl 11

embark on a transformative journey at metropolis‘s sustainability lab during neocon – an immersive exhibit and hub dedicated to empowering you to make a positive impact on both people and the planet. immerse yourself in captivating installations and enlightening workshops that will keep you on the leading edge of sustainable design practices. your journey towards a more sustainable future begins here – seize the opportunity to make a difference with us!

above> haworth/em>

haworth hospitality
south lobby, fl 1

haworth is sponsoring the lobby at the mart again this year, with more products on display than ever before. it is designed as a third place, complete with ancillary furnishings that demonstrate the broad range of our portfolio and brands. inspiration came from the lobby of the new six senses hotel in rome, designed by patricia urquiola. the inviting space is filled with plants for a biophilic effect that draws people in.

above> emeco

emeco
suite #318

welcome to suite #318 at the mart, where we’ll present our classics along with the latest news, shaped by 80 years of making. look forward to seeing you there! the original. built by hand from recycled aluminum in hanover, pennsylvania since 1944. tested to last 150 years. that’s the 1006 navy chair.

[ about neocon ]

neocon has served as the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial design industry since 1969. a launch pad for innovation—neocon offers ideas and introductions that shape the built environment today and into the future.

the products
the industry’s major manufacturers as well as the latest emerging companies will showcase thousands of new products and services in categories including furniture, fabrics, flooring, interior building products, interior finishes and technology.

the people
design professionals representing markets ranging from workplace, healthcare, hospitality, retail, education, public space and government, converges each year at neocon to connect, learn and do business.

the programming
the neocon exhibition is complemented by first-class educational and inspirational programming offering expertise and insight into the most relevant topics in the industry today.

a conversation with patricia urquiola and a peek at her nuez chair for andreu world.

Nov 27, 2017

DesignApplause spoke to spanish designer patricia urquiola in the andreu world chicago showroom during neocon. we talk about her the nuez seat collection, which obtained a hip award in the category hospitality: seating at neocon. the chair is described as enveloping, suggestive, warm and at the same time technological. made of injected thermoplastic, it offers different options for the shell interior: fully upholstered, with upholstered seat or with padded seat and backrest. the different bases versions – four wooden legs, aluminum star, five casters or cantilever – come with a range of ten distinct colors for the shell and numerous upholstery options for the seat and backrest. a versatile design, capable of integrating into any type of corporate environment and also at home. the chair launched at salone del mobile 2017.

[patricia urquiola] we’re speaking about a new product introduction, nuez, which means ‘nut’ in english, from valencia-based [ andreu world ]. i’m very proud of our relationship, one we’ve kept for years that’s grown into friendships. we now know each other’s approach well enough where words easily translate into feelings and shapes.

why do this chair? they asked for formal and discrete, very gentle, very easy. though the company does incredible work in other materials, they were looking for a new material not in their workspace portfolio. our discussions led to plastic and they know that my injection approach is always striving for little details that are a bit curious and distinctive. what evolved was a shell concept.

we liked the concept of one shell using two elements, because of the way the two elements, like two papers, came together, like in a nut. from the back of the shell the elements created little wings which felt natural and just right. we pleated the plastic shell for aesthetics and textures giving it a materiality, a sense of touch. compared to our prior collection called nub, which was very… crafted, nuez represents a completely dissimilar notion.

[DesignApplause] nuez is crisp yet shapely. very light and does feel good to the touch. what’s her character like?

[PU] both my company and andreu philosophies are similar on many fronts. we’re all concerned, about who we work with and the way we proceed. we work with nature with a high regard for sustainability and social responsibility. we’re efficient, we produce functionality, durability, timelessness and our work, well it looks like our work. and in the end i’m very proud of this project.

[DA] what’s big on your mind right now? what’s important?

[PU] this is a conversation about a process. a company gives you a brief, you give an answer and you work in this kind of duet. it’s a beautiful established way a designer works within an industrial project. now i’m not a young designer, i’m a mature designer who’s been working this way for awhile. lately i’m doing a lot of experimentation with a group at haworth contributing to define a future vision for the group, creating an umbrella over everything. // in 2015, patricia became cassina’s art director tasked with creative management.

in the beginning it was an object and then a collection. but now we also talk about the relations of objects and space, the experiences, the services the company can offer, about everything! i’m working this way with cassina, haworth, mutina. and with andreu world i’m not doing that but i’m a good friend and they’re accustomed to my opinions and conversations. these conversations are important because they always lead to something new.

in this conversational role, the designer operates in this huge space, to re-think things, to ask more questions, it’s so open ended, so many possibilities. really, at this point the only bad decision is not to try something. and we’re just beginning.

<strong>[DA] stay tuned. [ formafantasma ] (andrea trimarchi and simone farresin) while lecturing at the school of the art institute of chicago was asked if designers are important, is design important. simone said this… the designer and the design is not important in and of themselves. formafantasma’s projects are complete once they leave the studio. it’s rare to know if their projects are a success and are rarely asked to improve what they created. their business model does not involve the relationship you’re experiencing right now.

in contrast simone felt the entrepreneur is more likely to be important. there’s a degree of control over a long period of time whereby something important could evolve.

[PU] “design thinking”, for me a label used too much, has become like a big inclusive net over everything in the world of design. i feel one starts as a specialist in design, like an industrial designer. for those who grow into more systemic integrated spaces the space opens up to expand your reach over the project. the more aspects you touch in sense the more important you are.

we can be a kind of catalyst in between society and ideals for living. we’re not only solving problems, we’re also questioning a lot of problems. i like the idea that this is a new attitude for designers: question and not only solving.

an at-a-glance neocon 2017 preview 1.

Jun 11, 2017

above> transcend by suzanne tick for skyline design

a neocon 2017 runs from 12 to 14 june at the mart in chicago. at-a-glance preview…

3form / 10 – 142
a collaboration between 3form and brooklyn-based designer louis lim of makingworks has resulted in the creation of mobius, exclusively on view at wanted design in new york city in may 2017. now check out the latest at neocon.

andreu world / 10 – 132
invites you to discover our new collections at neocon 2017. we look forward to welcoming you.
save the date: please join us for the andreu world fiesta. this year’s event will feature traditional spanish tapas and wine along with a very special live music performance.

arper / 339
arper presents their 2017 collections at neocon. stop by for a coffee and explore the new products at their chicago showroom.

buzzispace / 10 – 111
at neocon 2017 on both the first and the 10th floor of the merchandise mart, buzzispace will realize its comprehensive approach to design for happy, healthy living, incorporating a range of furniture options, and serious acoustic solutions.

carnegie / 10 – 112
life is colorful with the roy g biv collection! the energetic collection spans the full spectrum with high performance upholstery and digitally printed wide width sheers that celebrate color at its very best.

designtex / 1032A
in business, collaboration is everything—but creating the right balance between openness and privacy is a challenge. casper™ cloaking technology by designtex is an architectural film for glass walls that obscures digital screens to outside view. it acts as a smart shield to ensure data privacy, while providing the peace of mind to collaborate freely in any working environment. this is a breakthrough that will unleash space design in the networked modern world. casper is the only cloaking technology of its kind anywhere. you have to see it to believe it.

hbf / 387
thomas lykke/oeo has collaborated with hbf to create the studio table series.

haworth / 312
come see bluescape and global commercial furnishings leader haworth an innovative new collaboration space at neocon 2017.

humanscale / 351
humanscale and the living product challenge. talking about sustainability is easy. what’s more challenging is creating a net positive impact. especially when it’s being audited and validated by the international living future institute.

herman miller / 321
when bill stumpf and don chadwick designed the original aeron, they combined a deep knowledge of human-centered design with innovative, never-before-seen technology to deliver a chair unlike any other. just as iconic films and albums are updated for new mediums, standards, and audiences, aeron has now been remastered to meet the needs of today’s work, workers, and work environments. by coupling co-designer don chadwick’s vision with herman miller’s latest research around the science of sitting, the new aeron works better than ever before—so you can too.

ki / 1181
join the ruckus at neocon 2017! get a first-hand look at how ki‘s ruckus collection is disrupting the design paradigm. in addition, we’ll be showcasing innovative product solutions developed using the principles of human-centered design.

keilhauer / 373
luno is for reflecting. a visually striking lounge chair that allows you to move, sit and communicate in your own style. design by eoos.

maharam / 1188
maharam design studio decided to develop a substrate: apt introduces a new polymer that combines a silicone face with a polyurethane-and-silicone mid-layer to maharam’s offering of nonwoven upholstery textiles. using a proprietary formulation. apt is the result of five years of research and development.

mohawk / 377
go behind-the-scenes with mohawk group for a sneak preview of the bold and stylish floorcoverings they’ll be showcasing this year. take a peek at our entire lineup.

okamura / 11 – 124
alt piazza is an office furniture of the future that turns office shared space into a place where you can work comfortably.

skyline design / 1060
transcend by suzanne tick

steelcase / 300
steelcase workplace advisor empowers organizations to measure the effectiveness of the workplace, and improve it based on easy-to-understand, actionable data accessible through an online dashboard.

teknion / 10 -48
around is fully featured, yet clever new new task chair. hidden innovations facilitate a simple chair design with a light, minimalist form. designed by justus kolberg, around is remarkably comfortable, versatile and easy to use.

vitra / 1192
vitra has been developing and producing office chairs for over 40 years. its first model, the vitramat, set new industry standards, and many of its successors have continued to revolutionize workplace seating. to accompany the market launch of the pacific chair, am chair and id chair update, we are introducing the task chair campaign: a new digital tool that provides existing and prospective customers with an inspiring presentation of these chairs.

wilkhahn / 7 – 7072

wilkhahn’s new metrik cantilever chair stands apart for its sculptural shape and contours which bring modern automotive design to mind. polygonal shapes and rounded edges are part of a distinctive body which is defined by form-fit assembly of the tubular steel frame and seat component. design by whiteID.

we list our best of neocon 2014.

Jun 19, 2014

above> vessel | todd bracher | 3M architectural markets

It’s very difficult to catch everything in this show whether in person or online. Our focus on 2014 new offerings surely limited discovery. What we did find in this year’s show provides a myriad of options for everyone’s needs as seen on our list below. We highlight several unique, innovative solutions.

[ vessel ] Designer Todd Bracher and 3M Architectural Markets engineering produce a solid quartz body that precisely controls light distribution from a single LED. Vessel comes in three lengths, six color options and two color temperatures.

zinta | lievore altherr molina | arper

[ zinta ] A bench makes it to prime time. Thanks to the exceptionally harmonious blend of wooden seat shell with softly rounded edges with partial upholstery on a light-looking frame, the bench is elegant and leisurely in appearance. It can serve as simple, single sofa or large-scale organizing principle in an open space. With a range of cushion options with diverse materials and fillings, it can serve a range of environments from residential to restaurant, lounge to office with equal ease.

avant collection | mark hiron | élan decca / photo courtesy decca

[ avant ] Designer Mark Hirons Avant’s concept of openness include the Lounge Chair, a simple, tailored Sofa and ultimately, to the inviting expanse of a 145-degree Sofa angled to support face-to-face conversation. Defined by a striking angularity, the pieces appear to expand and fan out. Avant seating is available fully upholstered or with wood veneer back that accentuates its crisp profile and sculptural presence.

lakendo | angelo pinaffo | diemmebi / photo courtesy diemmbi

[ lakendo ] LaKendo, designed by Angelo Pinaffo, is a family of chairs available with tip-up or fixed seat. Its multifunctional uses enable several easy configurations: with polypropylene, padded and upholstered seat and back or back in mesh. The metal frame has a peculiar section’s profile which makes the seat more resistant and supports others specific features such as a set for arms, tip-up seat, wheels and supports sled and bench versions. Among the accessories is available the tablet for both arms.

social chair | yves behar | herman miller / photo courtesy hm

[ social chair ] The Social Chair is the core component of the Public system, bringing new ergonomics, functionality and durability to soft seating while accommodating a range of people and postures. Public is the first office system to support casual work and provide comfort, at the desk, in circulation space, and in group areas—all within a consistent design vocabulary. Designed by Yves Behar and fuseproject.

ballo | don chadwick | humanscale

[ ballo ] Created by Don Chadwick, designer of the Aeron Chair, Ballo is a multipurpose stool that encourages users to engage in short-term, active sitting. The identical air-filled domes serve as the base and seat and pressure can be varied just like a Swiss exercise ball. Ballo helps to reduce the risks associated with sedentary behavior and improve metabolism, calorie burn and core strength. There’s also an adjustable height option.

lo and syz | eoos | keilhauer

[ lo and syz ] the syz table is one continuous table structure with a seamless flow between the cast legs and aluminum extrusions It comes in heights of 29 and 26 inches as well as a very cool and casual 15 inches. Lo is a charming seat cushion. Research has shown that sitting with the hips above the knees restores gravitational equilibrium and provides longer comfort.

berlage | richard hutten | ki

[ berlage ] The Berlage Chair was originally designed in 2004 by Richard Hutten tributing H.P. Berlage, the architect who designed the Municipal Museum of Modern Art in The Hague for the museum’s restaurant. KI reintroduces Berlage in 2014 via their Blu Sky Collection, an initiative of finding intuitive products with unique stories. The strung seat, which is done by hand means each chair by all accounts is unique.

bounce by knoll | knoll

[ bounce by knoll ] In an effort to reduce a level of uncertainty with planning an office space Knoll debuted software developed in partnership with Estimote, a tech start-up building a digital platform to bring content and context to people’s current location. Bounce by Knoll monitors, measures and analyzes space utilization and the work patterns of the office, and offers a digital user engagement platform. Using the Estimote iBeacon platform, Knoll planted seven iBeacons in their showroom that would give attendees a chance to look at occupancy levels at different stations.

antenna round big table | antenna | knoll

[ antenna round big table ] Masamichi Udagawa and Sigi Moeslinger of Antenna create a clever adaptation of their adjustable height Telescope Desk platform. We’d also like to see a Ballo-like chair pair up with it.

grip | randers + radius / troels grum-schwensen | nienkämper / photo courtesy nienkämper

[ grip ] GRIP is a universal table suitable for all purposes. A new design inspired by tightrope walkers, the top balances on a narrow beam supported by cast aluminum legs. Grip™ gets more stable the more weighted it becomes. Bases are die cast aluminum and are available in one size. Finish offered in glass bead blasted (textured) and a selection of powder coat finishes in black, white, red and silver. A variety of top shapes and sizes are offered in all standard Nienkämper veneers and plastic laminates, as well as black linoleum.

quiet spaces by susan cain | steelcase / photo courtesy steelcase

[ susan cain quiet spaces ] Susan Cain Quiet Spaces by Steelcase offer five diverse ways to empower introverts at work. Each space supports specific postures, work modes, and expectations for quiet and privacy supported by a carefully chosen range of architecture, furniture, materials and technology. Every quiet space is designed with V.I.A. which provides superior acoustic performance and offers an atmosphere where introverts can work their best.

lite wall | jeffrey bernett and nicholas dodziuk | teknion / photo courtesy teknion

[ lite wall ] Lite Wall is a series of lightweight screens that respond to varying needs of the open office. Using magnets, Lite Wall easily reconfigures without tools or any visible connections. Varying screen heights accommodate standing, sitting, lounge and other critical datum lines in the system/office landscape. Designed by Jeffrey Bernett and Nicholas Dodziuk.

millions of colors | grethe sørensen | wolf-gordon / photo courtesy wolf-gordon

[ millions of colors ] Earlier in the year for Wolf-Gordon, Danish textile designer and artist Grethe Sørensen introduced a ground-breaking technique of translating pixels to threads. Cooper-Hewitt plans to acquire her work once its new building opens in late 2014.

[ 1968 > 2013 ]
Who’s watching ‘the sixties’ on CNN? Here’s a little ‘office’ perspective… HM’s Public Office Landscape – 45 years – light years away from HM’s Action Office, the original systems furniture designed in 1968 by Robert Propst that started the modern open plan revolution, etc., etc.

public | yves behar – fuseproject | herman miller 2013 / image courtesy hm

action | robert propst | herman miller 1968 / image courtesy hm

note: (*) we also interviewed 12 designers so stay tuned for more details on these and other great objects. [ best of neocon 2014 winners ]

best of NeoCon 2014 winners.

Jun 16, 2014

Contract Magazine 25th annual Best of NeoCon awards for commercial interior products represent 39 categories. Over 40 jurors who are interior designers, architects and facilities management professionals, reviewed over 300 entries. Congratulations to the winners and to others to made 2014 a very good fair.

[ architectural & decorative glass ]
plank | joel berman glass studios (gold)
pattern+ | 3form (silver)

[ architectural products ]
softwall & softblock | molo (gold)
trivati | haworth (silver)
snowsound acoustic panels | atlantic (silver)
susan cain quiet spaces | steelcase (editor’s choice) ####

susan cain / Courtesy gs studios/steelcase

[ carpet: fiber ]
econyl | aquaful (gold)

[ carpet: broadloom ]
dissemblage | milliken (silver)

[ carpet: modular ]
mixed materials | patcraft (gold)
design journey | ressie duncan & shannon cochron | shaw contract group (silver)
breaking form collection | mohawk group (editor’s choice)

ressie duncan & shannon cochron

[ case goods ]
suite | steffen lipsky | haworth (gold) / image courtesy haworth (gold)
journal | christopher wright | teknion (silver)

steffen lipsky (standing) / image courtesy haworth

christopher wright

[ collaborative collections ]
openest collection | patricia uriquiola | haworth (best of competition & gold)
tesano | nucraft (silver)
go! | clarus glassboards (innovation)
buzzipicnic | buzzispace (editor’s choice)

patricia uriquiola / image courtesy haworth

[ conference room furniture ]
kai | nucraft (gold)
karo collection | tuohy (silver)

[ education solutions ]
go juice | palmer-hamilton (gold)
hive | palmer-hamilton (silver)

[ files & mobile storage systems ]
territory | inscape (gold)
straddle ped | jrb studio (silver)

[ flooring: hard surface ]
substrate | tandus centiva (gold)
stratum | usf contract (silver)

[ furniture systems ]
trellis | ki (gold)
lex | halcon (silver)

[ furniture systems: enhancements ]
interval+ | inscape (gold)
hi-lo | davies office (silver)

[ furniture: benching ]
inscape bench | inscape (gold)
antenna telescape | knoll (silver)

[ healthcare fabrics & textiles ]
spirit collection | knol textiles (gold)
valetudo collection | pallas textiles (silver)
envi nature based non-wovens | cf stinson (innovation)

[ healthcare flooring ]
collective time | shaw contract group (gold)
tapis collection | tandus centiva (silver)
mixed message | tandus centiva (innovation)

[ healthcare furniture ]
divo | okamura (silver)

[ healthcare: guest/lounge seating ]
palisade collection | nemschoff/herman miller (silver)

[ healthcare: patient seating ]
jordan active | krug (silver)

[ lighting: decorative ]
vessel | todd bracher | 3m architectural markets (gold)
color mix lighting | seeyond architectural solutions (silver)

vessel

[ lighting: task/desktop ]
lustre | esi ergonomic solutions (gold)

[ lounge furniture collections ]
triscape collection | todd bracher | hbf (gold)
kalyde | safco (silver)

triscape collection

[ office accessories ]
veil | inscape (gold)
soto II | steelcase (silver)

[ seating: benches ]
modo | davis (gold)
zinta | jeanette altherr | arper (editor’s choice)

jeanette altherr

[ seating: conference ]
flex corporate | andreu world (gold)
graph | wilkhahn (silver)

[ seating: sofas & lounge ]
ragland | piergiorgio cazzaniga | andreu world (gold)
mitt | bernhardt design (silver)

ragland

[ seating: stacking ]
lakendo | diemmebi (gold)
unos chair | jasper morriosn | andreu world (silver)

unos

[ signage & wayfinding ]
moxie graphic panels | takeform (gold)
seeyond facing series | seeyond architectural solutions (silver)

[ software technologies ]
ofcdesk idc | ofcdesk (gold)
beyond designer for revit | allsteel (silver)

[ surfacing materials/finishes ]
3m di-noc | 3m architectural markets (gold)
varia ecoresin | 3form (silver)

[ tables: occasional ]
triscape occasional table | todd bracher | hbf (gold)
match | davis (silver)

[ tables: training & work ]
bold one collection | bold (gold)
goto worktables | peter pepper (silver)

[ technology support ]
edge-evolve | esi ergonomic solutions (gold)
tablik | innovative office products (silver)

[ technology-integrated solutions ]
stir kinetic desk | stir (gold)
elven sound driver | ofs brands (silver)
presentable | presentia (innovation)

[ textiles: upholstery ]
elodie blanchard collection | hbf (gold)
archival collection | knoll (silver)
the nettle collection | camira fabrics (innovation)
designtex wallace & sewell | catherine stowell | designtex (editor’s choice)

elodie blanchard collection

catherine stowell

[ wall treatments ]
nappacraft | concertex (silver)
alexander girard collection | skyline design (silver)

alexander girard collection

[ walls: movable ]
lite wall | teknion (gold)
aria | inscape (silver)

[ window treatments ]
alphacoustic, betacoustic, gammacoustic | carnegie (gold)
shadeloc | mechosystem (silver)

[ workplace technologies ]
freeaxez power |freeaxez (gold)
logison target | logison acoustic network (silver)

Harbor work lounge and designer nicolai czumj-bront. Neocon 2013.

Nov 8, 2013

[DesignApplause] We’re are with Haworth designer Nicolai Czumaj-Bront. Nicolai, congratulations, a Best of Neocon Silver. Please tell us about your Harbor Work Lounge collection.
[Nicolai Czumaj-Bront] Thank you, very proud about the award. We are introducing this collection for Haworth. Technology today allows us to work anywhere and how we want to. Because of that, we bring a lot of stuff with us. Bag, notebook, iPpod, tablet, computer, laptop or your drink. Whatever you need to feel comfortable to work the way you want. Now you can work in a private space, collaborative space, hotel lobby / rooms, at home even…

The Work Lounge is meant to allow you to work where you want, how you want to work and have the things with you that let you do the work you want to do. It has a sliding tablet that slides away from and toward you to give you room to work. It has the wing, where you can put your other items next to your phone or tablet. Even a cup-holder to provide a place for you to put your drink. The ottoman even has a cup-holder as well in it. It also has high adjustability. This way, if more people come into a space, you can have someone sit in the ottoman and get more function out of it. There is a lot of variability in the options. You can do a partial upholstered, an exposed version…you can do veneer or laminate.

[DA] What is the exposed version?
[N] The exposed is the plywood form that you would see visually. You would also have a pad and a seating area as well as a little sway pad next to you. The exposed version would be fully exposed plywood. You can really dress it up or down. It has kind of a unique look to it, but also a lot of variability in terms of application, usability and aesthetics. It changes the way we look at lounges these days and how we work at them. How we can deal with different types of spaces, but also has something that is re-adaptable.

[DA] Yes, these are beautiful and lean. They almost look like they are wanting to fly.
[N] Yes. I think in airports they would go over quite well. Then also, you see the suede on the wing, which has a dual purpose. With a wool covered wing you would have slippery gadgets falling off if you twisted or moved around. But the suede keeps things where they need to be. It’s also water resistant so if you spill, it won’t stain the fabric.

The lounge and ottoman is really a nice composition of the aesthetics, the function of it. The heights and the posture are really a hybrid between task seating and lounge seating. You can be upright in this. A little bit more than a lounge, but not so much as a task chair. Everything between the function and the ergonomics of it are balancing between those two worlds of work and home.

[DA] What’s your relationship with Haworth?
[N] I’m an internal designer with Haworth. We have a program at Haworth where we explore 3-5-10 years out. If things make sense at the time, we move them forward. We look at how people are going to be working and how things work. It made sense to introduce the ensemble now as technology has evolved to allow us to work in many places. I had this concept about 2 years ago and have been working through it. We went 100% in January to bring it to NeoCon for the show. It’s been a fairly quick pace for the program.

[DA] Being in-house, is this thing built on things that are really Haworth-natural or are there new physical properties that bring innovation?
[N] Very Haworth-natural and easy to create as we are familiar with the materials and pieces. For example, you can do left or right handed. The nice thing about this is that it’s one piece of plywood. So inside the molded foam is plywood. But then they can either cut the left or right side out. Using the manufacturing capability to allow for the variability in application or function. Even the tablet is actually a larger piece of plywood they can cut from left or right hand. It’s simple tooling that’s been around for ages, but it’s about rethinking it and how we can do it differently to provide designers more variability in the aesthetics.

[DA] What did you learn while working on this project?
[N] Things can be beautiful and still elegant and pass all of the hundreds of thousands of BIFMA standards.

That’s always the goal. Everyone always wants it lighter, elegant and beautiful, but it still has to pass all of the standards that get greater and greater every year. In some ways, it was a reward for myself and the team that we were able to take the original sketch to the computer program while maintaining the aesthetics without sacrificing anything to pass the requirements.

[DA] The solution is so clean and light. You should do a sofa. How did you create the thin profile?
[N] Right now we’re talking about maybe doing a beam for this piece. You can imagine an airport having these two wings on the outside and a middle piece in between. We’re quite far along with all the pieces we need. A few more, we might be able to do this. After that, I think we’ll see a lot more evolution in home office products. With technology now, we’ll see how things go. We have some ideas in the works. It just depends on the market and if they are ready for it.

[DA] What’s really exciting and cool right now in the world of design?
[N] I’m really curious to see what will happen with 3D printing and how it will lend itself more to some of the big manufacturers. Imagine doing a chair that doesn’t have aluminum or steel tooling. Imagine making that one-off chair so each person could have a task chair that fits them more comfortably. What would it mean for more mass production? I’m really curious to see how that evolves as we go forth. There’s a lot of opportunity there to realize the ability to make things adjustable per the user.

[DA] Creative minds are really going to do things with it.
[N] The other thing is just sharing with technology. Just the evolution we’re doing internally at Haworth and what that will mean in terms of the workplace. Working wherever you want to. The beach, the park, a museum. I’m curious what will happen with technology both in terms of digital but also in terms of production. What that will mean for all industries in general. What it means for the flexibility of people. They can be more transient and work where they want to work while having more of a lifestyle. Merging those worlds.

[DA] Have you been with Haworth for a long time? Do you do other things besides furniture?
[N] I primarily do furniture and live in Chicago. I’m from here originally. I worked for a small consultant agency for a few years. I’ve been at Haworth almost 8 years. I’ve worked on everything from tables to task seating to more high-end things such as Haworth collection pieces. But mostly doing furniture.

I also do personal stuff such as work with reclaimed wood. I’ll take it and bind it together. All the old wood that has been weathered or rained on gets C&C cut it to reveal all these new colors and textures. The idea here is balancing how much control do I really have. I’m putting the wood together, but in the end, it’s the colors and grains that allows the wood to be what it is. It’s kind of imperfection, but that’s the beauty of it.

[DA] Are these winding up as sculptures?
[N] They are more stools and tables. But I’d like to do more sculptural pieces. Working with the wood the way I do, it’s wonderful how it evolves and how the materiality shines through when you let it be its own material and not try to control it so much. In that mindset I’m kind of working with this raw material with a very high-end manufacturing process which is very precise.

[DA] Like ‘I really want to make a grasshopper, but the grain turned it into a kangaroo.’
[N] Right, kind of just let it be what it is.

nicolai czumj-bront | haworth design studio

[ haworth ]

Haworth creates world’s first LEEDv4 certified project.

Oct 29, 2013

Haworth’s new innovative space in Beijing has been recognized as the world’s first certified LEED project under the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) new LEED version 4 beta program. The USGBC awarded LEED Gold status after the project earned 71 out of the possible 110 points. The site, landmark building Parkview Green, among many other features, provides tenants with access to quality transportation and bicycle facilities. The LEED Platinum (version 3) building is home to a boutique hotel, commercial offices and premium retail.

Inside, Haworth has created the Club – an organic workspace concept offering dynamic co-working and lounge spaces available to tenants, hotel guests and surrounding community. The core design element is a concept of flexibility: Everything can be easily rearranged to meet day-to-day needs.

[ official release ]
BEJING, CHINA – October 23, 2013 – Haworth, Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacture of furniture, today announced that its innovative space, located in Beijing’s landmark Parkview Green building, has been recognized as the world’s first certified LEED project under the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) new LEED version 4 beta program. The USGBC awarded LEED Gold status after the project earned 71 out of the possible 110 points.

“Achieving the first-ever LEED version 4 certification speaks volumes about Haworth’s global commitment to sustainability,” said Steve Kooy, Haworth’s global sustainability manager.

In order to achieve the certification, everything from the location of the building and its energy performance to water efficiency and indoor air quality had to be considered. “We are especially pleased to have achieved this certification in China,” said Frank Rexach, vice president and general manager of Haworth’s Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America sector. “The application of the new LEED standards in Beijing highlights the importance of this fast-growing market.”

Parkview Green is located in the Chaoyang District of Beijing and provides tenants with access to quality transportation and bicycle facilities. The LEED Platinum (version 3) building is also home to a boutique hotel, commercial offices and premium retail. Inside Parkview Green, Haworth has created the Club – an organic workspace concept that offers dynamic co-working and lounge spaces that can be used by the building’s tenants, hotel guests and members in the community. At the heart of the Club’s design was the concept of flexibility. Everything from partition walls, meeting rooms, huddle spaces and private focus areas can be easily rearranged to meet the day-to-day needs of its users. “A workspace that easily responds to changing business needs over time not only saves time and money but it also reduces waste,” said Kooy.

To complete the project, Haworth partnered with BEE inc., a Shanghai- and Hong Kong-based specialist for green materials, trading and LEED consulting. Director of strategic services for Haworth’s Asia Pacific sector, Iolanda Meehan, spearheaded the effort.

“Throughout the construction process we reused 60 percent of non-structural interior elements,” said Meehan. “Additionally, 93 percent (by value) of the furniture in the space is either GREENGUARD certified or has been transferred from an existing showroom and fresh air exceeds the required Indoor Environment Quality by 35 percent.”

Energy and water efficiencies also helped achieve the certification. Through the optimization of the HVAC system as well as efficient LED lighting design, fixtures and controls supplied by Philips – one of Haworth’s partners in the region – the showroom’s energy consumption was reduced by 59 percent (compared to ASHRAE energy requirements).

“While LEED version 4 raises the bar on green building leadership and requires a new level of commitment to building sustainably, it was important for us to go beyond the prestigious LEED certification to ensure that we created a space that is not only environmentally-friendly and open to the community, but a project that will stand as a model for future workspaces,” said Meehan.

The USGBC’s LEED rating system provides building owners and operators with the framework to identify and implement practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. Within each LEED credit category, projects must satisfy prerequisites to earn points. The number of points the project earns determines its level of certification.

In July 2013, USGBC members voted to adopt the latest update to the green building rating system. The newest version of LEED will officially launch this fall at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Philadelphia, PA.

“Haworth strongly believes that this type of adaptable workspace, coupled with activity and workstyle based areas, is the way forward for corporations to maximize the efficiency of its real estate and the effectiveness and innovation of its people,” said Rexach.

Globally, Haworth improves workplaces with award-winning furniture, interior architecture and technology solutions to help customers achieve business goals, transform culture as well as support collaboration and innovation. Research + design drive a deep understanding of agile workplace needs and are at the center of the company’s strategy. Haworth is committed to protecting and restoring the environment, creating economic value as well as supporting and strengthening its communities. Founded in 1948, Haworth remains family-owned and privately-held and serves markets in more than 120 countries through a global network of 600 dealers. The company had net sales of US $1.31 billion in 2012.

[ haworth ] [ haworth collection ] @Haworthinc > Facebook.com/Haworthinc

An interview with mike & maaike about windowseat. Neocon 2013.

Sep 24, 2013

San Francisco designers Mike & Maaike have designed Windowseat utilizing an interesting juxtaposition of furniture and architectural elements. The chair is being introduce at Neocon 2013 by Haworth.
[DesignApplause] Mike and Maaike, what brings you here?
[Mike Simonian] We’re debuting the Windowseat chair we’ve been collaborating with Hayworth for the past two years. It’s a lounge chair designed to provide an escape from the open office environment and give you a bit of personal space and break from the noise and hustle and bustle of a busy office, lobby or airport.

[DA] The ‘escape’ and concept is trending now and maybe you are the trendsetters. Did Haworth seek you out with this concept?
[Mike] The original concept was actually many years ago that we developed independently. About 2007. It was at that time more of an experiment. Not really intended for production. I think maybe it was ahead of the acceptability level at the time. Now, technology has changed and people are working a lot more on hand-held devices than ever expected. Now these furniture pieces are a core part of work. Anyway, we presented it to Haworth and they decided they wanted to include it in their line. Haworth is very excited about solutions of this type and they thought it would be a great fit.
[Maaike Evers] It’s a combination of that liberation of not having to be at a desk anymore. But also, the fact that this new generation of young people are going to come in the workplace. The workplace is going to be more dense and open and collaborative so that movement requires the counter balance to happen at the same time. Where are people going to have time to reflect or think?

[DA] 2007! You’re the genesis of what’s going on right now. If you’re a thinker and you wish to get away, the Windowseat lyrically opens a window. Have you seen the Massaud chair he’s done for Coalesse? He would love your chair.
[Mike] Yes, we’ve seen each others chairs. That chair is really interesting because it creates a complete cocoon in a way so you’re completely in a private space. The Windowseat is more about controlling your perspective yet still connected to the outside.

[DA] I sat ‘in’ Windowseat Thursday night and it’s an interesting experience, much more of an enclosure sitting in it than I expected. I liked the way swivel seat centers itself when you get up, ready for the next person.
[Mike] We wanted to create this room within a room. To make furniture do what normally architecture would have to do, providing the wall and the ceiling. In this case, furniture can do that as well. By letting it do some of that work, you’re able to deploy this private space anywhere in an your environment. We wanted to cut away at the enclosure as much as we could so it doesn’t feel like you’re hiding. We cut most of the back off so it’s open all the way down.

[DA] What’s the fabric? It looks and feels like felt.
[Maaike] It is a wool felt, but it’s a woven wool felt called Divina. This is the fabric we really like on this piece because it acoustically absorbs sound even more. From a sound perspective, it somehow creates a private bubble.

[DA] It’s interesting how this chair plays a space trick with your mind. It also plays acoustic tricks with the material and wrap-around but also presents a lot of air space.
[Mike] Yes, no one can sneak up behind you. Yes. When you’re sitting here, you notice you’re in enclosed space, but you don’t pick up on the fact that the space is not really there. People acknowledge that a person is there and that they want some privacy.
[Maaike] Yes. When we started thinking about this concept, we talked about playing in boxes as kids. The experience was both fun and good to have your own little vista with the flaps and doors you would use. Our concept started very rectilinear but we massaged it to be comfortably looking.

[DA] Did you present a prototype?
[Mike] Yes. It’s pretty innovative from the manufacturing and materials perspective and we worked very hard with them to achieve a good price point.

[DA] How did you model your concept?
[Maaike] We built the concepts all in 3D CAD to perform what we were after in ergonomic terms in order to understand the size of space. Pretty quickly we created cross section prints and hot gluing laser-cut cardboard to create a structure to see how it felt to sit in it.

[DA] The chair is visually interesting because of the angle of the enclosure. It looks like it’s just balancing on its legs.
[Mike] Part of the reason for the angle is that it’s inviting. And functional as you don’t bump your head when you’re sitting down or getting up.

[DA] Is this your first piece of furniture? Wait, you did a very nice table, Divis?
[Mike] Divis, yes. Though furniture is not our core business, we really enjoy exploring that space. We worked with Watson Furniture in Washington as well as Council in San Francisco. Chairs, room dividers. It’s nice to jump around.
[Maaike] Actually when we started working together, we came from the tech industry in the Bay area, we deliberately decided to break from tech and explore furniture and jewelry. It was a way of working where each space plays off the other. The range of materials and manufacturing is a source of inspiration and keeps our work fresh.

[DA] What drives your process?
[Mike] The CAD is part of the execution but everything starts with a concept for us. It’s usually an abstract concept or question. In this case, the concept was furniture and architecture: where can they blend? Where does one stop and begin?
[Maaike] That’s what happens when you’re a couple and you work together. You have to agree before you start working with each other. It usually has a very strong concept or else we don’t pick up the project.

[DA] How long have you been working together?
[Mike] 18 years. Almost our whole career.

[DA] That’s a wonderful story. In the design world, what’s really hot right now?
[Maaike] I am stunned to see how much soft more texture is coming into the workplace and how that makes for much more casual work environments. Much more inviting. More sense of color, texture. It’s fantastic.
[Mike] Along that line, these pieces by Patricia (Uriquiola) are amazing and to see that in a space that is normally filled with hard office furniture is really showing the office’s evolution.

[ mike&maaike ] [ haworth ]

Augmented reality vizualizer app. Haworth.

Sep 10, 2013

a live camera view provides a clear outlook of how a piece of furniture might ‘fit’ into a space.

Here’s a great tool for visualizing products in any environment, all in real-time. Haworth a global leader in the design and manufacturing of furniture, interior architecture and technology solutions, offers an augmented reality app that let’s you visualize furniture in your office or home. Launched in June 2013, early adopters have given the app high marks as a go-to source for interior design ideas.

The app is part of the launch of a new retail store website. Visit the new [ Haworth Store ] for more information on the augmented reality app. The store itself is a great resource where Haworth’s global knowledge database resides. The store also offers a ‘Help Me Choose’ section, which functions as an advisory arm – helping users select and pre-plan. Haworth partnered with the technology firm Springthrough to create the augmented reality app, which is exclusive to the Haworth Store. [ haworth ]

several themes surface at neocon 2013.

Jun 22, 2013

Neocon 2013 in its entirety represented an incremental slightly better statement overall than previous iterations. Nothing breakthrough, though not of no consequence as there were several trends worth mentioning.

[ trends ]
1> Less playful, more formal….but not too formal. Patricia Urquiola‘s couch – conference seating with high backs for semi-privacy. The lines, and surfaces are shifting towards the more organic, while colors remain subdued with lots of white.

patricia urquiola | haworth | 2014

2> Fusion of office and home. Some showrooms used the word ‘crossover’ future but I like ‘indie’ as in “independence’ where the worker has a great deal more freedom to choose their working environment. Toan Nguyen‘s Lagunitas Lounge system looks like a living room sofa when in a home environment. Is the contract business model aiming at the residential environment for growth? I think so…

lagunitas lounge and table | toan nguyen | coalesse | 2013

3> More personal space. Ties in with “indie” where at Steelcase there were pod-like rooms which could be customized by each visitor, or private phone and video conference space, chairs with extra high backs and sides, some even enclosed.

mood pod provides personal ambiance control | steelcase | 2013

[ brands ]
Coalesse > working with established ‘design’ designers on the way to become the “Moroso” of the contract business. note: more details via interviews with Massaud and Nguyen coming soon.

toan nguyen in his lagunitas lounge chair with table | coalesse

jean-marie massaud on ottoman of massaud collection work lounge | coalesse

Designtex > creative repurposing of materials. Loop to Loop is the first (and greenest at this moment) upholstery made from recycling already recycled textile waste. note: more details via interview with ceo Susan Lyons coming soon.

loop to loop | designtex | 2013

Haworth > The new break-thru BlueScape communication concept offering 1,000 sq/ft of screen real estate, in real-time, worldwide.

bluescape | haworth & obscura digital | 2013

Knoll > A focus on the big boys with Rem Koolhaas “piece de resistance” (04 counter) that may be the first DesignART piece of the contract market