This week some 50,000 people flocked to Chicago for NeoCon, the platform and annual conference for commercial interior design. Over 450 exhibitors showcased their latest and greatest at THE MART under this year’s theme of Design Ahead, exploring the future and ongoing transformations of workplaces, educational environments, healthcare facilities, and hospitality projects. Throughout the show, and the many activities at Fulton Market, one particular theme felt like the answer to the future of commercial spaces across the board: wellness.
There was an increase in incorporating nature as a way to improve inhabitant wellbeing and the health of the environment. There were lots of plant-incorporated furniture (like Stylex’s Vina and Martin Brattrud’s Miramar); an emphasis on biophilic designs; creating comfort and a sense of welcome through curvature; and more designs informed by neuro-research to incorporate feel-good elements to the space. Part of this trend also incorporated wellness for the planet and other sustainable innovations. Perhaps the most notable of this is Hyphyn, the first biodegradable performance vinyl made with particular enzymes and resins engineered to break down within two years.
Below are highlights from NeoCon and Fulton Market that showcase wellness in elegant and unique ways.
Nina Lounge by Andreu World
Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the curvaceous form of this lounge chair invites snuggling down. The shape is made by a continuous curve that folds over itself, creating a toroid-like figure. It’s made with Pure ECO thermopolymer, a 100-percent-recycled and recyclable material that forms that contoured shell on its back. Made with Cradle to Cradle certification, it’s no wonder it won a Best of NeoCon award.
Renaturation Collection by Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering
This wallcovering collection features fractal patterns, designed by Martin Lesjak and Anastasija Lesjak, as well as leading fractals researcher Dr. Richard Taylor. The collaboration unites math and interiors, drawing from Taylor’s research into the ways fractals and other naturally occurring patterns reduce stress. The release comes in addition to Momentum’s early preview of a cork acoustic line.
Crux Collection by Division Twelve
Constructed with bent steel and white oak, this office and educational seating offers meets the professional and functional needs of the commercial environment without sacrificing design. Designed in collaboration with Afteroom, the collection comes in a variety of finishes and upholstery to inject playful, bright or elegant projects.
ReMaterial by Patcraft
ReMaterial is made of polyolefin materials, including up to 25 percent post-consumer recycled plastic derived from products like yogurt cups and laundry detergent containers. As it is an EcoWorx construction, the same materials can then be re-recycled through the re[TURN] program. The flooring is finished with an EXoGaurd+ topcoat to remain suitable for high-traffic environments.
Knit One Chair by Isomi
Air becomes the cushion in Isomi’s new modular seating system. Designed by Paul Crofts, Knit One uses 3D knitting technology for a zero-waste output that continuous, visually solid volume that mimics the softness and fullness of upholstered furniture while being made almost entirely of air and knit. The ribbing design references stitched detailing in classic padded chairs while enhancing texture and structure.
Jean Nouvel Seating Collection by Coalesse
Designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel, this collection of seating is sculpturally inspired by rocks in a riverbed and shifting dunes. It comprises a fully upholstered lounge chair, sofa, ottoman, and tête-à-tête, a modern reinterpretation of a French archetype not often designed for contract furniture. Each variation combines subtle swells and recesses, as well as Nouvel’s elementary quality.
Spool by Arktura
Winner of NeoCon’s Innovation Award, Spool is part of the Tapestra collection, and it utilizes the flexibility of PET felt fabric to create winding, sinuous forms. It brings new design opportunities to implementing acoustics in commercial projects while remaining sustainable.