From cutting-edge technologies to the timeless appeal of organic materials, this year’s NeoCon had it all: exceptionally designed spaces, inspiring conversations, educational opportunities and a whole lot of coffee. In a world that’s evolving at a lightning pace, the importance of thoughtful, inclusive and sustainable design has never been greater. Without a doubt, the discussions sparked, the assessments made, and the knowledge garnered at this year’s event serve as critical contributions to our ongoing conversation. Looking into the future of design for the commercial design industry, I walked nearly one-million square feet of exhibition space, experienced furniture, innovative solutions and design objects from more than 400 design leaders firsthand and explored the trends shaping the design world—both in the present and the future. Here are five of the most compelling booths from this year’s NeoCon, each offering a unique snapshot into the limitless potential of design.
Featuring soft acoustic panels that exist between imagination and reality, Turf’s Meditative Magic space feels like an underwater sanctuary. Shades of blues add to the immersive calming experience one needs to center themselves and expand their mind—especially amid our chaotic world. Comfortable sitting adds to a visually stunning ensemble that has become synonymous with Instagram gold. Through felt ceiling and wall design solutions equipped with sound-absorbing technology, wavy lines and colorways range from vivid to soothing, Turf’s design introduces a world within which workplace and hospitality settings transform into full-on sensory experiences that blur the lines between function and aesthetics.
Michael Ford for Shaw Contract/Photo: Courtesy Shaw Contract
What do architecture and hip-hop have in common? Two words: Michael Ford. In light of the genre’s fiftieth anniversary, the architect, designer and educator draws from the five elements of hip-hop—emceeing, DJing, breaking, graffiti and beatboxing—to create rugs and broadloom pieces that weave music and design together, literally. But Ford’s core mission lies deeper than energetic patterns and unexpected color combinations: at architecture’s intersection with one of the most influential contemporary cultural movements, Ford founded The Hip Hop Architecture Camp to introduce underrepresented youth to architecture, urban planning, and design through the lens of hip-hop. Talk about making a difference.
With MoMA Design Store resurrecting iconic Hellerware earlier this year, the Lella and Massimo Vignelli-designed melamine dinnerware collection, originally manufactured in Italy in 1964, and later in the United States by Alan Heller, has made a dynamic comeback. The rainbow-hued stackable collection features plates, bowls and mugs in yellow, green, blue, purple, orange and pink and serves as more than an addition to one’s carefully designed tablescape—they’re a testament to an era. It’s also an artful, eye-popping object that easily fits from a breakfast tabletop to a picnic blanket, to a museum display.
More than presenting products and furniture (including the ultimate lounge chair, Max), the Scandinavian Spaces showroom at this year’s NeoCon went the extra mile. Enter: The Swedish “fika,” translated as a coffee break, is better described as a concept, a state of mind, an attitude and an important part of Swedish culture. Hot beverages as well as fresh pastry (including their signature cinnamon buns) made ScandiCafé a destination for a quick pick-me-up, a meeting or an opportunity to unwind. The Scandinavian Spaces motto—Color. Design. Life—aptly appears throughout as textured neutrals, soft hues and vivid colors intertwined to provide an environment suitable for both work and play.
Looking extremely pretty in pink, the Arcadia showroom provided boho vibes, neon signs, semi-private booths and impeccably designed lounge areas where soft fabrics and light wood coexist. As they embrace a color that has the power to both soothe and ignite passion, stepping into the space feels like a minimalist wonderland. Without being overpowering, Arcadia has managed to combine nostalgia, joy and happiness as well as tenderness and relaxation. Between high-end residential and commercial design, polka dots, bubbles and layering shades of pink, the distinct experience takes a life of its own.
Greek-born Vasia Rigou is a journalist, editor and multimedia content producer largely on the subjects of visual art, culture, architecture and design. She currently serves as an Editor at Newcity, Chicago’s leading culture publication, as Writer and Copy Editor at the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) HQ, and regularly contributes to international architecture and design magazines OnOffice and ICON. She has experience creating content for brands and building conference speeches and influential TEDx talks. Simply put: she’s fascinated by finding out the great stories behind the people, places and objects that surround us, and by sharing those stories with the world. When she’s not writing about art or looking at art—wine in hand—she makes lists for pretty much everything, drinks immense amounts of coffee and takes cross-country road trips every chance she gets.
