NeoCon Wrap Up
This recap of NeoCon 2015 was written by architect Colby Dearman. Per the NeoCon website, “NeoCon is the commercial interiors industry’s most important annual event — bringing together the right people, the best products, and the most innovative ideas.”
image courtesy of Kimball
This year at Neocon we saw a major change in product offerings, with a shift toward supporting mobile workers. As employees are spending more time on the road or out of the office with clients, their needs inside of the office walls are beginning to change.
Employers are also altering the way they think about how this trend affects the office, and have begun seeking spaces that prioritize collaborative environments over individual square footage.
image courtesy of Knoll
So, what about those of us who are still in a traditional work place setting and working the 9 to 5?
There were many product offerings that tried to capitalize on a smaller footprint without sacrificing an employee’s comfort. Work stations were more tailored to performing a specific task, as opposed to providing a generic solution. Cut outs allowed for more personal space, and allowed for just the right balance of workspace in the workstation.
image courtesy of Knoll
Overall there were two presiding trends at this year’s NeoCon: the first was the use of hospitality industry looks and finishes, and the second was the use of plywood.
For spaces that borrowed from trends generally relegated to the hospitality world, their woods had less polish, textiles had more texture and large format pattern, lounge seating had a softer sit, and details became a bit more refined often with full customized options available.
image courtesy of Knoll
The second trend leaned slightly in the other direction – lots of plywood. The start-up, Silicon Valley look is offered in nearly all of the major product lines. Whether it be a table top finish or a wood layered edge, or even panels that divide a space, there was always a plywood finish option.
image courtesy of West Elm
Tried and true residential lines like West Elm are now offering beautiful contract grade options that bring the home office into the workplace. Full of detail and craft, these lines are filling a gap that the big guys have shied away from in years past.
We saw so many great products and solutions that address many of our clients’ needs and challenges. We’re thrilled to be home and excited to begin using what we’ve learned.