November 30, 2021
13 New Products from ICFF, BDNY, and NeoCon
Manufacturers heading back to in-person events are taking pains to roll out only those products that truly demonstrate that they understand the new ways we work. Products this year are distinguished by soothing colors, a home-to-office connection, easy assembly and reconfiguration, and inherent COVID-fighting features. BuzziCee, a line of C-shaped lounge seating, checks several of those boxes. Besides serving a dual function as an acoustic element (it provides noise reduction at 4.5 Sabins of absorption), its modular nature makes it easy to arrange for distancing. Read on for what other products were designed to impress at this year’s NeoCon furniture fair in Chicago and during the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) and Boutique Design (BDNY) shows in New York City
BUZZICEE
Acoustic bench seating is the latest innovation from manufacturer BuzziSpace. The shape promotes safer socializing, while its sherbet-colored upholstery appears designed to perk up moods upon the return to work and school. BUZZISPACE buzzi.space
BUDDYHUB
Rolled out as an extension of the 2017 poufs designed by Busetti Garuti Redaelli, the Buddyhub lounge collection owes its versatility to a wraparound, sound-absorbing backrest that adds acoustic and visual privacy in high-traffic spaces. PEDRALI pedrali.com
DATA TIDE
Mohawk’s newest carpet tile is carbon neutral and features patterns informed by the data behind its sustainable development. Aqua Rhythm, Biome, and River Code styles are all named for the company’s Waterways Project, which is centered on saving carbon-sequestering estuaries. MOHAWK mohawkgroup.com
CREO
Debuting at ICFF, this six-pound handcrafted terra-cotta sconce by ceramicists Scott and Naomi Schoenherr elevates its earthy material and updates the typical profile of corridor lighting fixtures. CERNO cernogroup.com
SPACE M
One of four booths introduced by Polish acoustics company Mute, Space M can be customized with an induction charging surface, height-adjustable desk, LAN connectivity, and USB ports, all for use by one or two people. MUTE mute.design
KATA
Arper’s latest lounge is a circular product—and the manufacturer’s first built entirely of wood. The FSC-certified oak and black locust frame upholstered in recycled polyester can be easily disassembled and fully recycled from legs to backrest. ARPER arper.com
POD TENT
Steelcase is rolling out a novel collection of Work Tents, which adapts the camping staple for use as an office privacy solution. Options include the Pod Tent (shown), a screenlike Boundary Tent, and a Table Tent, for desktop use. STEELCASE steelcase.com
ABELIO
French manufacturer Fermob is extending its Be Safe collection with an easy-to-assemble acrylic screen on an iron base. The design responds to COVID-19 concerns and the growing practice of locating workspace outdoors. FERMOB fermob.com
PERGOLA WORKSPACES
Patricia Urquiola collaborated with Haworth on this scalable freestanding space divider. Easy to install and configure, the Pergola system offers interior architecture without construction. HAWORTH haworth.com
GINNY MULTI-TASKER
This task chair has a domestic scale and cozy style that target the growing marketplace for affordable, contract-grade work-from-home furniture. OM SEATING omseating.com
ELLIS C-TABLE
Portability drove develop-ment of this Amish-built worktable. Its design anticipates a mobile workforce pivoting between private and collaborative spaces. MANTRA INSPIRED FURNITURE mantraif.com
ARTOME M10
Easing communication between remote and in-person workers is the rationale behind the design of this extremely portable, wireless AV and video-conferencing tool. No installation required. ARTOME artome.fi
TERRA
Durable vinyl flooring channels the soothing biophilic patterns of natural stone in Armstrong Flooring’s new Terra collection. It features three terrazzo-like styles (Palazzo, Craton, and Astana) available in 22 colors. ARMSTRONG FLOORING armstrongflooring.com
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