Highlights from ORGATEC 2022
After a long, four-year hiatus, last month saw the return of Orgatec in Cologne and our team were there to explore the latest developments in workplace design and furniture. The leading international trade fair for the modern working world welcomed over 45,000 visitors to discover how topics such as hybrid working, technological and material innovation, sustainability and employee health and wellbeing are shaping the workplace furniture industry. Here we present some of our top product picks that stood out from the crowd.
Alki – Zuzulu Space Layout System
Basque-made furniture manufacturer, Alki, has launched a new space layout system in collaboration with design studio Iratozoki & Lizaso. The Zuzulu collection looks to simplify the needs of a hybridised workspace – the modular system combines space-dividing partitions with seating, desks and tables in an organised manner to meet the multitude of needs of workspaces today.
Mara – Timmy Libro Folding Table
A sleek example of a space-saving table, Italian furniture brand Mara has expanded its collection of foldaway tables to include Timmy Libro. Also available in a table height of 1050mm to support users working in a standing position, the table has a simple mechanical folding system that only requires one person to operate and move.
Gumpo – pony
A combination of a seat and table, pony is an intuitive product designed to be used in both public and private spaces. There are many possibilities of seating arrangements – the round plate can be rotated to allow for more space, and it is easily movable thanks to its castors. Made almost entirely of wood, pony is available in 6 colourways – the fabrics of which are made from 100% recycled plastic waste.
Nunc – Bolta Lounge Chair
The Bolta Lounge Chair by Nunc has a wing-shaped backrest with inviting curves that hug the body. A collaboration with Regular Company - a design studio based in Zagreb, Croatia - Bolta is formed of bent plywood and is also available with an upholstered seat and backrest.
Karimoku New Standard – Spectrum Workstation
Designed by Geckleler Michels, Spectrum is a versatile table for contemporary working environments. Minimalist in style and inspired by Japanese architecture, the table has a simple cable management system that completes its functionality and allows for an uncluttered workspace. Spectrum is made from sustainably-sourced Japanese oak and is available in a natural and black finish.
NowyStyl – WithME Task Chair
WithME is a fully ergonomic task chair with a unique, non-conventional adjustment mechanism – the patented arm-bar acts as a torsion spring to control the height. Designed by Martin Ballendat, the chair is made of only three components and is easy to assemble and take apart for the seat covers to be washed or refreshed.
Johanson Design – DICE
DICE combines two functions – a stool and a table – in a fun, practical piece of furniture by the designer duo Bottcher & Kayser. With one padded side and one flat surface, DICE can be rolled to alternate between the two functions.
Ondarreta – Ginger Collection
Ginger is a new collection designed by Sebastian Kerkner, comprising a chair, lounge chair and a table, characterised by their generous, rounded shapes. Ondarreta is a third-generation family-owned furniture manufacturer based in the Spanish Basque Country.
Miniforms - Bice
The Bice chair, designed by Italian studio E-ggs for Miniforms, consists of a simple wooden structure with an eccentric, extended backrest. Balancing straight lines with curved edges to create an overall slender and space-saving design, Bice is a perfect solution for a range of commercial environments.
Prooff - A Simple Machine
Combining ergonomics and engineering to encourage physical activity in the workplace, A Simple Machine uses various mechanisms powered by human energy to create a more active working day. Designed by HeijltjesAkkaya for Prooff, a cylindrical counterweight balances the mass of the tabletop and its frame, resulting in a floating surface which can be fixed at any desired height.
Blå Station - Sting
The Sting Chair has been relaunched by Swedish furniture brand Blå Station and is now made from recycled materials. Initially designed by Stefan Borselius and Fredrik Mattson, the chair is stackable and linkable and is made from aluminium and stainless steel - with the change being that the aluminium is now almost wholly collected as scrap material and contained for remelting.
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