From June 10-12, some 50,000 attendees will gather at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart to survey the latest in in commercial and contract furniture for the annual National Exposition of Contract Furnishings, or, as the industry knows it, NeoCon. Here are some of our favorite pieces you can expect to see at this year’s show.
Navy Wood Chair, Emeco
Emeco is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its iconic aluminum Navy Chair—originally designed for warships during World War II—with the launch of a wood version. Measuring 34” tall, 19.5” deep, and 15.5” wide, the Navy Wood chair is available in walnut, white oak, or black-stained oak sourced from sustainably managed forests according to Emeco. emeco.net
Courtesy Andreu World
Alya, Andreu World
Conceived by Barcelona-based designers Manel Molina, Alberto Lievore, and Jeanette Altherr, this line of upholstered plywood and flexible foam lounge chairs is designed for office, restaurant, and residential settings. Available with a low or high backrest, Alya can be specified with various base configurations in aluminum, wood, or wood lacquer finishes with an optional tilting seat system. Matching ottomans are also available. andreuworld.com
Courtesy Allseating
Exchange 3, Allseating
The second expansion of the Canadian manufacturer’s Exchange line, Exchange 3 is comprised of seven recycled, injection-molded plastic components with a series of support rails that can be configured into 180,000 possible variations for private (shown) or collaborative work that accommodate between one and five people. Exchange 3 can now be specified with screens up to 60” tall, with high and low in-line shelving units, and with extended armrests among other features. Armrests are available in 13 laminate and 16 paints finishes. allseating.com
Lorenz Cugini
Soft Work, Vitra
Designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby predict a future where individual workstations are no longer the standard. In their stead, the duo propose this modular couch system that aims to provide the comfort of residential furniture in office and open environments. Soft Work can be specified with moveable swivel table inserts, partition screens, outlets, and charging stations. Available in 138 colorways. vitra.com
Jeremy Frechette
Alto, Humanscale
A collaboration with Los Angeles designer Don Chadwick, Alto features a contoured flexible shell seat with a die-cast aluminum frame and steel foot ring available in polished chrome or black powder-coated finishes. Available in bar height (approximately 34”) and counter height (approximately 30”) versions, Alto can be specified with maple, walnut, or ebony stained oak legs. humanscale.com
