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Metropolis editors pick the best new products that launched virtually at NeoConnect.
By:
Metropolis Editors
The Division Twelve Collection contains a colorful array of tables, chairs, and stools designed by Geof Lilge, Scot Laughton, and Samuel Petterson. Available in 20 different colors, all of the frames are 100% recyclable. The seats are crafted out of FSC-certified wood and bio-based foam. Courtesy Division Twelve
As NeoCon exhibitors convene virtually through NeoConnect, the conference’s new digital hub, #MetropolisLikes, our biannual product awards has been poring over submissions of the numerous online debuts. Of those, 35 innovative products earned a stamp of approval from our editors. Overall, this year’s winners stand out for features that push boundaries of manufacturing technology, enable versatility, and embody sustainability more than ever before.
We were especially impressed by the number of companies continuing efforts to incorporate recyclability, bio-based materials, and carbon-neutral initiatives in their manufacturing processes. Products here also represent ways in which designers are reimagining the workplace from the greater flexibility of modular furnishings to the mainstream use of 3D printing.
Review Metropolis’s winning selections of the best solutions debuting during NeoConnect:
3FORM Varia Design Collection
3form’s line of resin products, Varia, is introducing new colorways, allowing designers even more options in color, pattern, and translucency. 3FORM
ALLSTEEL RISE modular seating
Allsteel’s Rise is a newly expanded modular seating collection designed by IDA Design and Rainlight Design Studio. With the inclusion of a chaise, corner seat, soft wall, ottoman, and half-width ottoman, Rise provides opportunities for multiple configurations. ALLSTEELCourtesy Allsteel
ARC-COM Ensemble Collection
Healthy Hospital Initiative compliant, Arc-Com’s Ensemble collection is a line of bleach cleanable, high performance fabrics that come in three patterns: Arabesque, Cadence, and Pattern Harmony—the latter of which is woven with X-Static, Arc-Com’s antimicrobial yarn. ARC-COMCourtesy Arc-Com
ARMSTRONG FLOORING MedinPure
Armstrong Flooring’s MedinPure with Diamond 10 Technology coating is a PVC-free sheet solution for healthcare environments. It is free of Ortho-Phthalates, Halogens, Isocyanates, and Red List Chemicals of Concern. ARMSTRONG FLOORINGCourtesy Armstrong Flooring
ARPER Adell chair
Lievore and Altherr Désile Park’s Adell chair for Arper is a sustainable choice for many settings. The chair, whose shell is made up of 80 percent recycled polypropylene and constructed without any glue or VOCs, is available fully upholstered, shell only, or with a removable cushion, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. ARPERCourtesy Arper
CARNEGIE Boost Ottoman
Carnegie’s Boost Ottoman is the first piece of furniture launched under the company’s new Space Division. Based on Carnegie’s new Xorel Knit, the stool is fit for high use areas. CARNEGIECourtesy Carnegie
CARVART glassSCREENS>Shield
With pandemic safety in mind, CARVART’s glassSCREENS>Shield will provide protection for essential workers. Made of glass rather than plastic, the shield almost seems to disappear. CARVART
CUMBERLAND Isla
Defne Koz and Marco Susani’s modular Isla Double system comes from an understanding of the ever-changing nature of human behavior, lifestyles, and work habits. CUMBERLAND
DAVIS Somod
Ranging from classic sofas, to large-scale benching and lounge configurations, Davis Furniture’s SoMod seating system is a soft, modern lounge collection that with an inset plinth base, appears to float above the floor. DAVIS FURNITURE
DIVISION TWELVE Collection Stools
The Division Twelve Collection contains a colorful array of tables, chairs, and stools designed by Geof Lilge, Scot Laughton, and Samuel Petterson. Available in 20 different colors, all of the frames are 100% recyclable. The seats are crafted out of FSC-certified wood and bio-based foam. DIVISION TWELVE
DUPONT TEDLAR Wallcoverings
DuPont’s Tedlar Wallcoverings are durable surfaces that do not support growth of bacteria or mold. New patterns have recently been added to the collection, each available with Health Product Declarations and UL GREENGAURD Gold certification. DUPONT TEDLAR
FORMICA SurfaceSet2020 Recycled Kraft Series
Formica’s SurfaceSet 2020 Recycled Kraft series utilizes 100% recycled pulp and natural additives such as coffee bean chaff and fibers from coffee bean bags. The series achieves FSC 100% Recycled Credit. FORMICA
HAWORTH Lud’o Chair
Patricia Urquiola’s Lud’o collection is a series of chairs and a pouf composed of a recycled plastic shell and upholstery available in a variety of fabrics from leather to recycled nylon, plastic, and wool. HAWORTH
HBF Jueki Stool
Appearing to take the shape of a typical metal stool, HBF’s Jueki Stool, designed by Jonathan Yoshida Rowell, is an elegantly carved seat from solid Ash wood. HBF
HBF Textiles Up Series textiles
HBF Textile’s UP Collection is a collaboration with Boston-based designer Kelly Harris Smith. The “uplifting” textiles are bleach cleanable, domestically sourced, and are composed of post-consumer recycled polyester. HBF TEXTILES
HIGHTOWER Ziggy
Whether working from home or in the office, adaptability is key. With that in mind, Hightower’s Ziggy Table and Stool designed by Brad Ascalon can be endlessly configured for either group or solo work. With such playful forms and pastel colors, they are sure to entice users to get up and move. HIGHTOWER
INTERFACE Thread Story
Interface’s Thread Story, designed by David Oakey, features six carpet tiles inspired by the woven techniques of Bauhaus patterns. The collection is made with recycled nylon and is carbon neutral across its life cycle. INTERFACE
JANUS ET CIE Anatra Teak High Back Lounge Chair
Another design by Patricia Urquiola, the Anatra Teak High Back Lounge Chair features intricate rope finishes in neutral colorways. JANUS ET CIE
KEILHAUER Swurve Chair
Reviewed by third party Lifecycle Assessement, Swurve is the company’s first ever carbon neutral chair. KEILHAUER
KNOLLTEXTILES Floressence Upholstery
KnollTextiles’s digitally printed Floressence upholstery is a multicolored cloud pattern that can withstand up to 100,000 Double Rubs. KNOLL TEXTILES
LIGHTART Coil Collection
LightArt’s Coil Collection is a line of fixtures crafted of upcycled materials from internal waste, PVC-free cord, and TGIC-free powder coat. LIGHTART
LIGHTING QUOTIENT G305
In a post-pandemic workplace, maintaining safe and healthy spaces is key. The Lighting Quotient’s Tambient disinfection task light uses UV-C technology to eliminate desktop germs. THE LIGHTING QUOTIENTCourtesy Courtesy Michael T Photography & Design Inc.
MASHSTUDIOS Focus Wall
MASHstudio’s Focus Wall is 100% wool-covered aluminum structure with PET acoustic and tackable panels—it’s naturally antimicrobial. MASH STUDIOS
MAYER FABRICS Quantum Collection
Mayer Fabrics’s high performance Quantum Collection brings sustainable solutions to healthcare environments. Healthier Hospital Initiative compliant, the fabrics are bleach cleanable and water resistant while also containing no DMF, phthalates, antimicrobial additives, or chemicals. MAYER FABRICS
MOHAWK Smart City
Mohawk Group’s Living Product Certified Smart City collection is inspired by the patterns and textures of transit maps of major cities including New York, London, Berlin, and Shanghai. MOHAWK GROUP
MOMENTUM Light Collection
Sina Pearson’s Light Collection is a line of high-performance textiles that feature durability of 100,000 double rubs. MOMENTUM
NIENKAMPER Patkau
With its sloping solid wood seat and stainless-steel hairpin legs, the Patkau Bench is a modern solution ideal for galleries or a variety of public spaces. NIENKÄMPER
PALLAS TEXTILES Dérive Collection
Pallas Textile’s Dérive Collection is a phthalate-free PVC line available in 21 shades. The collection is inspired by the definition of the French word meaning to “drift through new places, letting the landscape and cityscape inspire you.” PALLAS TEXTILES
PANOLAM Surface Systems The Yesteryears Collection
From starbursts to boomerangs to wood grains and pastels, Panolam’s Yesteryears Collection brings a healthy dose of nostalgia through some of the brand’s most popular patterns throughout the past 80 years. PANOLAM
SANDLER SEATING Reform chair
Composed entirely of recycled plastic and bio composite materials, the 3D printed REFORM chair is a sustainable indoor/outdoor seating reminiscent of the flowing forms of Frank Gehry’s Easy Edges. SANDLER
SHAW CONTRACT Rugs program
Shaw Contract’s Rugs program is a new tool for designers looking for custom rug options. Working with multiple designers, the program offers bold patterns within six categories: abstract, geometric, graphic, organic, painterly, and tradition. Each rug is made from 100% recyclable nylon. SHAW CONTRACT
SKYLINE DESIGN Obscura glass
Suzanne Tick’s Obscura collection for Skyline Design is a decorative film for glass that lends workplace conference rooms privacy as well as a sleek aesthetic. SKYLINE DESIGN
STUDIO TK Sly Occasional Table
Studio TK’s Sly Occasional Tables are light-weight side tables that come in various top materials including linoleum, laminate, veneer, and back-painted glass with an exposed plywood edge. STUDIO TK
STYLEX Still
The BIFMA and LEVEL-certified panels, Still by Stylex is a flexible system that provides separation in open-plan environments. STYLEX
WATSON C9 Workstation and Meeting Tables
Designed by Morten Nikolajsen and Ethan Pearl, Watson’s C9 Workstation and Meeting Tables improve flexibility in the office through a height-adjustable desk and articulating power rail. WATSON
