These 10 Walls and Partitions Embrace the Ever-Evolving Workplace
Metropolis takes a look at some of the most inventive wall and panel systems from NeoCon 2020 exhibitors.

Toast features lightweight, noise-reducing acoustical fabric and easy to move and reconfigure anywhere for a meeting space or a place to relax. Its tackable surface can be customized in combinations of bold and neutral colorways. Courtesy Pair
If designers and manufacturers started prioritizing flexible workspace solutions before the pandemic, now such versatility is becoming standard as offices rearrange for the health of their employees. Some of the most inventive space-defining systems can be found among NeoCon 2020 exhibitors. These offerings illustrate the importance of open-ended designs in reinforcing comfort and safety. Here’s a sampling:
-
Designed by Lievore Altherr in 2018, Paravan is a sculptural and space-defining partition from Arper. The modular, sound-absorbing panels come in curved and straight quadrants that can add privacy zones in open areas and can be combined in a variety of ways to delineate break out areas.Courtesy ArperDesigned by Lievore Altherr in 2018, Paravan is a sculptural and space-defining partition from Arper. The modular, sound-absorbing panels come in curved and straight quadrants that can add privacy zones in open areas and can be combined in a variety of ways to delineate break out areas.Courtesy Arper
-
Available in three shapes and sizes, Steelcase’s Flex Screens, is also easy to connect and disassemble, thanks to a magnetic edge. Screens are an extension of the manufacturer’s Flex Collection which includes carts, desks, tables, and more.Courtesy SteelcaseAvailable in three shapes and sizes, Steelcase’s Flex Screens, is also easy to connect and disassemble, thanks to a magnetic edge. Screens are an extension of the manufacturer’s Flex Collection which includes carts, desks, tables, and more.Courtesy Steelcase
-
Colony by Frövi is a reconfigurable, free-standing structure designed to create informal, collaborative, or lounge spaces. Recommended for support of small groups or individual privacy, Colony is available in seven patterns, more than 20 colors, and with an assortment of accessories.Courtesy FröviColony by Frövi is a reconfigurable, free-standing structure designed to create informal, collaborative, or lounge spaces. Recommended for support of small groups or individual privacy, Colony is available in seven patterns, more than 20 colors, and with an assortment of accessories.Courtesy Frövi
-
Toast features lightweight, noise-reducing acoustical fabric and easy to move and reconfigure anywhere for a meeting space or a place to relax. Its tackable surface can be customized in combinations of bold and neutral colorways.Courtesy PairToast features lightweight, noise-reducing acoustical fabric and easy to move and reconfigure anywhere for a meeting space or a place to relax. Its tackable surface can be customized in combinations of bold and neutral colorways.Courtesy Pair
-
Material options, including glass, porcelain markerboards, fabric, acoustic paneling, or perforated steel distinguish Coronagroup’s Intersection. The collection of sliding room dividers can help define space for a variety of settings, due to the breadth of materials. The panels are available in single- or double-sided versions.Courtesy CoronagroupMaterial options, including glass, porcelain markerboards, fabric, acoustic paneling, or perforated steel distinguish Coronagroup’s Intersection. The collection of sliding room dividers can help define space for a variety of settings, due to the breadth of materials. The panels are available in single- or double-sided versions.Courtesy Coronagroup
-
FrameWork, designed by Brian Graham, is a collection of freestanding work spaces built to adapt quickly to the changing needs of the workplace. Its versatile design provides an easy solution for retrofitting semi-private areas into existing open-plan offices.Courtesy Decca ContractFrameWork, designed by Brian Graham, is a collection of freestanding work spaces built to adapt quickly to the changing needs of the workplace. Its versatile design provides an easy solution for retrofitting semi-private areas into existing open-plan offices.Courtesy Decca Contract
-
HBF’s Kinzie Screen, launched at NeoCon 2018, is now available in four different sizes. A simple device for breaking up space and adding privacy, the lightweight divider is ideal for home offices. The wood slats come in ash and walnut with a metal casing in polished aluminum or a powder-coated finishes.Courtesy HBFHBF’s Kinzie Screen, launched at NeoCon 2018, is now available in four different sizes. A simple device for breaking up space and adding privacy, the lightweight divider is ideal for home offices. The wood slats come in ash and walnut with a metal casing in polished aluminum or a powder-coated finishes.Courtesy HBF
-
This year at NeoCon, Peter Pepper Products are digitally exhibiting an array of partitions for a range of back-of-the-house applications ranging from hospitality to corporate settings. Engineered for service spaces, the system incorporates protection and a surface that can be specified with company graphics, in opaque and acrylic panels, or in glass.Courtesy Peter Pepper ProductsThis year at NeoCon, Peter Pepper Products are digitally exhibiting an array of partitions for a range of back-of-the-house applications ranging from hospitality to corporate settings. Engineered for service spaces, the system incorporates protection and a surface that can be specified with company graphics, in opaque and acrylic panels, or in glass.Courtesy Peter Pepper Products
-
This wall is from MASHstudio’s READYMADE. Focus Wall is comprised of an aluminum structure, PET acoustic and tackable panels and 100% wool-upholstery. The soft, sound-absorbing partition can be integrated into any space. The best part? Its surface is naturally antimicrobial.Courtesy MASHstudios and Krista Jahnke PhotographyThis wall is from MASHstudio’s READYMADE. Focus Wall is comprised of an aluminum structure, PET acoustic and tackable panels and 100% wool-upholstery. The soft, sound-absorbing partition can be integrated into any space. The best part? Its surface is naturally antimicrobial.Courtesy MASHstudios and Krista Jahnke Photography
-
Fig40’s Still by Stylex system is BIFMA- and LEVEL-certified system designed for marking space and directing circulation. The durable, contract-friendly panel is a winner of this year’s #MetropolisLikes Awards.Courtesy StylexFig40’s Still by Stylex system is BIFMA- and LEVEL-certified system designed for marking space and directing circulation. The durable, contract-friendly panel is a winner of this year’s #MetropolisLikes Awards.Courtesy Stylex
You may also enjoy “NeoCon Spotlight: Flexible Desking Systems for the New-Era Workplace”
Would you like to comment on this article? Send your thoughts to: comments@metropolismag.com
_____________________________________________________________________
Register here for Metropolis Webinars
Connect with experts and design leaders on the most important conversations of the day.