By Emily Siwek, Sphere Trending Trend Futurist, Director of Architectural Design
We just returned from NeoCon, the leading US commercial furnishings fair held annually in Chicago and the change from previous seasons was audible. While the last few years have been somewhat muted, this year we saw the volume starting to creep back up with playful color and pattern, and an emphasis on embracing the noise and volume of life in commercial spaces.
Finding Their Voice
NeoCon debuted a working podcast studio along with the fair this year. The first floor studio was broadcasting studio added a new element to the mix of the event.
Hosts including design personality Amy Devers, recorded live during the show.
Dialed Up Design
Within the products displayed, acoustical wall solutions have become high design, but they were not focusing on completely dampening the noise, rather they were celebrating it, creating strategic design compliments to the increasing complexity of life and design in public spaces. Turf Design also had a sense of fun with their ‘dial a decade’ installation where rotary phones played music from recent eras.
Need For Noise
Carpet manufacturers were inspired by audio elements as well. At Mannington a sound bath inspired pixilated patterns titled “the need for sound” and at the Shaw Contract showroom, Mike Ford shared rhythmic patterns inspired by hip hop.
Ready for something to listen to? Check out Mike Ford’s Top 15 Hip Hop tracks as shared by Shaw Contract and stay tuned in with us to see what’s trending – click here to connect with us and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn.