What kinds of new materials will find their home in the ‘softer’ workspaces that are emerging today? We look at the latest innovations from Orgatec 2018.
November 4th, 2018
Digital interfaces dominate our work and personal lives today, and the proliferation of digital technology is of course particularly felt in the office. Realising the changing way humans are interacting with materials, a special exhibition was curated at Orgatec 2018.
The #materialsculture exhibition area at the commercial trade show event explored not just changing types of materials but their intersection with digital technology. Curated by Dr Sascha Peters, a German trend forecaster, the space brought together an impressive array of smart, experimental materials that will no doubt be finding their way into our workplaces sometime soon.
A great example on display was a unique product and approach to material innovation developed in Sweden. The KTH Royal Institute of Technology from Stockholm has been developing a sustainable cellulose fibre – think transparent wood, hollow cellulose balls and magnetic wood composites. Through explorations in technology and design, this cutting-edge product has endless applications and makes up for Sweden’s drastic decline in paper production.
Where does Dr Peters see materials evolving in the not-too-distant future? He believes that there will be a continuing increase in the demand for material traceability and sustainability. Having the ability to review and trace materials through a digital interface will become the norm – particularly as sustainability and accreditation targets become more stringent.
It’s this juncture of natural and digital that will allow for materials, furniture and thus workplaces to be monitored through a continual loop. This is the future of materiality in the workplace – one that blends digital experience with sustainable traceability and a science-like experimentation.
Already bringing this thinking to market are brands like DeVorm and emeco, both of which use recycled plastics and materials in the production of their products. These are companies driving real-life examples, which are feeding the material loop for the better.
Where do these new material experiments fall in terms of our current workplace design aesthetics and materiality? There’s no denying that our workplaces are getting softer and more comfortable. And Orgatec 2018 presented plenty of brands that are using materiality to push for a generally softer workplace aesthetic.
One way this can be calculated is in the inclusion of fabric houses such as Kvadrat and Instyle, but also in the increase of more traditionally residential brands like Normann Copenhagen and Muuto.
Having a more cosy and welcoming workplace, and one that is accountable for its impact on the world can only be a good thing. Lets see what happens when the digital and the soft collide…
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
The American Hardwood Export Council promotes the works of next-gen designers through Discovered Singapore exhibition happening from 16 to 22 May at Red Dot Design Museum Singapore.
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
By adding Muuto to its roster as Singapore’s only retailer, XTRA not only celebrates the enduring appeal of Scandinavian design – it heralds a whole new perspective on its universally appealing legacy.
Some of your favourite names in design specification are leading the way in circularity and sustainable business practices.
Kate Stokes of Coco Flip recently launched the Bellini collection, a series of seats that responds to a gap in the market for comfortable bench seating. It feels both laid back and luxe.
Capturing the vibrant rows of Dutch flower fields, Studio Truly Truly has designed Suunta, a textile range developed in collaboration with Kvadrat. Find out more about the inspiration behind this new offering.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
We spoke to Ketil Årdal, CEO of Danish green-tech design brand, Mater, as they unveiled the Alder collection at Milan Design Week.
From housing affordability to questions of density, multi-residential design and the future of cities, here are eight varied stories from our archives.