The company rings in its centenary by looking into the future with a global initiative titled “100 Dreams, 100 Minds, 100 Years”.

Steelcase would be quick to tell you that the company is more than just about office furniture products – its core commitment is to people at work and this ultimately directs its human-centred approach to innovation and design.

“We have always focussed on people and what people can do. Companies don’t survive for a century – ideas do,” says James Hackett, CEO of Steelcase Inc.

As it turns 100, the company has decided to hold a year-long celebration to mark its growth from local manufacturer to global innovator, focussed on the future of work. And it is inviting people from all over the world to participate.

Imagining the future – Kid’s artwork by Katherine from Hong Kong.

Called “100 Dreams, 100 Minds, 100 Years”, Steelcase has started a dialog that gets thought leaders such as Patricia Urquiola and Dale Chihuly (“100 Minds”), right down to children (“100 Dreams”) from around the world all envisioning – through words, drawings, images and videos – their ideas about the future. A documentary film titled “One Day” highlighting the “100 Dreams” of children will also be showcased at Steelcase events around the world (also available online at 100.steelcase.com).

Imagining the future – kid’s artwork by Shefali from Mumbai, India.

You can now join in the discussion at 100.steelcase.com, engage in Steelcase’s blog and submit your own ideas for the future.

Top image: Artwork by Tristan