This is an excerpt from an article written by Laura Rote. To view full article, click here.
From NeoCon at THE MART in downtown Chicago to Design Days in nearby Fulton Market, thousands took over the streets June 10 to 12 to see the latest in commercial design and more.
This year NeoCon celebrated its 55th edition showcasing top commercial interior design. Architects, designers, specifiers, facility managers, manufacturers, and end users from all over the world took to the many stairs and elevators at THE MART for floor after floor of discovery. More than 200 exhibitors were set up on the seventh floor alone, and this year’s launches focused heavily on tech, flexible furniture, and sustainable materials across offerings—from workplace and education to health care and hospitality.
On the programming side Gensler’s Global Entertainment Leader Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, headlined Monday’s keynote presentation, sharing how designers can tell stories and make their own bit of magic. On Tuesday attendees enjoyed an inspiring conversation between British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori, ASID CEO Khoi Vo, and IIDA CEO Cheryl Durst, as they explored how design can celebrate cultural identities and elevate the individual while unifying people as a whole.
From innovative acoustic solutions to seating made from waste, this year’s offerings inspired us at every turn. Here are some of this year’s highlights from NeoCon and Design Days 2024.
KI Wall From KI
KI recently launched a new brand, KI Wall, for architectural walls and pods.
The leading contract furniture manufacturer celebrated the release of three new products—including three solid and glass wall systems, individual pods, and Super Structure, a post and beam system to create freestanding spaces in open environments. All solutions offer high-end hardware and fixtures as well as customizable finishes.
KI Wall products are designed for productivity, as they offer visual and acoustical privacy while providing designers with opportunity for endless customization.
The innovative design includes curved glass, inkjet printing, custom powder coat paint, and a myriad of finish options.