NeoCon is the place where trends are born. NeoCon 2024 dates from June 10-12, where an estimated 50,000 attendees and over 400 companies meet at THE MART to learn and showcase what the latest innovations in office design are through exhibitions, presentations, and workshops. So what are the NeoCon 2024 trends?
Last year, NeoCon 2023 introduced themes of human-centric design, sustainable practices, and inclusive reconfiguration. These themes were similar those of NeoCon 2022 as part of the chain reaction that quarantine has had on the design industry. Will this year’s trends fall in the same vein as the past two years?
The results are in, and the answer is yes.
But that doesn’t mean that NeoCon 2024 trends don’t stand out on their own. This summer the convention was a vibrant display of innovation, inclusiveness, and whimsy.Â
NeoCon ’24 Trend 1: Sustainability
Sustainability takes center stage once again in NeoCon 2024. In 2023, eco-friendly materials became important because consumers began to factor in the source of their products when buying furniture. Not only that, but it also reduces carbon footprint and lengthens the lifespan of the product. This year, designers are taking sustainability to the next level. Keeping the mentioned benefits in mind, many vendors also highlighted new sustainability initiatives and broadened their non-consumptive options with increased wood/veneer use.Â
For instance, NeoCon 2024 winner Global Furniture Group’s Collaborative Spaces utilizes PET felt as modesty panels and chair covers and aluminum framework for its tables, shelves and desks. All of it is durable and 100% recyclable, made with sustainability in mind.
Photo: Global Furniture Group Collaborative Learning Spaces
NeoCon ’24 Trend 2: Community
Humans are social creatures and our surroundings reflect that. Collaboration is not a new trend; since the pandemic, the office design industry has been reacting to its effects on human interaction. People crave to be near each other after being separated for so long, and that sentiment is being expanded even today. But we’re not lingering on the open plan office anymore. With a renewed appreciation for the community, designers are trying to create spaces that can foster connection and camaraderie while accommodating other environments.
NeoCon 2024 exhibitors KI and Stylex introduced new products that fit that category this year: the Sonrisa lounge furniture and the Ambi modular lounge. Sonrisa’s design aims to strike the perfect balance between the individual experience and community interaction. It’s flexible, capable of adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of modern needs. The Ambi modular lounge won the Business Impact Award because of how ingeniously crafted it is, being made for both in-person and virtual collaboration. It has multiple configurations, making it easy to provide privacy or to create a space for group work.Â
Photo: KI Studios Sonrisa Seating
Photo: Stylex Ambi Media Lounge
NeoCon ’24 Trend 3: Wellbeing
After over a century of the design industry’s existence, one thing is clear: there is no universal solution to a workplace. Everyone reacts differently to their environment and if we want to optimize efficiency and productivity, it is time to start catering to human-centric designs. That’s where wellbeing comes in.
Wellbeing is a theme we have been seeing since 2022. Its echoes and ripples are still felt today. With that in mind, NeoCon 2024 forecast that it would continue to be an important factor in office design. This year it appears in the shape of inclusive workspaces. This means that when designing for an office, designers have to consider different environments for workers to find levels of privacy and concentration, connection and engagement. The goal for wellbeing is to find furniture that accommodates the employees, and not the other way around.
The OFS Ally Private Office revolutionizes traditional configurations by creating a space that can offer the needed seclusion of a private office while also providing a space for workers to connect. Senator Group’s CellPod is another innovative product that comes in various shapes that can be used as casual meeting spaces, semi-private booths, or individual seating for concentration.
Photo: OFS Ally Private Office
NeoCon ’24 Trend 4: Joyful Colors & Textures
The color trends at NeoCon 2024 reflected the focus on community connection, neurodiversity, and well-being. There were no particular color schemes; every color was free game as long as it elicited emotions such as happiness or calm, depending on where it was used. Color often went hand-in-hand with textures to subconsciously stimulate positive feelings and energize workers.
As the winner of the Best of Competition award, Momentum’s collaboration with Yinka Ilori showcased this combination best. Vibrant patterns and masterful use of color inspire a sense of community and playfulness. Stylex Creative Director Carole Baijings also created a new color palette full of bold contrasts and unexpected pairings, influenced by European aesthetics.
Photo: Yinka Lori for Momentum Textiles and Carole Baijings Stylex Color Palette
Looking Toward The Future
And that wraps up the NeoCon 2024 review. The future of office design continues to gravitate towards human-centric values, focusing on those who inhabit the workplace instead of the environment itself.
What are your favorite trends from NeoCon 2024?
NeoCon 2024 Dates
NeoCon 2024 Registration: April 3
NeoCon 2024 Dates for Convention: June 10-12
Read Also: NeoCon 2023 Trends: Lighting the Way to a Better Workspace
Main Photo: Stylex Free Address Open Plan Office
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers:Â Global Furniture Group, KI Studios, OFS, Senator Group, Stylex