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In Short, The Not-So-Trendy NeoCon 2019

Big office interior with natural light and pod

As a response to cultural, economic, and physical needs as well as changing environments, trends happen. While some have commented that NeoCon 2019 didn’t have much in the way of “new” trends, it did have twists on old ones. 

What we saw at this year’s event includes some of our favorite design concepts and themes—collaborative furniture, acoustic seating, biophilic design, and offices that promote employee well-being.

For a new twist on these old trends, NeoCon 2019 answered the question of how to marry the collaborative space with the acoustic vibe.

Collaborative + Acoustic Lounge Seating

The commercial furniture industry has been brimming with collaborative couches, lounge series, and media consoles that have served a unique purpose in the age of the open office. Providing a haven for the team to meet away from the active hive, the spaces they create are ideal for brainstorming the next big idea. And certainly, offices have benefitted from the implementation of acoustic pieces. Those who need a solitary, but productive moment, can nestle down in a futuristic acoustic pod for some quiet time. 

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For a new twist on these old trends, NeoCon 2019 answered the question of how to marry the collaborative space with the acoustic vibe. For those offices that need a break out space that allows for community and independence to coexist, there is now collaborative acoustic lounge seating. With this eclectic and creative solution, you can bring the team together with a modern office design style and contemporary commercial sensibility while truly maximizing your office space.

Research shows that employee well-being is positively impacted by the introduction of biophilic elements in the office, including improved blood flow, heart rate, and stress levels.

Biophilia + Well-being

Thankfully, we’re now in an age where words like “biophilia” and “well-being” aren’t fads and are only trendy when they are applied to processes and innovations. Biophilia has played an integral role in building design (think Frank Lloyd Wright), it’s just that commercial spaces have been late getting to the outdoor party. Now that these designs are catching on, NeoCon 2019 predicted we should expect to see more plants, natural light, and natural finishes, and breathe in more outside air thanks to improved ventilation. 

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As a species, we have an innate need to connect with nature, yet we are indoors for the majority of the day. Research shows that employee well-being is positively impacted by the introduction of biophilic elements in the office, including improved blood flow, heart rate, and stress levels. Because promoting employee well-being is such a competitive advantage for employers, bringing the outdoors into the office is a key component to employee retention and the reduction of absenteeism. 

Takeaways

While there may not have been any WOW factors at NeoCon 2019, there were many bright moments. When the outside world seems chaotic, finding collaboration, touchdown spaces, employee wellness, and greenery inside the workspace makes one feel hopeful.

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