Orgatec 24

The SBS team attended the Orgatec fair, recently concluded in Cologne.
It was an intense few days, full of insights and inspiration.

We’ve been immersed in an office environment that combines beauty, functionality, and sustainability; a workspace that meets practical needs while enhancing workers’ well-being and promoting a new balance between aesthetics and ecological responsibility.
Once again, at this edition of the most important European office furniture fair, we observed a high level of attendance from various parts of the world.
Despite the absence of some major players like Vitra and Herman Miller, there was a decidedly positive and calm atmosphere among visitors and exhibitors throughout the halls.

Seating Trends
In seating, there was a growing interest in soft seating or hybrid seating (for spaces associated with hybrid work environments), while in task seating, innovations were not particularly disruptive.
To clarify, there were more sofas and stools than traditional office chairs.
Discussions and presentations centered on two main themes: workplace well-being and environmental and social sustainability. These are not just trends but pillars in workspace design and a focus for many exhibiting companies, especially the industry leaders.

Well-being in the Office: An Essential Focus

Employee well-being is a central topic in modern business strategies.
As previously noted in our blog HERE, research shows that a healthy work environment not only increases productivity but also reduces absenteeism and enhances employees’ quality of life and job satisfaction. During Orgatec, many companies showcased solutions designed to enhance users’ health and comfort. Ergonomic chairs, flexible workspaces, and soundproofed spaces that encourage collaboration were key highlights.

Noteworthy in this field is the new CoreChair by Viasit.

Designed by Canadian Patrick Harrison, this chair offers an active seating experience that engages the user’s core through a special mechanism.
Acoustic well-being is another mega-trend of Orgatec 2024; several companies introduced interesting solutions in various forms and levels, like Framery.

Sustainability: A Necessary Commitment

Alongside well-being, sustainability took center stage in the booths and narratives at the fair. Companies are recognizing the importance of adopting sustainable practices, not only to comply with environmental regulations but also to meet the growing expectations of consumers.

At Orgatec, recycled materials and low-impact production processes were presented, and circular economy principles were central to one of the Fair’s Focus Areas: The Circular House.

Sustainability goes beyond the materials used; it also emphasizes designing durable products, preferably refurbishable and easily recyclable. This focus on sustainability is crucial to building a better and more responsible future for the office furniture sector.

Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival

“Wherever Whenever” was the title of the program featuring about 100 industry experts who, often in German due to IBA’s participation, shared their vision of future work practices through 75 talks, examining the challenges and opportunities.
Three main perspectives were analyzed: TEAM, focusing on collaborative work in “hybrid” environments (both in-person and remote); IMPACT, focusing on the environmental and social impact of these new collaborative practices; and LIFE, concerning work-life balance. For further details please check HERE

The Augmented Office

Another noteworthy element was the “return to the future” of the office, where VR headsets are likely to replace cell phones, tablets, and PCs.

The headset opens up new possibilities for augmented reality, allowing users to insert videos, virtual content, and captions into real spaces; any space can become a workspace through the headset. Examples include MOBILE OFFICE inside a caravan

or HOME OFFICE, where a simple lounge area with a lounge chair can become an office.

Our take: this vision may not be immediate (considering the setbacks in AR headset adoption), but it represents an intriguing possibility for when these devices become popular. At SBS, we have been working with headsets for some time to facilitate new product development.

Trends on colors and shapes

Another fascinating aspect of Orgatec 2024 was the use of innovative color palettes and the introduction of recycled upholstery materials. These elements not only enhance the aesthetics of workspaces but, once again, express a commitment to sustainability and well-being. Shapes are becoming softer and more organic, inspired by nature.

As for color trends, we identified three main themes: red-yellow-green.

Brick Red
Brick red is a warm, intense color that recalls traditional materials and adds character to spaces. Often associated with passion and creativity, this color can stimulate energy and interaction among team members.

Combinations: Brick red pairs well with neutral tones like gray or white, creating an elegant contrast that can brighten up spaces.
Combined with natural materials like wood or stone, it fosters a welcoming and warm atmosphere.

Mustard Yellow
Known as the “energy color,” it stimulates creativity and fosters focus.
Mustard yellow is especially effective in common areas or meeting rooms, where it encourages collaboration and interaction.

Combinations: Mustard yellow combines well with darker colors like navy blue or anthracite gray, creating a visual balance that maintains energy without overwhelming the space.

Forest Green
Forest green is a deep, natural color that evokes calm and tranquility. This color is ideal for creating relaxing environments, perfect for offices aiming to reduce stress and promote concentration.

Combinations: It pairs beautifully with earthy tones like brown and beige, as well as brighter colors like yellow or burnt orange for dynamic contrast. Green plants, combined with forest green, can further enhance the atmosphere.

Remaining on the topic of colors and combinations, we found Sedus’s approach particularly interesting, categorizing the color palette and finishes based on the values a user wants to express. Sedus identifies seven categories (named Harmonizers, Adventurers…), seven profiles each associated with a set of colors and finishes.

Trends on materials

Environmental sustainability is primarily reflected in upholstery made from recycled fabrics, which were especially appreciated at Orgatec 2024. These materials are often made from plastic bottles or textile waste converted into durable fibers.

In addition to fabrics, materials derived from wood and plastic waste were presented. Particularly notable was Vepa’s proposal, which has been working for years on innovative, fully recycled materials (like felt and a composite of wood and recycled coffee bags).

Conclusions

Orgatec 2024 has shown that attention to design cannot be separated from sustainability. Using vibrant color palettes along with recycled materials and organic designs represents a significant step towards creating more welcoming and responsible work environments. It is essential to continue exploring these trends in our approach to designing workspaces, helping to build a better future for all.

That’s all from Orgatec… if you have any comments, suggestions, or simply want to see more photos, click the FEEDBACK button, and we’ll be happy to respond!

SBS team with the designer Emanuele Bertolini

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