Trip to Chicago for Necon 2011

I think I've been to Neocon almost every year of my career, the only exceptions being the birth of our son and maybe 2 other years I felt like taking a break (or at least giving my feet one).  It was a relief to see elevator lines forming in the Lobby, indicating a return to a busy industry and designers ready to shop for ideas.

ai3 is launching a modular lounge collection with Loewenstein, a contract furniture manufacturer in Indiana. Reva Revis arranged several meetings for ai3 to discuss our latest concept with Interiors & Sources, Interior Design, Contract magazine, and blogger Louise Mulherin. The leftover time we spent snapping pics in as many showrooms as possible

 

Davis was one of the standouts, for the many creative solutions in multiple seating types.  Beautifully detailed.  We saw many duplicates of Steelcase's original Media scapes, C-scapes (was that 3 years ago?).

Some unique approaches to accessories, such as Turnstone's racks for bikes & skateboards, a nod to the more informal office environments we rarely see from manufacturers. More intuitive integration of technology into meeting spaces: Vitra's AirShare, Steelcase Mini Mediascape. Thoughtful product details at Bernhardt and Leland.

My biggest question: Why did everyone attach fabric screens and upholstered appendages to their sofa products? They were EVERYWHERE.  Here we are trying to encourage interaction and everyone's making cocoons????  Very confusing.