Trends and innovations on display at ORGATEC 2024
From 22 to 25 October 2024, the leading international trade fair for the future of work will showcase the latest developments, products and trends set to shape tomorrow's working world. It has already become apparent that a wider shift is taking place towards the design of open, welcoming office environments that are aligned with the evolving needs and lifestyles of employees.
Excitement is in the air in the build-up to ORGATEC, which opens its doors in six months' time. After all, the dynamic process of transformation taking place in today's world of work is almost unprecedented. More than ever, the office is called upon to meet the changing needs of employees and become more flexible, diverse and appealing. A look at today's office furnishing sector reveals the trends that reflect our changing lifestyles and work-related needs.
Cultivating emotional harmony: the office as a haven of well-being
Today's office workers want an inspiring work environment where they feel at ease. For that reason, contemporary office design is centred around creating a positive atmosphere. Moving away from the rigidity of traditional office furniture, today's designs provide an avenue to play around with vibrant hues on the various components. Furniture design takes inspiration from fluid, harmonious lines and organic shapes. Other office features such as carpets boasting an inspired use of colour and atmospheric lighting create a pleasant ambience, fostering a deeper emotional connection to the workplace.
Offices on the move: setting work in motion
Generation Z in particular finds the notion of fixed workplaces less appealing. The office is therefore literally on the move. Versatile furniture designed to be used when working at desks, in meeting spaces and in home offices is conducive to an
agile workflow. Mobile working is also facilitated by partition systems that can be moved around the office to create creative spaces and clip-on lockable storage boxes. Weather-resistant armchairs and sofas, meanwhile, transform terraces into cosy outdoor work areas. Today, even power strips are agile, acting as modular systems that cater to different workspaces and requirements.
Full circle: the rise of the circular economy
The office furnishing sector is increasingly adopting a circular approach, viewing this as a competitive advantage. When designing office furniture, consideration is therefore being given to how it can later be disassembled. Used materials such as PET, metal and compostable materials are reused to produce it. To avoid waste, manufacturing residues such as PU foam or packaging are repurposed as recycled raw materials. Return options for office furniture, which manufacturers refurbish and sell after use, are another well-rounded solution.
Quiet, please: the growing demand for personal space
Recent surveys indicate a growing demand for personal space in the office. Accordingly, intelligently designed cubicles featuring a semi-open layout create a serene atmosphere in open offices and provide acoustic insulation without impeding communication between employees. New products such as noise-dampening seats and floor-mounted screens also combine effective acoustics with visual appeal. Moreover, acoustic pods and multifunctional room dividers silently transform openplan areas into personal workspaces, paving the way for hybrid work models.
Clean lines: championing simplicity
The design of many new products in the office furniture sector likewise exudes a sense of calm. The rather unsentimental "less is more" of early modernism has been given a stylish update. Furniture inspired by minimalist design creates an
environment characterised by understated simplicity. The clarity of form signifies enduring aesthetics and conveys care and respect for the materials used. These are often natural wood and textiles, which boost well-being and reduce stress.
Smarter working: office connectivity
Smart office solutions are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Even the design of today's work environments is based on 3D virtual realities. With multi-space offices, employees can quickly find the perfect spot to concentrate or exchange ideas by means of a booking app. Meanwhile, smart lockers ensure that documents are stored securely and facilitate their handover to colleagues. When it comes to video calls, meetings are set to shine thanks to digitally bookable acoustic pods equipped with 4G access and various lighting modes.
All these aspects indicate a shift in office culture towards a welcoming and open work environment for all. ORGATEC 2024 will respond to this development with a wide-ranging programme. In addition to innovations presented by exhibitors, various dedicated Focus Areas will offer inspiring insights into trends and developments shaping the future of work environments, where professionals from across the globe will have the chance to explore what will be possible in the office of tomorrow.
Koelnmesse – Global Inspiration for Living, Contract and Public Spaces
Koelnmesse is the world’s top trade fair organiser for the areas of Living, Contract and Public Spaces. At the trade fair hub of Cologne, in addition to imm cologne and interzum, other trade fair formats such as ORGATEC, spoga+gafa, FSB and aquanale are among the internationally renowned and established industry meeting places. These fairs comprehensively represent the interior and design segment, the furniture and interior construction industries' supplying sections, the kitchen world, all topics for the modern working world, garden lifestyle as well as public space, sports and
leisure facilities and also sauna, pool and ambiente.
In addition to the events in Cologne, Koelnmesse is strategically expanding its portfolio in key growth markets around the globe like with the successful shows ORGATEC TOKYO in Japan, interzum bogota in Colombia and interzum guangzhou in China and interzum forum italy.
The next events:
ORGATEC TOKYO - SHIFT DESIGN - The leading international trade fair in Asia for the
modern workspaces, Tokyo 29.05. - 31.05.2024
spoga+gafa - The world’s biggest garden and BBQ trade fair, Cologne 16.06. -
18.06.2024
ORGATEC - New visions of work, Cologne 22.10. - 25.10.2024
Note for editorial offices:
ORGATEC photos are available in our image database on the Internet at www.orgatec.com/imagedatabase in the “News” section.
Press information is available at: www.orgatec.com/press/press-releases/pressreleases-of-orgatec/
If you reprint this document, please send us a sample copy.
Your contact:
Sarah Kuna
Public and Media Relations Manager
Koelnmesse GmbH
Messeplatz 1
50679 Cologne
Germany
Telefon: + 49 221 821-3746
s.kuna@koelnmesse.de
www.koelnmesse.com
