Orgatec 2024 kicks off next week and will run from 22 to 25 October. With a redesigned hall layout, the workplace design fair will present visitors with ‘new visions of work’, combining insights into trends and developments along with top exhibitors and products. FRAME rounded up nine brands, stands, products and events to see in Cologne.

CONFAIR NEXT 

Wilkhahn 

Wilkhahn will present its ergonomic office chairs, flexible tables, and versatile seating solutions in an airy wood  and textile-adorned space. Its 450-sq-m space is divided into product- and theme-related zones with the Confair Next presentation occupying the centre of the stand. A modular toolbox designed for communication and collaboration spaces, supporting both analogue and hybrid work environments, the mobile room modules include pinboards, whiteboards, mobile stools, trolleys, and a media wall combining interactive screens with ultra-light writable boards. 

Where: Hall 9, Stand A30/C35 

Breathing Light by Studio A+N, part of the Rewire: New Work Modes exhibition.

WHEREVER WHENEVER – WORK CULTURE FESTIVAL 

IBA

Curated by Robert Thiemann and Wolfram Sauer, Wherever Whenever explores the future of work from angles like employee health and wellbeing, team building, technology, and social and environmental sustainability. Through a programme of talks and panels from the likes of  Ben van Berkel, Sabine Marcelis  and Werner Aisslinger, along with a a design installation Rewire – New Work Modes curated by Marlies Bolhoven, Wherever Whenever will explore how design will enable the workplace of the future. 

Where: Hall 6 and 8

Photo: Mattia Parodi  

WOD 

Lapalma  

WOD, first presented as a concept during this year’s Salone del Mobile, is a new panel by Lapalma, designed by Raffaella Mangiarotti. Consisting of a succession of elements in wood or felt, the system, which does not involve the use of metal elements or screws, relies on a concealed interlocking mechanism and allows the panel to adapt to a linear or curved position. 

Where: Hall 10.2, Stand Q10/P11

PLURAL SOFT 

Pedrali 

Marking the 10th anniversary of its Plural collection, Pedrali has unveiled the new Plural Soft, an upholstered version of the multiple-seat solution designed by Jorge Pensi Design Studio. Maintaining its minimalist design, the versatile system enables multiple configurations with three, four, six and nine seats. Elements such as a side top with integrated ports for device charging meet practical needs for the workplace. 

Where: Hall 6.1, Stand A40/B49

Photo: Courtesy of Vank

THE CIRCULAR HOUSE 

Focus Area 

The Circular House is a 500-sq-m platform designed to showcase forward-looking solutions for  designing sustainable office and working environments as part of the third edition of the Circular Cooperation Network Days (CCND) event. The space will host workshops and presentations inside the extended exhibition area to inspire and promote exchange on circular workplace design. 

Where: Hall 4.2, Stand B41/D40

NEST BEAM 

Sellex 

Sellex introduces Nest Beam, a bench version of its Nest Chair family, designed by Jordi Pla. Its characteristic shell functions as an 'intelligent backrest', adapting to each user thanks to the separation between the backrest and the armrests of each of the seats that form the bench. The new Nest Beam bench is available in various configurations from two to six seats. 

Where: Hall 8.1, stand B20/C21  

Photo: Nava Rapacchietta

TYPO CHAIR 

Mara 

What may first appear as a production flaw, is the central feature of the Typo chair’s distinct design; its frame is characterized by a ripple-like effect, a crucial aspect of its aesthetic and function. Designed by AMDL Circle for Mara, the seat has a round wood seat and backrest that provide contrast to the geometric steel structure ensuring the product’s longevity, durability and recyclability, but also lending it a unique quality fitting it to high-contact workplace settings. 

Where: Hall 6.1, Stand D50

Versi 

Nowy Styl and Kusch+Co 

Nowy Styl and Kusch+Co will present a line of new products including Versi, a multifunctional product, with uses as a pouf, stool or side table. Available in various colours, the product line is right at home in the Karim Rashid-designed stand that highlights the roles of ‘colour’ and ‘relationships’ in the workplace. Rashid will also deliver a keynote speech where he will put the spotlight on his design of theKusch+Co Bound collection. 

Where: Hall 9, Stand C20/D29 

Keynote Speech by Karim Rashid: 24 October 15:00

Photo: Inga Powilleit 

SLIM SPECIAL EDITION

Arco 

Marking the 120th anniversary of Arco and the 20th anniversary of the Slim Table, the furniture manufacturer launches a special edition of the Bertjan Pot-designed piece. Pot experimented with linseed oil-based colour wax and furniture linoleum, resulting in three new colourways that give the minimalist design a refreshing new look. 

Where: Design Post Köln