There’s always something special about trade shows – the energy, the networking, the chance to glimpse where the industry is headed. And the bi-annual Orgatec show in Cologne, Germany, was no exception. This year’s theme, “Wherever, Whenever,” was particularly relevant, pointing toward a world of hybrid workspaces that have become the new normal post-pandemic. From our side, it was a fantastic opportunity to connect with European partners and gauge the latest developments. Here’s our round-up of the highlights.
The Flex Factor: Adaptable Office Dividers Are Having a Moment
One standout trend this season? Adaptable, mobile, and semi-permanent divider solutions. As workspaces continually evolve, flexible dividers are becoming essential. We saw mobile boards on casters that can transform a room in seconds, alongside semi-permanent units that double as storage or even planters. Wilkhahn’s creative approach, for instance, shines with their Confair Next range, featuring a playful divider that seamlessly integrates remote team members into in-person meetings—a hint of the hybrid magic likely to grow in popularity.
Sedus reinforced the significance of the “third space” concept, giving it a tangible shape with the SedusSmartCafe. Designed around zones like Club, Hub, Library, and Garden, SedusSmartCafe offers a fitting vision of the (near) future office. Their execution of products and arrangement was a very successful example of how the ongoing “resimercial” trend can be translated into a functional work environment.
Shapes and Colors
Speaking of “Resimercial”: That trend is in full swing, with vendors from across Europe showcasing plenty of soft seating, emphasizing round shapes and forms. Inspired by the demand for more sustainable products, color palettes leaned toward earthy tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage – With a Catch
Sustainability was more than a buzzword at the show. Many brands made it a focal point, with companies like Sedus, Flokk, and Viasit dedicating substantial booth space to eco-friendly innovations. We saw this commitment reflected in sustainable material choices, packaging, and supply chain improvements. However, economic realities remain challenging; a common refrain was that even modest price increases (e.g., 5%) could discourage customers from opting for green products. It’s clear there’s a willingness to innovate, but balancing costs remains a hurdle.
Interstuhl’s Digital Toolbox: A Glimpse into the Future of Planning
One of the very exciting booths belonged to Interstuhl, which leaned fully into digital transformation. Their setup, with VR glasses up front and products in the back, attracted a steady stream of visitors eager to try out new augmented and virtual reality tools. These technologies could be game-changers for planners and architects, promising to make complex workflows more interactive and efficient. Surprisingly, there wasn’t much mention of AI’s role in the planning process—a significant omission, given its potential to automate and optimize workflows in the years to come. But maybe also a nod to the booth visitors of architects and designers whose very jobs will be heavily impacted by new, AI-driven, fully autonomous planning and specifying workflows in the future.
A New Wave of Seating.
Two key observations this season: First, the trend toward simpler task chairs continues. Many companies have taken the simple midcentury swivel chair as an inspiration and created a modern interpretation. Wilkhahn’s Wi-Chair and Kloeber’s CoMeet are excellent examples that stood out for us. Both brands offer streamlined, functional designs that cater to modern workspaces.
Second, task seat mechanisms finally become more of an integral part of the chairs rather than slapping bulky objects under the seat. As much as there have been several products like that in the past. It becomes a main stream trend that is also adapted by Asian manufactures. An exciting development, and these companies are certainly ones to watch.
Final Takeaway: Evolution Over Revolution
Orgatec delivered what we expected. No earth-shattering new trends, but a clear focus on refined designs and practical solutions for today’s workspaces. Adaptable layouts, sustainability initiatives, and digital innovation were the stars. The main takeaway? Sometimes, “Wherever, Whenever” simply means finding joy in refining what already works. While the show was smaller than previous years, it seemed very well attended and had a positive spirit in the air. The industry may not be reinventing the wheel, but it’s getting smarter, more flexible, and more polished—and that’s a trend worth celebrating.
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