Dezeen's US editor Dan Howarth selects his highlights from this year's NeoCon furniture fair, which took place 11-13 June 2018 at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.
Inside Shapes, by Form Us With Love for Shaw Contract
Swedish studio Form Us With Love has created a carpet tile system that allows for different shapes and colours to be used in combinations. Based on a typical 24- by 24-inch square tile, the set includes various simple shapes that slot together to form patterns, which can be used to demarcate different zones within a space.
Newson Aluminum Chair, by Marc Newson for Knoll
Influenced by modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's 1928 Tugendhat Chair, Australian designer Marc Newson has created this task chair. As its name suggests, the design features an aluminium frames that forms a continuous loop. Mesh fabric is stretched across to form the backrest and seat, which don't touch at the corners thanks to the chair's balanced structure.
Borough, by Christophe Pillet for Studio TK
An ongoing trend for rattan furniture makes its way into the workplace with Studio TK's Borough range, designed by Paris-based Christophe Pillet. The material, woven from dried plant stalks, forms screens that attach to the modular sofa system and are available in a variety of colours.
Base High Table, by Mika Tolvanen for Muuto
Although first presented at Milan's Salone del Mobile in April, new products from Danish brand Muuto were showcased in a more office-focussed installation during NeoCon. They included the Base High Table: a minimal design with a slender aluminium frame, for working more informally like at a counter or bar table.
Maari, by Patricia Urquiola for Haworth
As part of her ongoing collaboration with Haworth, which included the design of the brand's showroom for NeoCon, Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola debuted the first in what will become family of upholstered chairs called Maari. The side chair features wooden legs and a gently curved seat and back, intended for occasional use.
Woodstock, by Mark Müller for Three H
Designer Mark Müller prioritised personal space and personalisation with his new, expansive office range for Three H. His Woodstock collection is based around thin profiles, visible cabinet seams and pull-less drawers, with items from sofas to credenzas available in a variety of colours and finishes.
Kiik, by Iwasaki Design Studio for Arper
This modular system by Japan-based Iwasaki Design Studio includes low seats and tables that can be combined into rows of any length and width. The cushioned benches can be ordered with or without backrests, and several options for joining the modules include higher desks and curved acoustic partitions.
Lino, by Industrial Facility for Herman Miller
London studio Industrial Facility's founders Kim Colin and Sam Hecht created this task chair for Herman Miller, to be used at home or in the office. The design is contoured and incorporates fabric suspension to provide spinal support, and offers multiple options for frame finish, back colour and seat upholstery.