NeoCon 2016: London studio Industrial Facility has designed a modular seating system for US furniture company Herman Miller that hooks together to turn "a communal gathering area into a lecture theatre".

Herman Miller, which is currently embroiled in a lawsuit over its merger with Design Within Reach, is launching the Plex range at the NeoCon trade fair in Chicago this week.

Sam Hecht and Kim Colin of Industrial Facility created Plex using six elements that can be combined to form armchairs, sofas, ottomans and benches.

These include square upholstered seats, backrests with or without integrated arms to the left or right, a variety of bases, and detachable adjustable headrests.

"Each element can be used alone or combined in myriad ways to create settings ranging from a haven for quiet contemplation [to] a small social grouping or a team space," said Herman Miller. "It is equally effective in educational surroundings like student unions, libraries and workshops."

The units can be combined in various configurations, using hooks located on the sides.

"A simple hook allows the flexibility to rearrange settings, turning a communal gathering area into a lecture theatre," said the brand.

The seats and backs feature a stretched rubber membrane that adjusts to the sitter's position and posture.

Plex offers a choice of wooden legs, casters and swivel bases. Power points tucked beside the legs allow users to easily charge their devices.

Textiles can be mixed between seat and back to create a two-tone effect, or matched for a monochromatic look.

The range also includes portable tables, available with fixed or adjustable heights, which are added to make working on a laptop more convenient.

The tables have pronged bases that slot around the chair legs, so the circular wooden tops can be positioned over the seat.

Industrial Facility was founded by Hecht and Colin in 2002. The studio has worked on a variety of projects with Herman Miller, including a mushroom-shaped lamp, a range of stacking containers and a collection of flexible office furniture.

The duo's latest designs include a solid wood "chair for church" for Mattiazzi, a range of desks and tables for Emeco and warehouse-style lamps for Wästberg.

This year's NeoCon event runs from 13 to 15 June 2016 at Chicago's Merchandise Mart. Also on show is PearsonLloyd's range of office furniture design for open-plan workplaces.