6.28.10 | Many designers utilize textiles to add that punch of color and texture to its interiors; they will not be disappointed with the possibilities this year. The trend that began last year – showing bold colors – continues. That being said, emphasis is definitely on the oranges, corals and tangerines. But, surprisingly, there is a strong representation of powerful black & white patterns.
6.28.10 | Design thinking has ignited the business world, becoming a mantra at business schools such as Rotman in Canada and Stanford in California, as they take a page from companies such as Apple and IDEO. Many designers welcome this development wholeheartedly, as confirmation of their value and often with the hope that this will lead to a better, more involved professional future.
6.28.10 | Last week we featured the Best of NeoCon Gold Winners and other special awards. This week we have the Silver Winners, not also-rans, but fine products that, for a whisper here and there, might have taken a top prize and may yet win the contest in the world of furniture purchasers.
Competitions and Awards >>, Events >>
6.28.10 | Surveys have become increasingly impersonal as most are conducted via the internet. A totally different survey methodology has resulted in getting a grassroots reading on the pulse rate of energy and environmental programs in the healthcare industry.
Environment >>
6.28.10 | The first day at NeoCon World’s Trade Fair 2010 was teeming with excitement as ASID designers from across the country gathered to check out the newest products and services in the industry and to learn about design-related trends and topics that affect their day-to-day businesses. So, what’s a designer to do for a break? Head to the spa for some relaxation!
Events >>, Prof. Associations >>
6.21.10 | NeoCon WTF is this country’s annual carnival of good will, good fun and good products for the workplace. Throw in a generous helping of learning, and a cornucopia of good restaurants, and who would not leap to attend.
6.21.10 | The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum will celebrate outstanding achievement in design this fall with its 11th annual National Design Awards program. Cooper-Hewitt Director Bill Moggridge announced the winners and finalists of the 2010 National Design Awards, which recognize excellence across a variety of disciplines. First launched at the White House in 2000 as a project of the White House Millennium Council, the National Design Awards were established to promote excellence and innovation in design.
6.21.10 | Eighty one awards were distributed in The Best of NeoCon competition during NeoCon WTF 2010 at The Merchandise Mart. Seven Innovation Awards, three Editors’ Choice Awards, and a Best of Competition Award were also selected among the 39 categories ranging from Architectural Products to Workplace Technologies. For the first year, manufacturers were allowed to enter a product in more than one category.
Competitions and Awards >>, Events >>
6.7.10 | There are guys that are fun, if not always easy to get to. Stylex, located in Delanco, NJ, near Philadelphia, falls in this category. Bruce and John Golden own and run the company, which has been in business for over half a century and now is in its third generation. So far as an outsider can tell, these first cousins get along famously and are of the same mind regarding what this seating company is about. That in itself is a joy to see in modern America.
Manufacturing >>, Product >>
6.7.10 | Dauphin U.S.A. has restructured its business quite dramatically
during the past eight years since Stuart Rogers-Brown arrived on
the scene. Primarily known as provider of well-designed seating, its
business now stands on four pillars:
>individual seating, its historical strength in the USA
>a table line, introduced a little over two years ago
>lounge seating, which has been dramatically expanded
>installed seating
6.7.10| Inscape Corporation has been an interesting company to watch, perhaps
because of its excellent engineering, intelligent management, and
willingness to take significant risks. And, lately, with the addition of
architect Sharad Mathur, VP of Marketing – and even before that,
with the willingness to listen to consultants such as Pentagram
for graphic design, and Studios Architecture, for product design –
the company has had much to offer to designers with a bent toward
modernism.
[Image: Sharad Mathur with ARIDO Staff]
Product >>
6.7.10 | Should you go to NeoCon? You should make every effort to go every year.
Budget it as a necessary expense. To see products: Yes! To see people:
Yes! To learn the latest: Yes! and much more. But its not just about you.
More important that any of these quotidian concerns, you should go
because you believe in what you are doing and what this industry
represents . . . and because its great fun and we need all of you
there to show the joy, the pride and the proof once again that we are all
making a contribution, that what we do is worth while.
6.7.10| The moveable wall market has grown exponentially over the last few years, and for good reason. Architectural walls are cost-effective, environmentally sound, and easy to install and reconfigure. As a result, they give organizations the opportunity to maximize their investmentsthat is, if the walls selected perform to expectations. And there are only two ways to find that out.
Product >>
