# NeoCon 2021: Top Trends Shaping the Future of Commercial Design
After 30 years, NeoCon returned to theMART this October, bringing together 500 industry leaders across nearly one million square feet of exhibition space. The commercial interior design community reunited to explore innovative solutions that address our post-pandemic workplace realities.
This year's showcase revealed how manufacturers are responding to fundamental shifts in how we work, collaborate, and feel comfortable in shared spaces. From outdoor work environments to neurodiverse-friendly designs, the trends emerging from NeoCon 2021 point toward more flexible, inclusive, and human-centered workplaces.
## Bringing the Office Outdoors
The pandemic accelerated a trend that was already gaining momentum: moving work activities outside. Today's outdoor solutions go far beyond patio furniture, offering sophisticated work environments that maximize available real estate between buildings and create productive alternatives to traditional office spaces.
**AMAi by Extremis** exemplifies this evolution with its adjustable table system that seamlessly transitions between indoor and outdoor use. The overhead frame includes LED lighting for evening work sessions, power outlets for connectivity, and an intelligent shade structure that provides weather protection while offering acoustic benefits indoors.
**Solar by Viccarbe** introduces a swivel table concept that redefines collaborative spaces. This versatile solution works equally well in offices, educational environments, restaurants, and coworking spaces, proving that outdoor work furniture can be both functional and sophisticated.
## Smart Space Division and Mobility
Efficient space utilization has become critical as organizations seek to offer diverse work environments within smaller footprints. The most successful solutions combine space definition with mobility and adaptability.
**Flex Active Frames by Steelcase** create adaptable structures that define team spaces without permanent construction. These flexible systems allow organizations to reconfigure spaces as needs evolve.
**GRID by Established & Sons** takes a modular approach, providing a colorful room-within-a-room concept. The system's base structure supports interchangeable seating, shelves, tables, and screens that can be reconfigured for informal meetings, presentations, or casual collaboration.
## Geometric Innovation: Hexagons and Organic Shapes
Space-saving configurations are driving interest in geometric and organic-shaped furniture systems. These designs maximize floor space efficiency while creating visually interesting environments.
**Vox® Hex by Nienkämper** demonstrates how geometric thinking can solve practical problems. This hexagonal workstation provides enhanced privacy in open offices while making optimal use of available floor space, creating the feel of a private office within an open plan.
**Flex Personal Spaces by Steelcase** offers modular desk and privacy wrap combinations that support over a dozen workstation configurations, including signature hexagonal footprints that adapt to various space planning needs.
## Privacy Solutions: Tents and Pods
The need for focused work and psychological comfort has driven innovation in privacy solutions. These aren't just physical barriers—they're wellness tools that provide security and reduce anxiety.
**Work Tents by Steelcase** brings an unexpected and delightful approach to workplace privacy. These tent-inspired enclosures range from simple screens to complete work environments, offering shelter and focus within open floor plans.
**On the QT phone booths by Orangebox** balance space efficiency with comfort, providing dedicated spaces for video calls, focused work, or simply quiet thinking time.
**The Patkau Cocoon by Nienkämper** offers a sculptural retreat with its organic form and natural materials, creating an almost poetic presence that provides psychological comfort in busy environments.
## Color and Height Variation
Playful use of color and varying surface heights creates dynamic, engaging work environments that support different activities and postures throughout the day.
**Tun Side Tables by Naughtone** showcase how color can take center stage with 14 tabletop options and 16 base colors, allowing organizations to create vibrant, personalized spaces.
**BuzziCee by BuzziSpace** challenges traditional seating with its symmetrical curved shape that enables colleagues to sit together while maintaining individual space—perfect for informal meetings and collaborative work.
## Modular Solutions with Integrated Power
As work becomes more mobile and technology-dependent, furniture that combines flexibility with connectivity becomes essential.
**Archetype by Arcadia** provides modular lounge seating with architectural presence and built-in power capabilities. The system's arm and armless options, combined with adjoining tables, create welcoming arrangements for any space.
**Brig by Nienkämper** focuses on personal space visualization with configurations that face various directions and integrated power solutions that support evolving work contexts.
## Sustainable All-Mesh Seating
Task chair innovation continues to advance sustainability, comfort, and ergonomics through fully-mesh construction that reduces material usage while improving performance.
**Karman by Steelcase** represents next-generation mesh chair design with natural movement response and industry-leading comfort and sustainability credentials.
**Onda by Via Seating** harmonizes ergonomic support with Italian design sensibility, offering instantaneous comfort that adapts to individual sitting styles.
## Mobile Furniture for Agile Spaces
Flexibility remains paramount as organizations embrace agile work practices. Mobile furniture with handles and casters enables quick space reconfiguration.
**GoGo by Encore** features cleverly hidden casters that allow benches, ottomans, and lounge seating to move easily, supporting impromptu meetings and individual activities.
**The Mitt Lounge Chair by Bernhardt Design** combines casual comfort with practical mobility through its handle and self-locking casters, making space reconfiguration effortless.
## Supporting Mental Health and Neurodiversity
Perhaps the most significant trend emerging from NeoCon 2021 addresses mental wellness and neurodiversity in the workplace. With 74% of workers reporting that poor mental health impacts their productivity, design solutions that reduce anxiety and accommodate different working styles are becoming essential.
**2Q Huddle by Framery** provides superior sound insulation for up to six people, ensuring internal meetings don't disturb others while offering a dedicated space for those who need acoustic comfort.
**The Workwall by HON** transforms any workspace into personalized command central, giving employees greater control over their work environment—a key factor in reducing workplace anxiety.
## Looking Forward
The trends showcased at NeoCon 2021 reflect a fundamental shift toward more human-centered design. As we continue navigating post-pandemic workplace realities, successful commercial interiors will be those that prioritize flexibility, wellness, and inclusion.
These innovations aren't just about aesthetics or efficiency—they're about creating environments where diverse workforces can thrive, feel secure, and perform their best work. The future workplace will be one that adapts to people rather than requiring people to adapt to it.
