Humanscale’s ‘Connected’ Vision Shines at Orgatec Cologne and Orgatec London
Orgatec, the premier trade fair for office design, returned to Koelnmesse, Cologne, from October 22 to 25, 2024. The event welcomed a considerable increase in visitors compared to the previous event, with over 700 international brands, the event introduced a revamped format featuring curated Focus Areas that explored the future of work. Attendees were treated to cutting-edge innovations in design, products, and concepts.
Among the standout exhibitors was Humanscale, presenting their Connected concept, examining the intricate interplay between workspace design, ergonomic wellness, and environmental responsibility. Following their success in Cologne, Humanscale hosted Orgatec London at their Clerkenwell showroom from November 19 to 22, 2024, creating an immersive experience for their UK audience.
Humanscale at Orgatec Cologne: Connected and Ground-breaking
At Orgatec Cologne, Humanscale presented their Connected concept, focusing on two themes: Ergonomics Everywhere and Planet Positive.
Ergonomics Everywhere reimagines well-being for hybrid work, with adaptable designs for home offices, meeting spaces, and collaborative environments. This approach enhances connection, wellness, and productivity in diverse settings.
Planet Positive integrates sustainability into every design aspect, emphasising wildlife preservation, carbon emission reversal, and social responsibility. Certifications like B Corp and FSC highlight Humanscale’s leadership in sustainable practices.
The Pro-grade Workstations and Meeting Collection zones featured innovations like the Diffrient Lounge, eFloat Quattro, Float Gather, Float Mini, Float Micro, and Sedeo stool, all designed to promote health, comfort, and sustainability.
Orgatec London: Bringing ‘Connected’ to Clerkenwell
Humanscale’s Clerkenwell showroom played host to a dynamic two-day program during Orgatec London, offering an intimate experience of their Connected vision. Guests from across the UK, Ireland, and beyond enjoyed product exploration, participated in insightful discussions, and generous hospitality.
Insights from a Design Luminary
Day one of the event featured a compelling discussion between Todd Bracher, founder of Studio Bracher and Creative Director at Humanscale, and Alys Bryan, Editorial Director of Design Insider. The conversation explored key themes from Todd’s book, Design In Context: A Framework for Strategic Differentiation, offering attendees valuable insights into the transformative potential of design.
Key insights from the conversation:
1. Todd emphasised the importance of involving designers early in business processes, advocating for design as a strategic tool rather than a mere service. As Todd notes in his book:
“Embracing design as expertise also requires a shift in perspective from seeing design as a service to be procured to understanding it as a strategic collaboration that can fundamentally enhance the way businesses operate and engage with their markets. It’s about recognising the transformative power of design when applied with depth and foresight.”
2. Todd’s lifelong passion for science heavily informs his work, evident in projects such as Lightfalls, developed for 3M. This project exemplifies innovation by using light-guiding technology to optimise energy efficiency and visual impact. Todd explains in his book:
“My thinking was, how can we differentiate 3M from all other lighting businesses? … So, what we did was create a product called Lightfalls, which uses 3M intellectual property around guiding light. And, using this technology, this film of theirs, combined with optical physics, we were able to light an environment in a way very similar to a mobile device where the light is being super efficiently pushed out to your eyes.”
3. Todd underscored the importance of understanding design within the broader ecosystem of market demands, organisational structures, and external influences. He elaborates in his book:
“Translating this analogy to the business world, the ‘tree’ – be it a product, service, or overarching strategy – must similarly be crafted to flourish within the complex ‘ecosystem’ of market demands, organisational structures, and broader spectrum of external influences. Each variable, from consumer preference to regulatory landscapes, acts as a factor in the ecosystem, shaping the development and, therefore, survival of the business offering.”
The discussion concluded with Todd’s principle of “nothing more, nothing less” in design and his empowering perspective:
“Understanding the market’s needs isn’t just about avoiding description; it’s about seizing the opportunity to be the disruptor.”
A VIP Culinary Experience
Following the discussion, guests were treated to an exclusive VIP meal in the Clerkenwell showroom, which had been transformed into an elegant dining space. The dining experience showcased sustainable design in action, with guests seated on Humanscale’s Path chairs, the world’s most sustainable chair.
Exploring Trends and Innovations
Day two of Orgatec London featured a trends presentation by Grant Gibson, architectural writer and co-founder of Material Matters. Grant highlighted key trends from Orgatec Cologne, putting the furniture sector into context and sharing his disappointment not to find any earth-shattering moments at the event. He also shared material exploration examples from 2018, which at the time did not relate to released designs, and how now, 6 years later these materials are fully represented in commercial products.
Grant then moderated a thought-provoking trends focused panel discussion with industry leaders, including:
- Todd Bracher, Humanscale Creative Director
- Mark Consolla, VP Product Management, Humanscale
- Penny Sloane, Co-founder & Global CEO, Siren Design Group
- Louise Sigvardt, Co-founder, Bunn Studio
Earthy Tones Colour Palette: Earthy tones emerged as a prominent trend, represented by brands such as La Palmer, Sedus, and Hayworth. The rise of chocolate brown as a dominant colour was highlighted, with panelist Louise Sigvardt explaining that societal uncertainty often leads to a preference for soft, classic tones that create a sense of comfort and security. Chocolate brown, in particular, was described as “the new black,” reflecting a broader shift toward hues that feel grounding and timeless.
Curves & Soft Edges: Curved forms and soft edges were central to many designs at Orgatec 2024. This trend, showcased by brands including Brunner, Bla Station, and Nowy Styl, focused on creating inviting, “hugging” proportions.
Lockers as Storage Solutions: Lockers, though not a new concept, gained renewed popularity in response to the transient nature of modern work. The pandemic has amplified this trend, with lockers now viewed as a practical and adaptable way to provide personal storage in dynamic office environments.
Planted in Furniture: The integration of plants directly into furniture designs exemplified the ongoing popularity of biophilic design. Heatherwick Studio’s Stem table, featuring planted elements within its CNC-machined American maple legs, was shown as an example despite not being exhibited at the event. During the panel, Penny Sloane emphasised the positive impact of connecting indoor spaces with nature, stating that biophilic design is now a standard consideration in workplace and residential projects.
However, the panel also stressed the importance of maintaining plant installations, cautioning against neglected plant walls. They recommended practical solutions, such as collaborating with plant specialists or incorporating high-quality artificial greenery where maintenance challenges exist.
Movement in Furniture: Furniture designs promoting movement were another key trend. Pieces on casters, for example, encourage flexibility and physical activity within the workspace. Mark Consolla, mentioned how mobility-focused furniture addresses employee needs, making it easier to reconfigure spaces or adapt to individual preferences. To facilitate movement effectively, Penny Sloane suggested that these solutions must be intuitive and accessible.
While Orgatec 2024 showcased numerous trends, the panel observed a noticeable gap in ground-breaking innovation compared to past years. Todd Bracher suggested that the industry needs to look holistically to drive future innovation, with technology—ranging from AI to transport—playing a transformative role.
Looking ahead to Orgatec 2026, the panel expressed hope for greater risk-taking and creativity in the industry. They called on designers and businesses to ‘take a leap of faith’ and challenge us to all to think differently!
Sustainability Achievements
Humanscale’s commitment to sustainability was evident in both Cologne and London. Their 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report highlights progress toward circular business models and reinforces their dedication to sustainability pillars such as climate impact, water conservation, energy use, and circularity. Led by CEO Bob King and Chief Sustainability Officer Jane Abernethy, Humanscale remains a beacon of environmental and social responsibility in the industry.
For the full 2023 CSR Report, see HERE
Shaping the Future of Workplace Design
Orgatec 2024 illuminated the future of the workplace, showcasing Humanscale’s Connected concept as a model of design innovation. By merging ergonomic wellness with environmental stewardship, Humanscale continues to lead the industry toward a more sustainable, productive, and human-centric future.
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