Exhibitions Workplace 3.0: all the latest news Text by Laura Barsottini Add to bookmarks La Palma stand, ph. Andrea Mariani Fluid spaces, natural light, colour psychology and modularity are the keywords for the new “working landscapes” Smart working but that’s not all. Also at Workplace 3.0, at Salone del Mobile.Milano 2022, it's clear that working together has demonstrated its indisputable raison d’être from a social point of view. The winning form is hybrid, with the office as almost a continuation of the domestic environment, a meeting, relational and listening place. Furthermore, as we well know: when people are feeling good, in harmony with themselves and with others, they work more serenely and are more productive. These principles that have informed the products presented by the companies specialising in office furnishing at Workplace 3.0, which have come up with modular elements with lightweight structures, that are easily transportable and which make the most, where possible, of natural light. This explains why any dividing panels are of average height, in order to be able to assure privacy while avoiding isolation. Bookcases also become “non-separating separators,” sometimes produced in tubular metal. Fantoni stand, ph. Luca Quagliato Colour assumes huge importance, given the increasing number of psychological studies that have demonstrated the close connection between colour and job wellness: coverings are in relaxing, pastel shades, generating harmony between the various furnishing pieces. Obviously, ergonomic shapes are crosscutting, promoting virtuous static positions, along with sustainable product disposal and production: the circular economy has made inroads into the workspace in an industrial sense but also, theoretically, in terms of workers’ wellbeing. Acoustic Room, Fantoni Acoustic Room by Fantoni creates an acoustically protected oasis inside an open plan office or shared environment, a box within a box of various sizes, customisable, made from 4akustik sound absorbing panels, with ceiling-mounted air recycling and internal lighting system. Lapalma stand, ph. Andrea Mariani Flexible furnishings for fluid spaces, soft, relaxing colours, elements that give rhythm to the volumes while maintaining open and hybrid spaces. The Jazz bookcase by Giuseppe Bavuso is one of the latest concepts from Lapalma that respects these values. Slalom Specialising in sound absorbing systems, Slalom is reiterating its mission: attention to the changes of use and conception of spaces, in order to come up with effective responses to contemporary demands. All with productive and inspirational sustainability in mind – its Daphne leaf-shaped panels have become iconic.
Stories The holiday library. 5 important books to savor tranquilly From Robert Wilson’s chairs to fables about the Castiglioni brothers. From the Compasso d’Oro to Beatrice Leanza’s thoughts and a bookazine on luxury. Essential reading for all those with a passion for the topic. Patrizia Malfatti
Exhibitions The latest outdoor furnishing, championing sustainability, material and colour Comfortable and sustainable, outdoor furnishing lends itself to many different interpretations, channelling innovation and constantly evolving aesthetics Marilena Pitino
Stories The biology of light, according to Manuel Spitschan What does chronobiology have to do with design? Manuel Spitschan, professor at the Technische Universität München, explains why light is essential to our well-being. And why designers should know more about it to design better. Giulia Zappa
