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David Mackie, head of Interion, reports from Orgatec and says it has plenty to offer

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Words by: David Mackie

I admit it; I enjoy a change of scene and was looking forward to attending a revived Orgatec this year… and I’m pleased to say that I was not disappointed. Sure, you can make the usual criticisms: many ‘me too’ products; hyper-inflated hotel, food and entry costs; lack of ‘zoning’ of product types…and this year the German Wings cabin crew strike…but there are always gems and surprises to be found if you are prepared to look.

Hey-Sign
 
It’s a massive show of course, but for me it's usefully workplace-focused; unlike Milan it’s totally relevant. And unlike most UK shows it’s also comprehensively attended by exhibitors, though it was sad to note the absence of both Steelcase and Herman Miller.  It may be argued that it’s just a ‘dealer-fest’ – so no need to display at such high cost (major exhibitors reported total costs exceeding €1m) – but I disagree.

Sit/Stand Desking

Vitra did much good for itself by providing probably the most impressive and entertaining stand – actually a whole hall – full of clever designs and technical innovations. It’s good to be reminded that investment in great design creates value. I was there for two days and had interesting chats with two leading designers.

Wagner Seating

They were definitely there to ‘do business’ – for them, it was far from a ‘jolly’. And here’s a mention for Wagner Seating, the only exhibitor to my knowledge asking for opinion on forthcoming product ideas rather than just telling us how great it is.

Vitra

I have to mention a couple of really good stands that surprised me by exhibiting brilliantly understated detailing and a consistent product vocabulary throughout their offering: Lapalma (Italian – full range) and Renz (German – technical tables and desks). And for originality? It has to be the ‘cardboard constructs’ of Canadian Molo – don’t spill your drinks!

SB Seating

One or two stands were lost opportunities but I’m in no position to criticise suppliers that invest time and effort informing the rest of us. However, I couldn’t help but notice some disconnects on the big themes:

Sit/stand desking – where are the seating innovations that will allow users of such environments to sit or ‘perch’ using the same chair?

Honourable exceptions: SB Seating, Interstuhl, Wagner, K&N – and watch out for Kinema.

Office Bricks

‘Acoustics’ – Too many exhibitors claim, but don’t really have or understand, good acoustic solutions. Some supposedly noise-isolating booths were dreadful…

Honourable exceptions: Buzzispace, Hey-Sign (Both have ‘fun’ as well as ‘felt’), Mascagni, Framery, and newcomer Office Bricks with a 45dbA booth.

David Mackie is founder and principal of commercial furniture specialist Interion, based in Clerkenwell

Seating – So much by so many and so similar for so few. Aren’t we all supposed to be standing now?

Honourable exceptions: InClass, Bla Station, Brunner (always!), Marelli, ICF, Sitland. To be fair, I could go on…

And finally, for me the biggest surprise – Turkey. Not the bird, but the exceptional quality, detailing and sometimes innovation from Turkish exhibitors, including Nurus and Birim. Interion will be publishing a full Orgatec 2016 highlights report for our customers and industry friends. Please call or email us (020 3815 9400; info@interion.co.uk) if you would like a copy.