Orgatec is Europe’s premium showcase for the future of work, a dynamic international trade fair held in Cologne, Germany, that brings together the brightest minds in office and contract furniture.
This biennial event is where cutting-edge innovations and bold design converge, making it a must-attend for anyone passionate about transforming work environments. With a lineup of visionary exhibitors, Orgatec is the perfect platform to discover how contemporary design can elevate productivity, creativity, and well-being in the workplace!
Living Edge is thrilled to unveil our highlights from Orgatec Cologne 2024! We’re diving into the latest and greatest from trailblazing brands like Walter Knoll, Tom Dixon, Muuto, and Extremis. Each of these names is pushing the boundaries of design and sustainability, offering a bright new future for workplace design.
e15 x ZETR
e15 collaborated with Australian brand ZETR. ZETR designs award-winning electrical equipment, setting new benchmarks for residential, commercial, and public space applications.
This collaboration was to announce e15 as the official representative of ZETR System 25 in Europe. System 25 by ZETR is an elegant outlet providing functional and discreet cable management for different workstations. Its minimalist design fits flush with the tabletop, making it almost invisible. With customisable ports, it meets various needs and can be integrated into any table from e15 – from home office desk to conference tables.
System 25 is a modular power and data system configurable with two, four and eight port options, flexible to suit the aesthetic and power requirements of any space, featuring high output charging and fast data transfer. Universal IEC connectors allow users to connect to System 25 anywhere in the world.
Walter Knoll
Walter Knoll showcased their Evo Concept. Evo Stands for Evolution - where timeless design meets sustainable innovation. Walter Knoll believes that the most important material is the one we don’t use. Through continuous evolution, Walter Knoll have refined their products to meet the demands of a changing world – from materials to manufacturing.
“For nearly 160 years, our passion has driven us to create durable furniture through timeless design. Technological advancements continuously expand our knowledge. Therefore, we evaluate both new and existing products for adjustments in material, design, and manufacturing processes. We are constantly developing our skills and knowledge and effectively implementing these insights. A constant process of further development - an evolution. That is the responsibility we take.” - Markus Banz
During Orgatec, Walter Knoll displayed the Sheru Evo, Yunity, and Leadchair Evo embodying their commitment to shaping the future through thoughtful design. With the dynamic approach of evolutionary development, Walter Knoll made adjustments to design classics to meet both ecological and societal needs, thus making a positive contribution to the future.
Walter Knoll also launched their new Aion Table during Orgatec. The Aion Table is archaically beautiful – a wooden table distilled to its most essential components. Four solid wood columns form its foundation, gently supporting a tabletop with a soft profile. Its design feels instantly familiar, with its pure form and structure evoking originality and authenticity. It has a strong, expressive presence, and a sculptural appearance. A testament to craftsmanship and timeless design, the Aion Table is the result of a collaboration with the renowned international design and architecture firm,Foster + Partners.
The new round tabletop of the Temno Table, made from solid wood with a soft profile, enhances the sculptural effect. The natural elegance and inherent beauty of the wood are evident, making the Temno Table not just functional, but a centrepiece that emphasises people and their well-being. It is an inviting space for inspiring encounters–ideal for conversations, creative exchanges, and collaborative work.
Muuto
At this year’s Orgatec, Muuto introduced several updates to its collections that, in keeping with the brand’s signature minimalist approach, emphasise adaptability and flexibility. Each design showcases the brand’s dedication to developing practical, user-centred solutions for modern interiors. Highlights include additions to the versatile Linear System, the Stacked Storage System, the Connect Sofa and the disarmingly simple Two-Layer Pendant.
The Linear System High Table and a slimmer Standard Table are recent additions to the modular system, designed to cater to contemporary contract spaces with flexible configurations that include tables, lighting, accessories, and power solutions. The High Table offers informal solutions for short meetings and integrates perfectly into bar, dining, and kitchen areas.
The Stacked Storage System now includes additional colours and accessories, enhancing its customisation options. Created by architect/designer Julien De Smedt, the system works as a shelf, sideboard, side table and now even seating. Smedt says, “The design aims at identifying this very intricate space in the world of shelving where storage, display and versatility becomes one." The brown-green option is now available alongside the grey, oak and white versions.
With its 14 module options, the volumetric Connect Modular Sofa is designed for versatility across lounge, office and hospitality environments. The sofa’s low profile and broad upholstered seats offer comfort, while its rounded backrests and wide armrests create a simple, clean geometry with soft curves.
Muuto's latest lighting design is the Two-Layer Pendant by Thomas Bentzen. Bringing new perspectives on the classic glass pendant. Its rippled, mouth-blown glass creates unique optical effects that change depending on the angle you view it.
Tom Dixon
Tom Dixon showcased an impressive array of designs that captivated attendees during their first release at 3 Days of Design! Located just a short 5-minute walk from the East Entrance at Design Post Köln, the newly refreshed Tom Dixon Showroom was a must-visit.
The spotlight was on the latest AW24 Collection, featuring the luxurious Plump and Fat Sofas, along with the innovative Fat Work Chair. Visitors were also treated to an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming SS25 collection, showcasing the stunning new Groove, along with the iconic Melt light, now re-engineered for outdoor use. The Melt light can be placed by the pool or strapped to trees or a pergola.
The Fat Work Chair is designed for today’s blurred landscape of hybrid work and leisure. It addresses the evolving need for flexibility in our spaces—whether you're working, learning, or just taking a break. With increased plushness, comfort, and a swivel mechanism, Fat Work is perfect for conference rooms, home offices, or modern dining.
One of the highlights was the iconic Meltlight, now re-engineered for outdoor use, demonstrating Tom Dixon's commitment to blending aesthetic appeal with functionality.
Extremis
Extremis welcomed guests to an open-air workspace, set high in the sky, where attendees witnessed first-hand how Extremis’ shade systems stand strong in any weather. Extremis highlighted how outdoor environments can 'blow away the boundaries of the workspace'. Along with new shading systems, Extremis showcased upgrades to their classic ‘tools for togetherness’ to help create comfortable, productive outdoor work environments, whatever the weather.
A new design launched at Orgatec, Manille is a compact picnic table seating four, with optional shade system and durable materials. It can easily be extended in long rows with the connection piece, transforming it into a long desk or meeting table.
The Tiki stool and Tiki folding table have been around for a few years, but with Tiki Cart, you easily move and store away a dozen stools at once!
Panigiri with power supply: making its debut as the centrepiece of the outdoor office, Panigiri is ideal for both meetings and focused work, with power available at every seat. This large, royal-sized picnic table can be extended with four additional seats per segment, and for each segment, you can choose between benches or chairs based on the intended use.
As the ultimate flexible outdoor office table, AMAi was on display. Offering the ability to change your working height in seconds, add light, tv screen, shade, and power supply and get things done.