The winners of the 33rd annual Best of NeoCon Awards were announced earlier this week at the show, once again recognizing products from industry-leading companies that demonstrate unparalleled innovation and design-forward thinking in their introductions. As usual the jury consisted of distinguished architects, designers, specifiers, enterprise clients, facility managers, and top business media. Each entry was evaluated on-site in the days leading up to the show. A total of 114 awards were bestowed upon products in more than 50 categories for Gold, Silver, Sustainability, Innovation, Business Impact, and the coveted Best of Competition honors. This year, the Flote Lounge Collection from Hightower (showroom #1110) received the distinction of Best of Competition. It is pictured above.
The line was inspired by the support, comfort, and ease of relaxing on a pool float. With its inviting, curve-hugging seat and modern-yet-timeless aesthetic, Flote brings a sensation of buoyancy and cloud-like comfort to the user. “After a few years of tumult and uncertainty, the optimism and comfort of this collection is just what we need to see,” the jury noted. They also praised the collection for “offering a fresh perspective while paying homage to the past and looking toward the future. The inspiring design story and features like a surprising zipper detail, stitching options, and ‘hotdog’ welting exemplify the boldness and creativity behind its design. Situated on this piece, one can't help but feel a unique and immersive experience that beckons them to stay. Committed to a better tomorrow, Hightower also recently received its B-Corp certification for social and environmental governance.”
The Best of NeoCon jury also recognized six products for its new Business Impact Awards, which honor design excellence through a business-oriented lens. A jury of discerning journalists from media outlets including Fast Company, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Human Resources Executive, Crain’s Chicago Business, and 99% Invisible evaluated the curated selection of products based on each solution’s ability to positively impact both the organization and its people. Winners include: OFS’ Tate; Okamura’s Lives Post + Beam; Andreu World’s Bolete Lounge BIO; Schiavello’s Krossi Workstations; Via Seating’s 4-UP; and Makr Furniture’s Moment Collection. From a new workstation system powered by wifi-enabled technology to optimize use and employee wellness to a cushion family designed for meditative spaces, the winning products address the current and emerging trends across verticals.
To see the full gallery of winners, click here.
