The Mart in Chicago was buzzing this week, with multiple industries unveiling exciting innovations at NeoCon 2025. The iconic building showcases the best of commercial design, spanning over 1 million square feet of exhibition space. Housing over 400 exhibitors across eight floors this year, the Mart came alive with attendees, with much to see and many to meet. This year, we saw a turn towards transparency around circular design, and a marked investment in sustainability as a whole. Additive manufacturing is on the rise, the technology now having progressed to a point where the products are not only feasible and aesthetically focused, but thoughtful and considered as well. Neuroaesthetics, low seating, and immersive experiences define NeoCon 2025, hopefully setting a precedent for similar design trends in the future.
LightPlay by Ryan Smith of 3form + LightArt with Interior Design
Interior Design collaborated with Ryan Smith, chief creative office of 3form and founder of LightArt, on an immersive installation called LightPlay of 300+ softly glowing lamps, forming columns of light from above and below, a cavern of luminaries. Complete with a row of 3D printers (printing more shades, of course), a host of miniatures were available that visitors could play with to make their own stackable shades, with a mirror in which to view the full size in comparison. The installation was hosted by SANDOW Design Group within the DesignScene lounge, which was created in partnership with Behr, Bentley Mills, 3form, LightArt, and Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering.
BuzziPleat by BuzziSpace
Inspired by traditional pleating techniques, the BuzziPleat takes center stage even when at the very back of the BuzziSpace showroom. Multiple sizes and contrasted stitching make for a simple yet effective design, offering exceptional acoustic performance.
Special Edition HÅG Capisco Puls Chair
HÅG returns with an iconic form – complete with an unexpected twist. Peter Opsvik’s classic design aims to energize our seating habits, and this edition is made from post-consumer plastic dividers sourced from Norway, an initiative to remove these otherwise unusable plastics from waste streams into something that is not only useful, but beautiful.
Eave Modular Sofa by Norm Architects for Audo
Audo stuns again with the Eave Modular Sofa by Norm Architects – generosity in some parts, refined curvature in others, creating beautiful and approachable modular furniture that transcends current fads.
Gimbal Lounge Chair by Hightower
Hightower makes great use of their space at The Mart, sunlight streaming into their brightly lit, happily colored showroom. Walking down a curated hallway of their newest products, we end in a sunny space of wide half-moons and plush upholstery, a breath of fresh air compared to some interior quadrants.
Source: Design Milk