NeoCon 2019: To update your office’s look and functionality, check out Teknion’s adjustable chair, customizable reception desk, and power-integrated conference table

by Brianna Crandall — June 26, 2019 — Teknion Corporation, an international designer and manufacturer of innovative workplace interiors, introduced several new products at this month’s NeoCon 2019 contract furnishings show, some of which won prestigious Best of NeoCon awards at the event. Gold winner Tek Vue and Innovation award winner Bene Box were covered in previous FMLink articles, and Naava Healthtech Green Wall will be highlighted in a future article. The new Just-Us Chair, Teknion Reception and C+D Conference Table are showcased below.

Teknion Just-Us Chair

The new Just-Us Chair designed by Justus Kolberg features a durable plastic frame with innate flex and a breathable mesh back as common threads between two chair models — one with a mesh seat, and one with an upholstered seat available in many Luum Textiles’ expressions.

Three models of Teknion's Just-Us adjustable chair

Easy-to-use, contemporary Just-Us Chair is designed for applications that span touchdown workstations, meeting rooms and enclaves, to the home office. Image courtesy Teknion

Christine Dominik, director, Product Management — Seating, remarked:

Just-Us appeals to those who want a fresh, more contemporary look and feel, but desire a chair that exudes professionalism in the work environment. Just-Us is easy to use and light-spirited, making it a welcoming destination spanning meeting rooms, touchdown workstations and enclaves to the home office.

Just-Us is ANSI/BIFMA tested to a 300-pound (136kg) weight capacity, making it appropriate for broad use in a corporate or commercial environment focused on quality and performance. Minimal controls enable multiple users to jump in, quickly and comfortably meet, or get to work. Simply adjust seat height, swivel, tilt and lock as desired. Integrated loop arms create a clean look in meeting spaces.

Finishes include a Gris or Ebony palette with various mesh options to contrast or coordinate with the frame. Optional hard and soft casters, or glides, make Just-Us suitable for all floor types.

The Just-Us Chair will launch in September 2019.

Teknion Reception

Teknion Reception — the company’s new reception desk program — embodies the distinctives of today’s welcome areas with evolving functional needs, with models ranging from Classic to Communal and individual customizations available.

Teknion Reception Desk

Teknion Reception Desk embodies the distinctives of today’s welcome areas with evolving functional needs, with models ranging from Classic to Communal and individual customizations available. Image courtesy Teknion

Dennis Cheng, senior industrial designer, Teknion, pointed out:

The function of reception desks — and the act of receiving people — is changing. And so are the reception needs of different businesses today. For some, a reception desk can be the formal threshold that marks the boundary of public to private space; and is expressed through the familiar functions required of security and privacy. For others, a reception space is a communal shared experience, and may not even require a desk at all. Although the role of greeting people is evolving, the importance of making a sound first impression — creating that “Instagram moment” — remains as important as ever.

Teknion Reception takes an innovative design approach in addressing these evolving requirements, while addressing how public and private spaces are blending. To encourage customization, the program offers five distinct starting points of unique desks, bar tops and consoles:

  • The Classic Desk fully integrates the familiar storage formats and power needs of a permanent receptionist. Minimal divisional elements hide any wire clutter while maintaining clear sightlines for an open connection with guests.
  • The Desk with Transaction balances the classic needs for enclosure paired with an open, extended area to invite guests to sit and engage in longer conversations. Clearly articulated volumes provide the opportunity to explore the mixed materiality of the collection and give visual cues to differentiate between functional zones.
  • The Full Enclosed Desk surrounds the worksurface for complete privacy. Mixed material elements provide intuitive touch points to guide a visitor’s approach.
  • Approachable from all sides, the Communal Bar invites a shared experience. On top, it features a sculpted tiered surface to elevate and display materials or serve refreshments. Additional functionality of cubby spaces offers impromptu storage to clear the space for an uncluttered exchange between guests and hosts.
  • The Console can be an addendum to storage to complement any setting, or serve as a shared point of interaction where no desk is necessary at all.

Myron Heppner, general manager, Teknion Solutions, noted:

Reception desks tend to be highly customized and are therefore traditionally custom-made by local millwork shops. We simplify the design and customization process for the client. Millwork can be expensive and take a long time to produce. Teknion Solutions’ highly skilled cabinet makers, in combination with the latest technology, enable us to produce these custom, complex desks in an efficient and cost-effective manner, with reduced lead times, repeatable consistency and quality at a larger scale. We optimize the process for the client.

C+D Conference Table

Teknion’s new C+D — Craft+Design — Conference Table designed by Mario Ruiz is a large-scale conference table with options for surface power, plus edge power and edge USB selections. It also offers the ability to integrate electrics outside of the standard choices.

Teknion C+D Conference Table

The C+D — Craft+Design — Conference Table designed by Mario Ruiz is a large-scale conference table that balances artisanal design with addressing the various connectivity needs of the contemporary workplace. Image courtesy Teknion

Designer Mario Ruiz explained:

The C+D Conference Table program brings an artisanal focus back into the boardroom, while addressing the various connectivity needs of the contemporary workplace. Thoughtful craftsmanship comes into play with the materials in the layered top and in the details of its different edge profiles and various leg options that support its large format. Clever wire management and power are integrated to satisfy all the connectivity needs that versatile workspaces demand. The C+D’s numerous elements, with details that balance artisan craft and function, allow companies to customize the conference tables to fit their own distinct identity.

C+D features multiple leg, power and edge profile selections. Four leg/base styles, including metal loop legs with wood accents on the exterior and interior infill panels, provide integrated wire management. The table’s unique layered top and edge style imparts a warm yet functional aesthetic. Standard top layers include wood, back-painted glass and Corian. Top layers are applied over a durable solid wood edge. C+D is designed and engineered to accommodate a variety of sizes and top materials.

Ami Kvas, director of Product Management, Casegoods and Custom Solutions, Teknion, remarked:

C+D showcases the beauty of craft. Layered surfaces with a round or square top are paired with a solid wood edge, evoking a softer, elegant quality. Metal loop legs accommodate accent options, including wood. C+D has comprehensive and relevant options as a standard offering, with the ability to accommodate specials for various sizes, materials and finishes. Our new conference table is a platform for standard, and an inspiration for customization.

Additional NeoCon introductions

Additional NeoCon introductions include the Wilkhahn AT Task Chair, Wilkhahn Occo Multi-Purpose Seating and the Sprout Stool and Table Collection designed by Thomas Pedersen, as well as the Emote Private Office and Tek Booth.

For more information on all the product introductions, see the Teknion NeoCon 2019 landing page.

For more FM-specific information on Teknion’s product offerings, see the company’s FMLink page.