Orgatec looks to the future

Cologne is set to become the capital of the domestic and contract office furniture sector for five days only. Between 23 and 27 October, the Koelnmesse exhibition centre will host Orgatec 2018, based this year around the central theme of culture@work
At a time when workplaces are focusing increasingly on productivity and wellbeing, Orgatec is aiming to showcase a range of innovative ideas and projects from the sector.

It’s an industry experiencing strong growth, according to IBA vice-president Holger Jahnke: “The increased importance of how offices are furnished, together with the amount of attention on this, is being reflected in increased revenues. In 2017, overall European production was worth an estimated €8.6 billion, up by around 2.3% on the previous year.”

Hallendurchblick Halle 10.2

The event will have an overall surface area of 140,000 square metres, an increase of 8% on 2016. In total, 65% will be occupied by overseas companies, which represents a 5% increase on the previous edition, while 50,000 visitors and 600 exhibitors from 40 countries are expected.
The organisers of Orgatec, which takes place every two years, are promising to make the event “progressive and exciting” and hope that it will stimulate the creativity of industry experts, the press and regular visitors.

One of the stand-out new features is Plant 10.1, an events area where – in partnership with consultancy firm Detecon, creative agency Orange Council and a number of international artists – participations will share creative new approaches to office design, focusing on offices as both workplaces and living spaces. Set in the heart of Pavilion 10.1, seven stations will invite participants to question conventional thinking and reflect on innovative working models from a fresh perspective. The initiative will call on industry professionals to review their understanding of the working environment, how work stations are set out and even how colleagues collaborate with one another.

Among the biggest exhibitors at Orgatec are Mara, Muuto, Chairs & More, Arper, Pedrali, Tecno, Repubblic of Fritz Hansen, Dieffebi, Alias, Tacchini, Fantoni, Lapalma and Kettal.

Koelnmesse Entrance North