At NeoCon, Stylex will be introducing Share, an activity-based, modular seating system which provides serious flexibility, design, and the high level of craftsmanship synonymous with our brand. Share projects a moderately structured aesthetic, neither formal nor overly relaxed. By seamlessly combining task and lounge height seating surfaces, Share qualifies for any environment where multi-functional use is critical.

Stylex President John Golden notes, “With Share, we’ve built a truly comprehensive and activity-based, modular seating system. Our in-house design team worked with a number of leading architects and designers throughout the product development process, so we feel confident it embodies all the features and functionality users might want. The need for inviting spaces where groups can meet, recharge, and exchange ideas is growing as office environments adapt to changing workforce patterns and requirements.”

With a soft curvilinear aesthetic, Share comprises a well-organized kit of parts to support a wide variety of functions: single and double units; back-mounted panels; 90º and 120º corner units; benches; and knee-wall units. Because each of the basic units is available in both task (18”) and lounge (16”) heights that can be easily intermixed, Share provides flexible support for people who find it inconvenient to sit on or get up from a lower surface. The two heights also encourage mixing dining with casual work and conferencing. Share’s privacy panels are novel in that they permit some visual and aural feedback between sections, but not so much that the feeling of privacy is impaired.

For added visual appeal, Share is available with waterline upholstery, in which the designer can specify two different fabric colors (for the upper and lower components). Two distinct styles of supporting feet are available: a cylindrical unit with glides and a sculptural, aluminum component that complements Share’s soft, curvilinear aesthetic. The units may be wired to better support the power requirements of users’ digital devices through conveniently located charging stations, a necessity in the modern world.

Basic unit dimensions:
Back height: 29”
Seat height: 16” or 18”
Width: 28”
Depth: 28”

NeoCon will serve not only as the debut of our new collections, but also as the debut of our redesigned Chicago showroom. We spoke with Perkins + Will Design Director for the project, Tim Wolfe, and Project Designer Liz Potokar to learn about the space’s conceptualization and execution.

1.    What was the design goal of the new Stylex Chicago showroom?

a.    We wanted to focus on Share and its modularity and contextualize it in a modern office environment. Workplace trends are moving away from traditional settings and are now providing the freedom for people to work as they like.  The office trends we are seeing take place in three distinct areas: focus space, collaboration space, and social space. Share works especially well for the second two, where people can use the units to come together and work in a collaborative environment or share in a kind of ‘serendipity moment’ where they interact with other groups from the office, around social spaces. The new showroom demonstrates the breadth of Share by using its modularity in many different ways. We also designed a large wall graphic to show the product in the context of an office space.

2.    How did you create the wall graphic?

a.    We created a 3D model of the showroom space, which includes the Share product, and then modeled a virtual space adjacent to it, which included office workstations.  The wall graphic is a perspective view into this virtual space to show the Share product in an office context. I think it adds a really dynamic feel and a sense of greater space than there actually is.

3.    What’s your favorite feature of the showroom?

a.    I think there’s a great clarity to the design. Our team did a great job of understanding the breadth of the Share product, choosing sophisticated finishes for it, and demonstrating how many different ways it can work.

4.    What are some of the different ways you were able to use Share?

a.    There are two different heights, so towards the front, we use lounge height and then, we move up to task height with more of a meeting area. Share is also able to work in food areas, so near the bar in the showroom, we created banquettes. There’s an element to Share that has a higher screen, which is its most private execution, so we used that to create a collaborative zone in the back.

5.    How do you see the showroom as being distinct from others in the building?

a.    I would say for a small showroom, it feels spacious while getting in a lot of product. We give movement and circulation throughout to experience Share from all angles. We’re really trying to showcase the product in its best light.

6.    Other than Share, what are some other exciting features to the showroom?

a.    The serviceable coffee bar is a great touch. We also used SAVA, in the showroom as well as on the wall graphic, because it’s a signature product Stylex is known for. We tried to be playful with the brand, too, like the three-dimensional letters on a coffee bar shelf.

Our partners at Levine-Calvano in NYC are always showcasing the latest and greatest Stylex products. Located in the New York Design Center at 200 Lexington Avenue, the most recent showroom revamp includes a lot more Stylex space as well as a new layout. The new Share product will be brought into the showroom in time for First Look in July, so if you are local and can’t attend NeoCon, please stop by.