21st-25th October – Cologne, Germany

…the crucial momentum for boosting productivity originates in the office. This is where innovative ideas take shape, where plans are developed and where decisive discussions take place..

The aforementioned quote has been lifted from the opening page of the Orgatec website (www.orgatec.com) and it seems to sum up both the very essence of the office furniture and design industry and, in particular, 3Sphere. Of course the industry has pure design excellence at its heart, but it is the desire to create stimulating, inspiring and contemporary working environments that remains the sectors ultimate purpose. We know that the office-based business community is slowly understanding the direct relationship between staff productivity and stimulating work spaces. Spending lavish budgets on cool, funky offices has for too long been the preserve of the cash-rich corporates, but design trends are now permeating the consciousness of smaller operations who just want their offices to be stylish, inviting and memorable.

Orgatec 2008 was held in the distinctly modern city of Cologne that appropriately conjures up images of a sophisticated European chic in the minds eye. For five days, the industry flocks to the vast expanse of the event which featured over 700 exhibitors from forty countries attracting a mammoth 60,000 visitors including three happy souls from 3Sphere; Matt Ellis (Sales Director) and uber-babes/ Account Managers, Sarah Burkhill and Lisa Preece. Quite apart from giving them a break from the distinctly gloomy UK economic climate, Orgatec provided the 3Sphere team with an opportunity to view the latest products and ideas that are driving the industry.

Quite apart from the obvious social benefits, Matt, Sarah and Lisa immersed themselves in the galaxy of innovation that characterises the event. Matt has waxed lyrical about the Vitra presence ever since on account of the futuristic vision of the workplace that comprised their stand. A jaw-dropping (predominantly) white colour scheme provided the landscape for Vitra’s design brilliance incorporating furniture, work stations, lighting and soft furnishings.

Almost resembling a scene from Star Trek, Vitra once again set the standard for aspirational work environments and cultures. As a respected Vitra dealer, it is particular gratifying that 3Sphere can access these breathtaking products and concepts in the course of their own work with a discerning UK-based clientele. Highlights included the luxurious softshell chair from Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Fog office systems from the ultra-fashionable Frank Gehry and Matt’s personal favourite, the Basket (which resembles a hammock) designed in association with Werner Aisslinger to create an “island retreat” within an open plan office.

Sarah was particularly taken by Allermuir’s new soft seating Bison tub chair range designed by Simon Pengelly for use in informal, lounge and breakout areas. Compact, but deceptively comfortable due to a subtle flexing of the arms, backrest and sprung seat, Bison is a welcome addition to the Allermuir portfolio. As is the funky and fun range of Jaks seating solutions created by John Coleman that comprises a variety of interlocking modular shapes, playful colours and tessellated patterns to form a ‘cross’ configuration.

For Lisa, Camira’s new range of fabrics took her eye including fabrics actually manufactured from nettles which takes the green theme to a new level. Brilliantly titled the Sting range, these fabrics combine the raw fibres of the common stinging nettle woven with pure new wool to create a unique, high performance, fire retardent upholstery fabric. Launched in September 2008, Sting comes in a variety of natural colours inspired by the English countryside and is perhaps the ultimate Eco-friendly statement.

An exhausting trip for the 3Sphere trio, but they came back to the office energised by the Orgatec experience. Witnessing at first hand the next generation of products that will soon grace offices the world over is essential for a company like 3Sphere who place great emphasis on being ahead of the game. We have added a gallery of images which both illustrate the products that inspired the team and highlight the pleasurable element of the trip.

Particular thanks to Matt Ellis, Sarah Burkill and Lisa Preece for their contributions to this blog entry.

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