Trade Fairs from 2016 to 2022: Trends of Flexible and Modular Furniture for Hybrid Working Sceneries

The lifestyle changed and the evolution of mobile technology made it possible to introduce new nomadic ways of working. The future of work lies in a hybrid model between remote and on-site work. Covid-19 accelerated the change to more flexible working models. Trade fairs dedicated to workplace furniture show the trends of collaborative and modular furniture for these new working sceneries. As well workplaces express the need to acquire versatile furniture to create more collaborative work environments and creative experiences that we cannot have at home. This research intends to recognize furniture design as a modular and flexible feature that contributes to the creation of atmospheres compatible with these new forms of cooperative and agile work. The research was carried out by studying five visited trade fairs dedicated to workplace furniture and a sample of workplaces, considering the premises: function/comfort, materials/sustainability and flexibility/form. The principal output of this study is evidencing the relevance of furniture design in the creation of more collaborative and sharing scenarios in new dynamic working models, to improve the wellbeing and sustainability of work communities.