At NeoCon 2026, Haworth presented a compelling vision of workplace design that harmonizes craftsmanshipperformanceand human-centered principles. The company’s showroom featured a diverse range of products and collaborations that underscored its dedication to creating inspiring and functional workspaces.
The event highlighted Haworth’s ability to blend artistic expression with practical workplace solutions, demonstrating that design excellence and performance are not mutually exclusive. From innovative lighting solutions to community-driven textile projects, Haworth’s offerings at NeoCon 2026 reflected a deep understanding of the evolving needs of modern workplaces.
Stephen Burks: Bridging Art and Industry
One of the standout collaborations at Haworth’s showroom was with designer Stephen Burkswhose multidisciplinary practice spans various creative fields. Burks’ work, displayed prominently in the showroom, showcased the breadth of his design philosophy and artistic vision.
The collection featured several notable pieces, including the Dinamica lighting collectioncrafted from solid aluminum with versatile rotating bases and heads. This innovative design allows the fixtures to serve multiple functions, adapting to different spatial needs. Additionally, the Birth Lounge Chaira sculptural seating design made from molded plywood, exemplified Burks’ ability to merge artistry with functionality.
Burks’ collaboration with the Gee’s Bend quilters and the textile house Dedar from Milan was particularly meaningful. This project highlighted Haworth’s commitment to community-based design initiatives and the preservation of traditional craft techniques. Burks emphasized the importance of hand techniques as a means of innovation, stating, “We are constantly looking at the intersection of craft, community, and industry.”
Franco Bianchi: Balancing Beauty and Performance
Franco BianchiHaworth’s President and CEO, highlighted the company’s ability to merge design excellence with workplace performance. He noted that the strength of this year’s showroom lay in the seamless integration of high-quality design details and practical functionality.
Bianchi emphasized that Haworth’s products are designed to meet the needs of both organizations and end-users. “We speak to CFOs, we have to check the box on norms and codes, we have to create things that are easy to assemble and disassemble and reconfigure,” he explained. However, he also stressed the importance of considering the people who use these spaces every day.
According to Bianchi, NeoCon 2026 demonstrated that organizations no longer have to choose between functionality and experience. Haworth’s products are designed to be both performant and user-focused, creating environments that feel personalized and inviting. “The product feels designed for you,” Bianchi said. “Designed to put you at ease.”
Matthew Haworth: Innovating Across the Workplace
Matthew Haworth highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation across various aspects of the workplace. He noted that Haworth’s offerings extend beyond furniture to include architectural products, workstations, power systems, seating, and digital tools.
One of the most exciting launches at NeoCon 2026 was the Gallerie workstation platformalong with a newly engineered dual-circuit power system. This system reduces material usage significantly, using approximately half the copper and metal of traditional solutions while also incorporating less plastic. “It’s more environmentally friendly,” Haworth noted, “with a lower profile and a lot of new capabilities.”
Flexibility was another recurring theme throughout the showroom. Haworth highlighted products such as the Sorin side-chair family and the SOSU collection by Patricia Urquiola, which are designed to adapt to a variety of applications. “Whether you tend to like the more fashion, loose-furniture side, or more of the larger-scale architectural side, there’s something for everybody,” Haworth said.
The future of workplace design, according to Haworth, lies in the convergence of digital and physical experiences. As technologies like AI continue to evolve, Haworth sees opportunities to simplify processes for dealers, designers, and clients alike. “If we can simplify those basic needs, then we can spend more time on the higher value-add human elements,” he said.
