ICFF (formerly known as the International Contemporary Furniture Fair) in New York held its 29th show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center May 20 to 24, welcoming more than 800 exhibitors from around the world to display new furnishings and finishes to designers, architects, distributors, and press. The showroom was packed with innovative furniture and interior products ranging from bathroom fixtures to flooring to textiles for use in both residential and commercial environments.
Here are ARCHITECT's five top picks from the show:
Echo, LightArt
Designed for educational and office spaces by Seattle-based lighting manufacturer LightArt, Echo illuminates as well as offers acoustical control. The fan-like design comprises eight felt fins available in rectangular or trapezoidal profiles), and can be arranged in multiple configurations. The fixtures offer noise reduction coefficient values from 0.85 to 1.0, while the felt comes in nickel and cast color options. lightart.com
Barstool, Ot-tra
By Brooklyn, N.Y.–based Zimmerman Workshop Architecture + Design's new furniture brand Ot/tra, this hand-carved wooden barstool is part of the Catenary Collection, which utilizes concave curves throughout each piece and was inspired by Eero Saarinen’s Gateway Arch, in St. Louis, and George Nelson’s Platform Bench. The gridded stool is made up of 16 pieces and comes in bar and counter heights: 32" tall by 16.73" wide and 26" tall by 16.73" wide, respectively. Available in blackened oak, walnut, natural oak, and white ash. ot-tra.com
Equilibrium, Studio Poli
Handcrafted by Brazilian brand Studio Poli, this eye-shaped bench is made of Louro Gaucho wood and finished in cowhide leather. The repeated, geometric laser-cut pattern on the leather is inspired by palm tree leaves. Both the wood species and leather can be customized. The piece measures 55" long by 17.35" tall (at its midspan). nbfdesign.com
Fold Bench Uhuru
Inspired by metal objects found flattened in the streets of Red Hook, Brooklyn, N.Y., this steel bench is part of Uhuru's Fold Collection, which also includes twisted stools and side tables. The bench will eventually discolor the natural patina to look like oxidized metal for authenticity. uhurudesign.com
Janus Table Lamp, Trueing
Inspired by Saturn's outermost ring as well as the ancient Roman deity Janus, this table lamp balances a dichroic glass lens at the center of its brass ring, which is illuminated with a 120V LED strip. The color and intensity of the light differ depending on the tilt of the glass. Janus comes in heights of 11.5" or 14.25", and measures 9.25" in diameter. trueing.co
Acoustic Wool Felt, Plexwood
This acoustic wall panel is made up of 100-percent merino wool enveloped between an end-grain veneer layer and a wood substrate. A linear pattern creates a grooved surface, which is available in nine wood options including birch, oak, and poplar. The panel system, offered with a 0.2"-thick layer of merino, has an NRC rating that is to be determined. plexwood.com
