These eleven new materials and technologies offer a glimpse into where innovation is taking us, both in terms of sustainability and simply as cool ideas:

• Metal Architectural Surfaces – low-cost, lightweight sheet metal that is die-cut and processed to create the representation of textures, patterns and images
• Xylogramm – CNC routed decorative panels for high-end interior design, wall paneling, and furniture construction
• CFS (Carbon Fiber Stone) – Composite material made of stone and encased in carbon for an inexpensive and extremely strong material
• UltraCanvas Backlite U280 – Coated woven polyester backlit textile for use as indoor or outdoor signage, displays, etc.

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Libraries draw traffic because they generate a large number of repeat visitors that are attending regularly to check out and return books, participate in programs, use public computers, etc. This article explains a number of strategies that can tie a public library into a development that draws traffic. They include:

• Main-street designs used by open-air shopping centers
• An overall design that creates a community icon
• Using the library itself as the icon
• Adding a second anchor in the fashion of a mall

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Author Lois Goodell covers several tips on turning your workspace from good to great. If you are leasing a space, your landlord might provide a basic facelift such as new carpet or fresh paint. However, once you’ve moved in, you may notice other opportunities to upgrade your environment.

HVAC is often overlooked at a contributor to productivity, but comfortable employees are productive employees. Goodell notes that understanding individual preferences can help prioritize needs such as adjecency to windows and screen glare, or task lighting needs. Larger issues such as building or office temperature can be learned through tenant feedback.

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Where learning takes place can have a big impact on how it happens … and the result. Today, learning and teaching styles are collaborative, and technology is everywhere.

There’s a whole new set of expectations for learning environments. They need to be adaptable. Smart. Comfortable. Appealing. And support a broad range of user needs.

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An office leasing strategy should include considerations for cost and business needs. Author Lois Goodell points out that current and future needs should be considered, to help your business respond to an ever-changing business landscape. Lois states “Space needs have changed dramatically in recent years, technology has enabled individual workspaces to get smaller, there is greater collaboration in accomplishing work, and more employees are working virtually from outside a traditional office.

Choosing a new space that is just simply larger than your existing space may not accomodate future business goals. For instance, consider the impact of a new HVAC system, wiring/cabling, and location.

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At NeoCon World’s Trade Fair, visitors can preview thousands of the latest designs from more than 700 exhibitors.

The first of two Silver awards went to FlexFrame™ workwall by Steelcase in the Files & Storage category. FlexFrame workwall is a wall-mounted, frame-based system that can be used in any space plan.

The product “activates” vertical spaces for high-performance, tailored applications of storage, information display and technology integration.

Topo by Coalesse, Steelcase’s premium life/work furnishings division, won the second Silver award for Steelcase in the Furniture Systems: Enhancements category.

With a new series of freestanding components, the award-winning Topo collection is uniquely clean-lined and easy to install while providing designers with a fresh palette of space-conserving options.

View our NeoCon2010 photo album

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We celebrated the Grand Opening of the new Target Commercial Interiors Showroom in Green Bay, WI on May 6, 2010.

Target Commercial Interiors was founded in 1954 as an offshoot of Dayton’s Department Stores, later operated under the Marshall Field’s flag. Target, formerly known as Dayton Hudson Corp. kept the business in 2004, when it sold its Marshall Field’s and Mervyns chains to focus on its discount stores. Target Commercial Interiors operates 9 business-interiors stores in Arizona, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.

View all Green Bay Showroom Photos

Beyond the cube, workplace design now embraces such lofty concepts as enhancing communication, facilitating work-in-process, managing technology and providing an up-to-date alternative to “cube life”. Sound too easy? Let’s break it down.

• Planning principals begin with storage and work surfaces, not cubicle panels.
• Natural light is shared and collaboration is enhanced.
• Work in Progress is displayed & organized as the user wants it.
• Wires, cords and connections are smartly managed and easily accessible.

Access to natural light can be increased by lowering panel height. If privacy is then an issue, incorporate translucent privacy screens.

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