June 19 – 22, 2013

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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The region’s most significant trade exhibition has built an unsurpassed reputation for itself – drawing together on an annual basis architects, interior designers, developers and other building related professionals of the built and interior design industries to congregate on a shared platform unlike any other. Under one roof, industry professionals can conveniently source for their respective industry’s needs while meeting industry providers and experts of the field face-to-face. (from www.archidex.com)

June 5 – 7, 2013

Tokyo, Japan

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Interior Lifestyle Tokyo is the leading trade fair for the Japanese high-end interior market. Drawing from the success of Messe Frankfurt’s largest international consumer goods fairAmbiente and international textile fair Heimtextil, Interior Lifestyle Tokyo brings a combined fair concept to the Japanese high-end market. Interior Lifestyle Tokyo is hosted every year in June, while IFFT/Interior Lifestyle Living is presented in November. (from: www.interior-lifestyle.com)

May 13 – 16, 2012

Moscow, Russia

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EEM / Euroexpofurniture is major event in the Russian furniture industry, and for 20 years has been the industry’s leading exhibition. Every year, Russian and international companies introduce industry professionals and the general public to the latest products, technologies and developments in the furniture industry. (from www.eem.ru)

April 21 – 25, 2013

Philadelphia, PA

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LIGHTFAIR^® International (LFI^®) is the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference. LFI has a proven track record of bringing top international and domestic Architectural, Design, Engineering, Energy and Lighting professionals together with exhibitors from around the world. (from www.lightfair.com)

Here is an aggressive and well, a bit crazy idea to address the air quality issue.  These large jelly fish contraptions are tethered to a skyscraper.  The units can process the air and allow for a reduction in the acid level while providing fertilizer as the by product.  The building was designed for use in Chongquing China.  The design concept leverages the height of a skyscraper to get the air conditioners more altitude.  The obvious issue here is safety.  An enormous contraption hovering over a high concentration of people may not be the most elegant or safest solution. maybe on a tower in the countryside- but then no one would be writing about that-

Read full article here.

]]> http://azure-usa.com/blog/2202/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/blog/human-kind-offices-by-pps-architects http://azure-usa.com/blog/human-kind-offices-by-pps-architects#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:19:15 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=2199

HumanKind a South African advertising agency used their offices to fully brand their organization to any clients that visit the space.  In addition to fully branding the agency they have coupled their brand with the South African Identity.  This technique showcases their understanding of local culture and heritage further pumping up their brand.  This is local marketing at its best being communicated through interior design with modest materials.

Read full article here.

The potential of positive and negative space design considerations in the urban fabric could unlock hidden potential.  The ability for vertical spaces to incorporate open spaces into the design could change the feel of the entire urban area by knitting the environment together with the structure.  This fascinating concept has been brought to an extreme in this article but the theme is strong and worth considering in design – interior or exterior.

Read full article here.

Dieter Rams ten principles of good design.  See how many you can guess- Innovation is a key element which is rarely achieved in typical designs- product or other.  Often just by reaching for innovation the item becomes unusable quickly. This may be the most difficult of the ten.  its like hitting a homerun.  You can’t do it with every at -bat – you need to have the right opportunity.  Most of the others- Aesthetic, Understandable, Useful are all pretty straight forward and something you can implement regularly.  Check out the list here.

30 bright lights to make you happy! Leave it to the Swedes to implement light therapy on a city-wide scale.  They have 30 bus shelters equipped with large light sources to create  light therapy across the city. I hope the lights are not easily broken from vandals!  The lights seem to not only help Seasonal Affective Disorder but also reduce crime- and make for more awake bus riders!  I can’t wait to hear how this experiment turns out.

Read full article here.

Seven million people are jammed into 6500 highrise condos in Hong Kong.  All these people in just 1100 square kilometers- thats just over 400 sq miles.  The most incredible density is in the heart of the city where more than half this population is crammed into a just over a square mile. All this density makes us wonder about the safety and health of this type of living.  it seems like extending the cubicle world to the home.  There is just no where to be alone in this part of the world.  The images of the towers tells the story better than words.  Where is this kind of population density leading us?

Read full article here.

The UK bans curved glass walls, faceted walls, L shaped rooms and any deviation from the most basic of buildings for new schools.  The Government is building 250 nes schools and is aparenlty not interested in anything but the most basic of shaper- the rectangle.  Other finishes banned include certain types of roofs.  In addition there are room size limitations and height restrictions as well as number of story restrictions. I guess they are not interested in seeing any architectural design competition pop up.  Look for the boxes to start popping up in the next few years…

Read full article here.

May 15 – 17, 2013

Las Vegas, NV

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Learn from the professionals, be inspired by the most creative, source product in one dedicated location and network at the hospitality design industry’s premier event. Attendees will have access to over 900 exhibitors’ products and services, fully accredited conference sessions, and exclusive networking opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones. (hdexpo.com)

Read More>>

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HD Boutique 2012

September 24 – 25, 2012

Miami, Florida

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HD Boutique Exposition & Conference (HD Boutique) is a boutique-style trade show for designers, architects, owners, operators, developers and specifiers. See only the best hospitality design products and services offered by artisans and manufacturers from around the world. Located in Miami Beach, FL, the event is centrally located as the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. Fully accredited conference sessions with a focus on these new markets and stellar networking events allow you to broaden your horizons and grow your network. Face to face meetings and access to key industry leaders are the essence of HD Boutique. (hdboutique.com)

Read More>>

]]> http://azure-usa.com/events/hd-boutique/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/blog/furniture-trends-for-2013 http://azure-usa.com/blog/furniture-trends-for-2013#comments Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:46:52 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=2104 #thecontent { margin: 0px !important; font-size:16px;

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Furniture Trends for 2013

While most furniture manufacturers argue vehemently they are not following trends the record shows not only that they are following trends lock step but also that there is a convergence of the product lines.

It seems the only people that can tell a difference between many of the product lines are those that are experienced professionals in the industry.  The branding messages have become so strong and so similar there is almost no way to tell the difference between companies.  This is driven by partially by the designers employed by the manufacturers and in part by the business philosophy in the industry.

To understand the reasons behind all this product convergence we have to take a look at how conservative businesses are managed.  A conservative business enters a market only when it is established and verified.  This means there is no real innovation by a conservative company because innovation is too expensive.  Their returns are greater when they do not have to create their own market for a new product.  They would prefer to allow more innovative companies to find the new product categories and enter them after there is momentum.

Momentum is when there is a new product that is well received in the marketplace and competitors enter the market.  This increases the advertising and promotion of the product type and begins the growth of the trend.  There is a promotional tipping point that has to be reached before a product is acepted in the marketplace.  Its much easier to reach this point with multiple companies promoting the same product design.  Once this tipping point occurs the floodgates of competition open.

The innovator continues to develop new concepts and look for the next great solution while the conservative company focuses on price reduction and delivery.  This cysle is getting shorter and shorter.  It is easy to see trends cross the globe in a matter of months and days when it used to take years.  Most North American furniture manufaturers take their design lead from their European counterparts.  The ideas discussed and displayed at Orgatec and iSaloni are quickly picked up for Neocon and HD in North America.

So the innovators do all the investment into new designs and concepts while the masses wait to pounce on the next big thing.  It seems every manufacturer has a cool contemporary brand story to tell- so many seem to be cut from the same cloth.  Part of that brand story is the next new collection designed by an important designer.  This is an important part of the illusion projected by many of the factories.  Its as if they are shouting- We are one of the design leaders!  When often it is nothing more than window dressing- literally if you look around the ‘Mart.

So what are the trends?

• More white- everywhere
• More Walnut veneer and finish colors
• More contemporary- everything
• More collaborative furniture
• Pack em in smaller spaces
• Send them home- just meet here
• Sustainability – built in
• Dealer Power!
• Less resources in libraries
• Reduced focus on the actual furniture

Well there you have it.  We will expand on the list in future posts and give greater detail.  All ten of these trends will affect the future of the Contract furniture business in the next 12-18 months.  For more on our collection visit us at www.azure-usa.com.

]]> http://azure-usa.com/blog/furniture-trends-for-2013/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/blog/inside-the-designers-circle http://azure-usa.com/blog/inside-the-designers-circle#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 19:59:52 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=2076 Outstanding Designer from the East


The recently concluded Salone Internazionale del Mobile brought so much news in the furniture world this week. Top designers from all over the world gathered in Milan, Italy to showcase their innovative furniture designs not just to the industry’s big players but to the common people as well. It is every designers dream to join and exhibit their master pieces at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile as it is considered the biggest and the most prestigious event in the furniture industry.


As expected, there were over five hundred designer participants and each of them was able to deliver an impressive work of furniture. Out of the hundreds of amazing designs, there are always designs that are considered exceptional. One of the most brilliant designs is the “Cabaret” collection of Filipino furniture designer, Kenneth Cobonpue.

A piece from the Cabaret collection. Image from mocoloco.com

Several European customers were impressed with Cobonpue’s innovation. As most of the modern designed furniture is made of plastic, the Cabaret is made up of steel frame covered with soft umbrella fabric which can stand the rain or the heat brought by the sun.


Kenneth Cobonpue is a multi-award winning furniture designer who gained his Industrial Design degree in Pratt Institute in New York. He is well-known for his sustainable designs in furniture that earned him a reputation as an innovator in the furniture world.

Up and Coming Design Stars

Dwell just featured a number of young designers that have the potential to make it big . If you missed this feature in the May 2012 issue, follow this link. The designs are inspiring.

]]> http://azure-usa.com/blog/inside-the-designers-circle/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/events/hotel-hospitality-design-2012 http://azure-usa.com/events/hotel-hospitality-design-2012#comments Tue, 01 May 2012 19:44:41 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=2068 Hotel Hospitality Design 2012

May 14 – 16, 2012

Sydney, Australia

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HHD is the largest hotel refurbishment and design event in the southern hemisphere, bringing together the best in the hospitality industry over three days. The show brings together every facet of the hospitality supply and service network, catering to 3-5 star hotels, motels, resorts, spas, luxury hotels and the hotel pub sectors under the one roof. (from: hhdexpo.com.au)


Read more>>

]]> http://azure-usa.com/events/hotel-hospitality-design-2012/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/events/designex-2012 http://azure-usa.com/events/designex-2012#comments Tue, 01 May 2012 14:42:57 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=2060 Designex 2012

May 14 – 16, 2012

Sydney, Australia

Register here>>

For over 24 years, designEX has been Australia’s largest interiors, design ideas and architecture event. At designEX you’ll be informed and inspired as you discover the latest products and design trends from leading brands. You have the opportunity to attend seminars featuring established and emerging designers, networking events and more -designEX is a must-attend event.


Whether you’re a designer, architect, interior designer, specifier, property developer, retailer or otherwise involved in the design or architecture industries, you’ll find essential information and inspiration at designEX. (from: designex.info)

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]]> http://azure-usa.com/events/designex-2012/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/events/2012-aia-national-convention-and-design-exposition http://azure-usa.com/events/2012-aia-national-convention-and-design-exposition#comments Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:24:03 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=2045 2012 A.I.A. National Convention and Design Exposition

May 17 – 19, 2012

Washington, D.C.

Register to attend>>

The AIA 2012 National Convention announces two distinguished keynote speakers who will examine the role of the architect through our nation’s history. One is an award-winning historian who looks to the past; the other is an architect who looks at what’s to come. Attend the convention to hear the unique perspectives of David McCullough and the Honorable Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (from: www.convention.aia.org)

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]]> http://azure-usa.com/events/2012-aia-national-convention-and-design-exposition/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/events/orgatec-furniture-fair http://azure-usa.com/events/orgatec-furniture-fair#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:04:36 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=2031 Orgatec Furniture Fair

October 23 – 27, 2012

Cologne, Germany


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Furnishing, lighting, flooring, room acoustics and communication and media technology. ORGATEC is the only trade fair to present so many comprehensive solutions from all relevant sectors for working and living spaces in the office. ORGATEC 2012 particularly focuses on the flexible and dynamic working environments of the future. (from: www.orgatec.com)


Read more>>

]]> http://azure-usa.com/events/orgatec-furniture-fair/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/uncategorized/isaloni-milan-furniture-fair http://azure-usa.com/uncategorized/isaloni-milan-furniture-fair#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:39:40 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=2019

iSaloni- Milan Furniture Fair
April 17 – 22, 2012
Milan, Italy

Register Here>>

I Saloni 2012

Salone Internazionale del Mobile, EuroCucina, International Bathroom Exhibition, International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition, SaloneSatellite

Dates

17-22 April 2012, 9.30 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.

Trade only. Open to the general public only on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22

Venue

Milan Fairgrounds, Rho (Milan)

Entrance gates: Porta Est, Porta Sud, Porta Ovest, Cargo 5 (SaloneSatellite only)

Pavilions

Salone Internazionale del Mobile and International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-10-12-14-16-18-20

EuroCucina 9-11-13-15

International Bathroom Exhibition 22-24

SaloneSatellite 22-24

(from: www.cosmit.com)

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]]> http://azure-usa.com/uncategorized/isaloni-milan-furniture-fair/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/events/neocon-east-2012 http://azure-usa.com/events/neocon-east-2012#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:28:56 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=2012 NeoCon East 2012
October 17 – 18, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland

Exhibit Now>>

Returning for its 9th year and once again positioned to take place at the beginning of the federal government fiscal cycle, NeoCon East has made its trademark as the premier design exposition and conference for the mid-Atlantic design community and a necessity to the industry. More than 250 exhibitors featuring new products, innovative designs and cutting edge building resources and 30+ CEU-accredited seminars, association forums and keynote speakers encompass NeoCon East. (from: exhibitatneocon.com)

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]]> http://azure-usa.com/events/neocon-east-2012/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/events/h-d-expo-2012 http://azure-usa.com/events/h-d-expo-2012#comments Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:50:52 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=1993 H.D. Expo 2012
May 15 – 17, 2012
Las Vegas, NV

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As a hospitality professional you are looking for opportunities to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s solutions. Attend HD Expo and you can examine tools, products and services to remain successful in our changing economy, attend LU/CEU accredited conference sessions and network with industry leaders. (from: www.hdexpo.com)

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]]> http://azure-usa.com/events/h-d-expo-2012/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/events/neocon-2012 http://azure-usa.com/events/neocon-2012#comments Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:36:10 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=1974

NeoCon 2012
June 11 – 13, 2012
The Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Register Now to attend>>

Discover thousands of innovative products and resources for corporate hospitality, healthcare, retail, government, institutional and residential interiors from more than 700 showrooms and exhibitors. NeoCon is where the contract industry kicks off its year. Get engaged, get educated, get inspired, and enjoy each moment. (from: www.neocon.com)

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]]> http://azure-usa.com/events/neocon-2012/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/events/i-c-f-f-2012 http://azure-usa.com/events/i-c-f-f-2012#comments Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:03:54 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=1965

ICFF 2012
May 19 – 22, 2012
New York, NY USA

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North America’s premier showcase for contemporary design, the ICFF annually lures those in determined pursuit of design’s timely truths and latest trends to an encyclopedic exhibition of up-to-the-moment offerings, as well as a series of fascinating, fun, edifying programs, and a packed schedule of supplementary exhibits and features. (from: www.icff.com)

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]]> http://azure-usa.com/events/i-c-f-f-2012/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/events/events1 http://azure-usa.com/events/events1#comments Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:05:33 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=1954

High Point Market Week
April 21 – 26, 2012
High Point, NC, USA
Register Here Now>>

]]> http://azure-usa.com/events/events1/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/miscellaneous/swellinstallation2 http://azure-usa.com/miscellaneous/swellinstallation2#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:50:26 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=1673

Swell | #7002

Description |

This modern themed panel is perfect for curve walls. Ideal for cafes, conference rooms, or reception areas.

Dimensions	|
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]]> http://azure-usa.com/miscellaneous/swellinstallation2/feed 0 http://azure-usa.com/blog/article-sample-3-2 http://azure-usa.com/blog/article-sample-3-2#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:39:08 +0000 admin http://azure-usa.com/?p=1595

The contemporary table system capable of sizes up to 240 inches long and 60 inches wide while maintaining a rock solid structure and minimal design. The conference tables are perfectly matched to our Como conference chairs.

The contemporary table system capable of sizes up to 240 inches long and 60 inches wide while maintaining a rock solid structure and minimal design. The conference tables are perfectly matched to our Como conference chairs.

The Como conference table series offers a contemporary table system capable of sizes up to 240 inches long and 60 inches wide while maintaining a rock solid structure and minimal design. The conference tables are perfectly matched to our Como conference chairs.