Japanese furniture brand NII unveiled a series of new pieces at this year’s Salone del Mobile, emphasizing a design ethos the company calls “ingenious design.” The collection, aimed at workplaces that are constantly evolving, seeks to blend function, comfort and clear form to support the ways people meet, work and interact.
Design philosophy rooted in flexibility
Creative director Hirotaka Tako explained that shifting work patterns, digitalisation and a heightened focus on human capital are reshaping the office environment. “The way we work is changing rapidly,” he said, noting that companies now view offices as more than a substitute for homes or cafés. “It should be a place that attracts and inspires people just like entertainment.”
According to Tako, “ingenious design” is intended to spark creativity and new ideas. The approach favours multifunctional structures and meticulous details that subtly guide movement, connection and collaboration. He described the philosophy as a way to “introduce creative shifts in the relationship between people and space,” bringing unexpected energy to the workplace.
In practice, this means the pieces aim to act as stages for interaction rather than static furniture. The goal is to create a sense of surprise, turning what might seem impossible into tangible design solutions. This focus on flexibility differentiates NII from more conventional office furniture that often prioritises standardisation and pure efficiency.
Key pieces debuting at Salone
The HAKUSAN chair, designed by UK studio Industrial Facility, is presented as a new archetype that balances comfort, stackability and cost. Its forward‑moving silhouette, formed by an integrated frame and armrests, reduces the load when carrying the chair. The model offers multiple colour, material and finish options, ranging from natural wood with metal accents to tone‑on‑tone treatments.
Another highlight is the BIWA lounge‑task chair from Japanese designer Kohei Wada. Though its form resembles a lounge seat, the chair incorporates an ankle‑tilt mechanism and a floating shoulder rest linked by a transparent neck, allowing a range of relaxed postures. Buyers can choose low or high versions, glides or casters, and finishes that include polished bases and leather upholstery.
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The ALLROUND stool, designed in‑house, features built‑in casters and an all‑metal construction. Its rounded edges and hovercraft‑like movement encourage active communication.
Additional collections showcased at the fair include BITMAP by Todd Bracher, PIGNA by AMDL Circle, and PARLAMENTO by Jun Aizaki. Each piece reflects the emphasis on sculptural presence that both complements and enhances its surroundings.
Future outlook
The company plans to roll out the Salone collection to global markets later this year, targeting firms that are redesigning their offices to accommodate hybrid work models. Statements suggest that future releases will continue to explore the boundary between furniture and architecture, reinforcing the idea that the office can be a catalyst for creativity.
Early reactions at the fair highlighted the balance between aesthetic appeal and functional adaptability. Observers noted that the integration of engineering and design in items like HAKUSAN and ALLROUND hints at a broader trend toward furniture that actively shapes workplace environments.
Design matters.
