At this year’s Salone del Mobile, Japanese brand NII presented a series of new collections aimed at the contemporary workplace. The pieces are meant for workplaces that are always shifting, reflecting its philosophy of “ingenious design.”
The creative director described the office as a place that should attract and inspire people, much like entertainment. “It should be a place that attracts and inspires people just like entertainment: a space where people gather, connect and inspire one another,” he said. Tako added that the goal is to create settings filled with energy and inspiration, connecting them and supporting new challenges.
The philosophy of “ingenious design” translates into multifunctional structures that subtly guide how people move and interact within a setting. He said it introduces creative shifts in the relationship between individuals and their environment, bringing new energy and unexpected connections into the office according to the firm.
Designing for Surprise and Connection
He emphasized that the brand tries to create a sense of surprise, bringing something that feels almost impossible to life through engineering. Unlike conventional office furniture, which tends to prioritize standardization and efficiency, NII redefines furniture as something that activates the environment itself.
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It offers flexibility in how it can be used.
It is meant to function as a stage that brings out people’s creativity and relationships, Tako explained.
New Pieces for the Modern Workspace
NII presented several pieces at the fair.
HAKUSAN is a stacking chair designed by UK studio Industrial Facility. It achieves a balance of comfort, stackability, and cost through a minimal set of components. Its forward-moving silhouette, created by the integrated frame and armrests, functions as an icon that reflects a carefully considered weight balance, helping to minimise the load when carrying the chair. A range of finishes is available, from natural wood paired with sharp metal accents to refined tone-on-tone finishes.
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BIWA is a lounge task chair designed by Kohei Wada.
Despite its enveloping form, it supports comfortable work with an ankle-tilt mechanism. It features a distinctive shoulder rest connected by a transparent neck, designed to support a range of relaxed postures. Configurations include low and high versions, glides or casters, and options ranging from one-tone finishes to polished bases and leather upholstery.
ALLROUND is a stool with built-in casters designed in-house. Tako said the stool moves smoothly and freely, like a hovercraft, encouraging active communication.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration
For the Salone presentation, NII worked with Todd Bracher, Jun Aizaki, Industrial Facility, Kohei Wada, and AMDL Circle. Bracher contributed the BITMAP collection. Aizaki, of CRÈME, designed PARLAMENTO.
