At Fulton Market Design Days last month, the streets were filled with designers, architects and pop-ups. In a main utility, a row of pink shipping containers housed room-sized temporary exhibits from emerging designers and others (think: modern furniture and a giant bubblegum machine). Down the road, a large-scale installation outside the Steelcase WorkLife Center immediately caught the eye.
Photo courtesy of Coalese.
THE Coalesce The Co.Lab pop-up was rooted in contrast—from rich colors to textures and materials. On its exterior, light plywood paired with royal blue tees and a boxy silhouette created circular cutouts that opened onto the street—each element standing firmly on its own while also harmonizing as a whole. The interactive installation brought to life the power of collective energy and co-creation.
Designed to sit, gather, and tinker with furniture together, Coalesse Co.Lab’s immersive, interactive space was a hub of connection—and the space itself facilitated that community spirit through interactive lighting and sound systems. And the central idea of the work emphasized this connection: that when people come together, space—and work—become more dynamic.
“At Coalese, we understand the power of large communal spaces and believe they’ve never been more relevant,” says Meghan Dean, General Manager, Design Brands and Partners.
Bringing together diverse designers and partner brands to create spaces that are cohesive, flexible and integrated, the experience began outside. A small outdoor seating area welcomed you—with Panigiri picnic tables and a single square Sensu umbrella from Extremis—while offering a taste of what you’ll find inside.
Inside, the space was full of design inspiration—from new releases to fan favorites. As a testament to the impressive array of brand partners under the umbrella, the Coalesse Co.Lab featured interactive displays Peaksthe new modular system from Yves Behar for Moooi? Tom Dixon’s iconic Fat chairs and Whirl lighting. SuperWire by Formafantasma for Flos? and Viccarbe’s Common modular benches by Naoto Fukasawa and Burin Mini tables by Patricia Urquiola.
Also in view, his curved forms Jean Nouvel seating collection encouraged exploration by offering a seat with playful charm. Designed for Coalesse and debuted at last year’s Fulton Market Design Days, the collection draws inspiration from the smooth edges of rocks on a riverbed or shifting sand dunes.
With live designer meetings and discussions—and the diversity of design talent on offer—Coalesse Co.Lab sparked conversations about the future and importance of collaborative design, to create a space where new ideas can coalesce. Driven by the desire to co-create, the Coalesse activation offered an inviting invitation: let’s create brilliant work together.
