Business Interiors by Staples and Metropolis Magazine Announce Second Annual Workplace of the Future Design Competition

Students, emerging designers and industry professionals can architect their vision for the workplace of the future in a competition hosted by Business Interiors by Staples, the furniture and interior design division of Staples Advantage, and Metropolis, the magazine of architecture, culture and design. The second annual contest, Workplace of the Future 2.0, starts July 1, 2014 with a call for entries that invites architects and designers to submit concepts that depict how the workplace will change in the next 10-15 years.

Key trends that emerged from last year’s contest included reclaiming urban space, re-imagining office furniture, employee-centric design and fostering hyper-collaboration.

The workplace is changing rapidly, with 8,000 Baby Boomers reaching retirement each day, Millennials entering with new expectations and technology blurring our personal and professional lives. With these trends as the backdrop, Workplace of the Future 2.0 will highlight how design visionaries respond with ways to reinvent how we work.

"Digitization and innovations in technology have transformed how we work, play and experience the world," said Metropolis Publisher and Editor in Chief, Susan S. Szenasy. "They have also changed the way workers interact and use their physical work space. These innovations allow designers to re-imagine what’s possible. This competition is a great opportunity for architects and designers to unleash their creativity and re-imagine workspaces.”

“The design community responded with incredible vision and ingenuity, which helped the architecture and design community understand the evolving needs of a mobile, virtual 21st century workforce," said John Michael, Vice President and General Manager, Business Interiors by Staples. "This year’s competition will foster conversations and concepts about digitally connected, productive, sustainable and healthy workplaces."

Business Interiors by Staples is the contract furniture and design arm of Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc. With more than 25 years of providing quality furniture solutions, it helps organizations of all types and sizes—from small, local companies to large Fortune 1000 companies—create more productive, healthy and sustainable workspaces. It is one of the largest contract furniture dealers in North America and one of the only companies with direct relationships with more than 250 manufacturers.

About the competition:

Entry deadline is October 6, 2014. Business Interiors by Staples will award $7,500 for the top design, and $2,500 for the runner-up. For more details about the competition and for entry details, please visit www.metropolismag.com/workplace-of-the-future/ and watch for ongoing updates from Metropolis magazine.

Business Interiors by Staples to lead a session titled, “How Will We Work in 2020? Furniture and Design Considerations for the Future Workplace” at NeoCon:

Dan Lee, National Design Manager for Business Interiors by Staples, along with AJ Paron-Wildes, Regional Architectural and Design Manager for Allsteel and last year’s competition winner, Joe Filipelli, will present a session titled “How Will We Work in 2020? Furniture and Design Considerations for the Future Workplace.” The presentation will take place on Tuesday, June 10, from 4-5 p.m. CDT in seminar room 1473A.

About Staples

Staples makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it’s in-store, online or on mobile devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies and Copy and Print services. Staples also offers free shipping for Staples Rewards Members, in most cases overnight. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

About Staples Advantage

Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS), serves organizations of 20 or more employees up to the Fortune 1000, helping them make more happen with more products, greater cost savings and improved ordering efficiencies. Staples Advantage provides its customers, including global businesses, local, state and federal government, healthcare organizations and educational institutions, with a one source solution featuring comprehensive products and services like office supplies, technology, printing, promotional products, furniture and facility supplies, along with a customized level of account support and best-in-class customer service. More information is available at www.staplesadvantage.com.