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Pedrali Unveils Gentle Habitat Concept at Orgatec Trade Fair

Italian manufacturer blends hospitality comfort with functional office design for modern professional needs.

1Redefining Office Environments

Pedrali returned to the Orgatec trade fair in Cologne for its ninth appearance since 2004. The company introduced the #PedraliGentleHabitat concept, aiming to replace rigid, traditional desk rows with inviting, hospitality-inspired office layouts. This design shift addresses the evolving professional need for spaces that foster genuine human relationships and collaboration.

2Sustainable Pavilion Architecture

Designed by Milan-based DWA Design Studio, the 700-square-meter stand features exposed poplar wood and rippling canvas surfaces. The entire pavilion structure is designed to be fully dismantled and reused, following its initial use at Salone del Mobile 2026. This circular approach minimizes waste while maintaining a warm, architectural aesthetic for visitors.

3Circular Manufacturing Innovation

The Unico project represents a significant step in circular production by repurposing leftover industrial plastic from chair molding lines. Designers compress this factory waste into unique plates and bowls that mimic carved stone or clay textures. This experimental initiative demonstrates how manufacturing byproducts can be transformed into functional, high-quality design elements.

4Acoustic Comfort Solutions

To manage noise in open-plan offices, Pedrali introduced Ondine, a collection of fire-resistant, thermoformed polyester acoustic panels. These modular systems function as wall mounts, hanging dividers, or desk screens. By filtering ambient sound, the panels create quiet zones that allow employees to focus despite the surrounding activity of a busy office.

5Flexible Modular Workstations

The exhibit showcased the Frank table by Robin Rizzini paired with organic Opale chairs by Patrick Jouin. For collaborative tasks, the Rizz Workstation benches accommodate teams alongside ergonomic Polar task chairs. These chairs now feature breathable mesh in terracotta and sage green, providing both aesthetic variety and essential comfort for long workdays.

6Dynamic Social Zones

Pedrali unveiled the Buddy Oasi Serpentine system, which creates winding, upholstered islands for casual interaction. These modular setups are complemented by castor-mounted Buddy poufs and cocooning Ila armchairs. The design encourages spontaneous meetings, effectively moving away from fixed seating arrangements toward more fluid, social, and highly adaptable workplace configurations for teams.

7Mobile Focus Niches

The new mobile Buddyhub Desks and Sideboards are equipped with castors, allowing them to be moved easily to create instant, acoustic-wrapped focus niches. These units provide a necessary retreat from open-plan chatter. Additionally, the Arki-Table Desk features an integrated lighting system, ensuring that workstations remain functional and well-lit in diverse office settings.

8Blurring Indoor and Outdoor

The collection concludes by dissolving boundaries between indoor offices and outdoor spaces. The Ikon Twist table is engineered for outdoor endurance, while Formafantasma’s Estratto coffee tables use extruded aluminum. By integrating tactile materials and clean geometry, Pedrali creates a cohesive habitat that prioritizes employee well-being throughout the entire professional environment.

Original article: design archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine — Pedrali Unveils Gentle Habitat Concept at Orgatec Trade Fair