NII, a Japanese brand, presented several new launches at Salone del Mobile, focusing on workplaces that evolve alongside the people using them. The company’s creative director, Hirotaka Tako, spoke with OnOffice about the brand’s philosophy of “ingenious design,” a concept that blends functionality, comfort, and clarity of form to support interaction and collaboration. The new pieces aim to create spatial frameworks that encourage collective exchange rather than just offering a place to sit.
Shifting the office environment
Tako explained that the modern workplace is changing rapidly due to flexible work styles and digitalization. Companies are rethinking the office’s role, placing a new emphasis on comfort and inviting environments. NII does not view the office merely as an alternative to a home or café; instead, the brand sees it as a destination that attracts and inspires people, much like an entertainment venue. The goal is to create spaces where people gather, connect, and inspire one another.
The company translates “ingenious design” as a method that sparks creativity and new ideas. Tako described this approach as creating environments filled with energy and inspiration. The design aims to connect people, stimulate collaboration, and support new challenges. By shaping experiences and subtly guiding movement, the brand introduces creative shifts in the relationship between people and space. Multifunctional structures and considered details help bring this philosophy to life.
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Tako noted that NII differentiates itself by creating a sense of surprise. While conventional office furniture often prioritizes standardization for efficiency, NII redefines furniture as something that activates space itself. The pieces offer flexibility in usage and function as a stage that brings out creativity and relationships. With a sculptural presence, the furniture complements its surroundings and delivers value beyond traditional office boundaries.
Key pieces from the collection
Among the launches at Salone is the HAKUSAN stacking chair by UK design studio Industrial Facility. As a new archetype, this chair achieves a balance of comfort, stackability, and cost using a minimal set of components. The forward-moving silhouette, created by the integrated frame and armrests, functions as a design icon. The carefully considered weight balance helps minimize the load when carrying the chair. A range of CMF options is available, from natural wood paired with sharp metal accents to refined tone-on-tone finishes.
The BIWA lounge task chair, designed by ITOKI’s Kohei Wada, offers an enveloping form that still supports comfortable work. It features a well-defined ankle-tilt mechanism and a distinctive shoulder rest connected by a transparent neck that appears to float. This design supports a range of relaxed postures. The chair offers various configurations, including low and high versions, glides or casters, and finishes ranging from one-tone options to polished bases and leather upholstery.
NII also developed the ALLROUND stool in-house. It is described as a simple yet uncommon stool with built-in casters. The design moves smoothly and freely, like a hovercraft, encouraging active communication. Constructed entirely from metal for durability, it features generously rounded edges for a comfortable user experience. The seat, neck, and base can all be disassembled, allowing for flat-pack shipping.
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Global collaboration and design philosophy
Tako discussed the collaborative process behind the launch. NII works with architects, product designers, and professionals skilled in visual communication and hospitality environments. The designers share a respect for the brand’s philosophy. Through ongoing dialogue, these collaborations result in collections that express NII’s values across cultures and creative fields.
For the Salone presentation, NII partnered with a diverse group of designers. These included Ted Bracher, Rodolfo Agrella, Jun Aizaki, Industrial Facility, Kohei Wada, and AMdL Circle. Tako mentioned that balancing form and structure brought complexities, but collaboration across different languages and cultures allowed the team to bring products to life. The result was a collection that maintains a high level of quality while expressing NII’s distinctive character.
The CONNEXA collection, designed by Rodolfo Agrella, further exemplifies the brand’s commitment to spatial innovation. This piece is part of the broader lineup that prioritizes dynamic configurability, ensuring that the furniture adapts to various layouts and usage scenarios. By integrating elements that support both individual focus and group interaction, the Connexa collection reinforces the idea that the modern office must be a fluid environment capable of accommodating diverse work habits. The design emphasizes seamless transitions between different functional zones, ensuring that the space remains functional and aesthetically pleasing regardless of how it is configured.
