DUBAI: The leading manufacturer of furniture and office equipment presented new insights on the future of work as part of a partnership with American University of Sharjah (AUS), IIT Institute of Design (IIT ID) at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and the USA Pavilion at an exclusive VIP event at Dubai Expo 2020 on 15th December, 2021.
With a strong focus on the future and innovations in quantum computing, sustainable energy and more, the USA Pavilion was the perfect place to host the VIP event, which was attended by more than 70 Herman Miller clients, along with leading A&D and industry stakeholders from around the region – all of whom were the first to hear the latest perspectives from the forefront of workplace design thinking.
As keynote speaker, Oliver Baxter, MillerKnoll’s Insights Programme Manager, presented never-before-shared perspectives on work in 2022 and beyond.
Titled “Visualising Workplace Evolution”, Herman Miller hosted a panel discussion with regional industry experts. With longstanding experience of what works in the workplace and what doesn’t – as well as a keen understanding of where the workplace is heading, the panel included Gloria Mamwa, Managing Director and Regional Head of Property, Africa and Middle East at Standard Chartered Bank; David Suarez, Health Industries Partner, People & Organisation Leader, PwC Middle East; and Ammar Kalo, Associate Professor and Director of Labs at CAAD at AUS. Each of them offered valuable insights into how work will look in the face of a rapidly changing landscape.
“The VIP event was an unparalleled opportunity to hear never-before-shared perspectives on work in 2022 and beyond,” said Stacy Stewart, Regional Director, Middle East and Africa for MillerKnoll. “For Herman Miller and MillerKnoll, being part of a pavilion as dynamic as the US Pavilion has been a very rewarding experience. We’re also excited about the benefits moving forward.”
During the panel discussion, David Suarez shared valuable data and insights from PWC’s “Return to work” survey. Overall 83% of employers and 71% of employees agree that the work from home was effective. Going forward, David said that people will still want to work one or two days from home. Looking at the evolution of workspaces in 2022 and beyond, he commented:
“Exponential technologies are disrupting at record speeds how we as humans need to interface with ever more intelligent machines – learning, adapting and fundamentally re-thinking old paradigms become crucial to surviving and thriving in this brave new world.”
Along with a valuable panel discussion and opportunities for connection, the event offered further surprises. One lucky winner walked away with a full ergonomic work set-up: CBS’s Oripura laptop stand, a Cosm chair, and an OE1 Nook workstation, which forms part of the
OE1 Workspace Collection; a collection of essential, optimised pieces designed for a new era in the workplace.
Taking a position on the future of work, Gloria Mamwa stated: "The future of work is no longer in the future. It is with us and will continue to evolve as we continue to embed life and experiences as part of the work cycle and work as part of the life cycle.”
The panel agreed with Ammar Kalo that flexibility would be the "number one priority" of many future workers. He added: “Flexibility in workplace types, hours, locations, and compensation packages will be major decision factors for employees as the world adapts to a post-Covid work environment.”
To discover further perspectives on the future of work, please visit Herman Miller’s new regional design centre. For more on Herman Miller MEA events at Expo 2020, please follow our social media channels.
Running until 31st March 2022, World Expo 2020 event is a coming together of global talent to showcase technology, art, architecture, food, culture, and much more. The event is especially significant because it’s the first time the event has been held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
For more on World Expo 2020 and the USA Pavilion, please visit www.expo2020dubai.com and www.usapavilion.org.
About Herman Miller
Herman Miller is a globally recognised leader in design. Since its inception in 1905, the company’s innovative, problem-solving designs and furnishings have inspired the best in people. Herman Miller is guided by an enduring legacy of design, innovation, and social good. In 2021, Herman Miller and Knoll created MillerKnoll, a collective of dynamic brands that comes together to design the world we live in.
About MillerKnoll
MillerKnoll is a collective of dynamic brands that comes together to design the world we live in. Powering the world’s most dynamic design brands, MillerKnoll includes Herman Miller and Knoll, plus Colebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, Design Within Reach, Edelman Leather, Fully, Geiger, HAY, Holly Hunt, Maars Living Walls, Maharam, Muuto, naughtone, and Spinneybeck|FilzFelt. Together we are redefining modern design for the 21st century and changing the world for the better. As MillerKnoll, we form an unparalleled platform from which to imagine a more sustainable, caring, and beautiful world for everyone.
About IIT Institute of Design
IIT Institute of Design (ID) builds responsible, cooperative, intelligent futures. Founded by László Moholy-Nagy as The New Bauhaus in 1937, ID is known for pioneering human-centered design and systems design. With the only design school in the US devoted completely to graduate students, ID offers an expansive approach to design education for the 21st century and beyond.
About American University of Sharjah
American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognised by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.
About the USA Pavilion
The USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 celebrates the theme, "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of the Future." Exhibits showcase the freedoms and opportunities that built a dynamic and open society, paving the way for American innovation and prosperity. Expo 2020 Dubai will run from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. For more information, please visit www.usapavilion.org.
USA Pavilion Media Contact: media@usapavilion.org