This region is a dynamic one in the throes of change. And nowhere is that change more evident than in the contract furniture market.
In South East Asia, the urban landscape is evolving rapidly, driving demand for innovative and tailored furniture solutions for the contract market. The confluence of urbanisation, changing work, lifestyle patterns, and sustainability is reshaping the region’s office, residential, hotel and restaurant furniture needs.
As the largest economy in South East Asia, Indonesia serves as a microcosm for the region’s furniture trends. The furniture market is projected to reach 1.46 per cent growth forecast through to 2029. Combined with unique cultural and environmental factors, this growth presents both challenges and opportunities for the A&D industry.
As a global leader in furniture design and manufacture with a diverse portfolio of brands, MillerKnoll not only addresses current trends, but also anticipates future demands in the South East Asian contract market.
Urbanisation and Vertical Spaces
Rapid urbanisation and the necessity for vertical expansion are a global phenomenon; one that’s quite pronounced in South East Asian cities. Players in the Indonesian market therefore require furniture that maximises space efficiency without compromising on functionality, such as Herman Miller’s Fuld Nesting Chair. Knoll’s Saarinen Table also supports space optimisation via its central pedestal that replaces the typical four-legged table set-up. Chairs can be tucked in when not in use, opening up space around the table’s perimeter.
Adaptable furniture that can support a variety of activities is also crucial. This is exemplified by Herman Miller’s OE1 Workspace Collection, featuring mobile shelving systems and dividers, plus height-adjustable Micro Packs that turn unused office corners into desking space.
Sustainability is a Must
Environmental consciousness paramount in the furniture industry, and South East Asia is no exception.
Recognising the importance of designing a more sustainable world, MillerKnoll brands are leading the way. Herman Miller uses ocean-bound plastic in products like the Aeron Chair. NaughtOne’s Pippin Chair features components that can be repaired, replaced, recycled or reprocessed. Textiles company Maharam has also reduced its carbon footprint and the use of plastics, removing harmful chemicals from its textile finishes.
Designed for Regional Appeal
Success in South East Asia requires a nuanced understanding of local and cultural preferences. MillerKnoll caters to regional tastes by offering customised materials and finishes, while maintaining international quality standards.
Wood still remains popular in Indonesian office furniture design due to its abundance, cultural significance, versatility and capacity to be eco-friendly.
Muuto’s Fiber Conference Armchair is set on wooden legs made from 100 per cent recycled wood fibers. Geiger, also part of the MillerKnoll collective, excels in creating wood-based furniture that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles.
Ergonomics and Wellbeing
The pandemic heightened focus on employee health, safety and comfort, and this shift is pronounced in Indonesia, where the home office furniture market has surged as a result of rising remote work opportunities.
Herman Miller has a spectrum of ergonomic solutions for a variety of environments and budgets. Their chair range includes Zeph, Sayl, Aeron and Cosm, while sit-to-stand desking options include Atlas, Ratio and compact versions from the OE1 collection. For postural support at a desktop level is the Flo X Monitor Arm from Colebrook Bosson Saunders.
Distribution and Accessibility
Strategic partnerships with local distributors make it possible for MillerKnoll to effectively serve the dynamic South East Asian market.
“In Indonesia, Rifyo plays an important role in bringing products from MillerKnoll collective to the local contract market,” says Kartik Shethia, managing director, APMEA, MillerKnoll. “This partnership gives Indonesia access to world-class furniture solutions that can be tailored to meet their specific needs and preferences.”
Rifyo’s founders recently established Rifyo Design Quarter, a design hub for architects, interior designers and design enthusiasts. It showcases a wide range of products from MillerKnoll collective for the contract market––including those from Knoll. Known for iconic designs like the Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and the Tulip Table by Eero Saarinen, Knoll continues to produce enduring, original, and sustainable designs for offices, residentials, hotels, and F&B spaces available through Rifyo.
Looking Ahead
Beyond 2024, the contract market in South East Asia, and particularly Indonesia, will continue to grow, with increasing demand for adaptable, sustainable furniture solutions. With its finger on the pulse of global design trends and an understanding of local market needs, MillerKnoll is set to shape the future of contract furniture for commercial and residential projects in this vibrant and exciting region.
To learn more about MillerKnoll, visit the website here: www.millerknoll.com/en-apc