bold ideas shaping new possibilities
A platform for forward-thinking, Advanced Concepts 2.0 invites a journey into design where imagination brings together process, insight, and creativity leading to new ways of living and working.
how do we shape design for a new generation? how do we translate abstract ideas into tangible forms?
The answer lies not in rigid formulas but rather in an openness to process—embracing experimentation, iteration, and play as catalysts for discovery. Innovation emerges in the unexpected, in the moments where curiosity overcomes convention and bold thinking leads to transformative solutions.
at teknion, exploring the future with a spirit of inquiry is embedded in our ethos
explore the concepts
tac0003 rug +
tac0003 rug
Utilizing the flat wire technology invented for high-speed computers and aerospace applications, the TAC0003 Rug re-thinks office power/data access in terms of field rather than structure, activating a given space by means of wires embedded in a matrix of interlocking carpet tiles. At the point where connectivity is desired, users can place a tile that carries a low-profile electrical monument. The solution succeeds as a delivery system that permits wires to be run in any direction, allowing for spaces to be designed in non-linear patterns congruent with evolving models of work. The TAC0003 Rug illustrates how a familiar object (i.e. the metal threads we know as electrical wiring) can be re-invented and applied to achieve more flexible and efficient results.
tac0001 spandrobe +
tac0001 spandrobe
Designed to change in form as objects are stowed inside, the TAC0001 Spandrobe provides both useful storage and aesthetic interest. While the unit’s structure is simple and its utility straightforward, the surface of the Spandrobe is capable of infinite transformations as users deposit a raincoat or briefcase, a water bottle or bike helmet. Interior shelves are fitted with straps that secure each object in place. Exploiting the power of objects to communicate through the expressive plasticity of materials, the Spandrobe tells a story of the identity and life of the person who inhabits a space. This unique sculptural artifact has been accepted into the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
advanced concepts 1.0
To push the boundaries of design, we must first challenge them.
Building upon an exploratory program introduced more than a decade ago, Advanced Concepts 2.0 now furthers our pursuit of ideas that will shape a better workplace for tomorrow and beyond; solutions that continue to serve both business and the people who bring it to life.
We approach design as a means of creative change—an evolving dynamic among function, form, and human experience.
honorable mentions +
nimbus +
roam +
petpod +
honorable mentions
These concepts earned honorable mention for their outstanding quality and distinctive approach to the challenge.
nimbus
Re-imagining how office space is divided with suspended elements creating a fluid and responsive environment.
roam
Greater flexibility for the workplace allowing the workplace itself to become more fluid.
petpod
Bringing the benefits of a pet-friendly workplace into a compact, functional design.
Teknion initially focused on Gen Z's experience in the workplace, but our research uncovered insights that span across generations. To explore these ideas, Teknion invited three design firms to propose forward-thinking concepts, ultimately selecting the concepts designed by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design. The result, Advanced Concepts 2.0, is an exploration of wellness, spatial efficiency, and flexibility—because great workplaces are designed for everyone.
experience it yourself
Be the first to preview Advanced Concepts 2.0, an installation that embodies experimentation, challenging convention, provoking dialogue, and envisioning what the workplace of tomorrow might become through concepts developed by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.
Teknion NY Showroom October – December 2025
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2025 theme
Pet Pod
Roam
Nimbus
Resources
PetPod
Honorable Mentions
pet pod
woof
As more organizations seek to create a climate of wellbeing, the answer may be less high-tech than anticipated.
The first documented office dog was at NASA in the 1960s, where scientists brought dogs to help manage stress during high-pressure launches.
Given that work often takes place both remotely and on-site, employees and pets—accustomed to each other’s daily company—may face the challenge of in-office workdays alone. Happily, many companies now allow dogs in the office, fostering the mental health benefits of a pet-friendly culture.
concept & purpose
emotional & physical well-being
Studies show that the presence of well-trained pets can enhance mood, lessen anxiety, and create a more supportive and positive environment. Pet owners have added incentive to take more breaks for walks and dogs may inspire owners to venture farther from the desk by going outdoors.
Designed in the form of a traditional pedestal, PetPod features a cubby with a removable bed to facilitate cleaning, as well as integrated storage for a leash, treats, and toys. PetPod slides unobtrusively under most desks, while providing a removable cushioned top to act as seating for visiting colleagues.
integrated with the workstation
PetPod offers a secure, dedicated space that takes into account all office occupants. A sound-absorptive lining helps maintain a calming pet environment, while also minimizing disruption to others. An integrated HEPA air filtration system minimizes airborne dander, enhancing the comfort of pets and addressing coworkers’ allergen concerns.
enhanced features
Nearly 30% of remote workers say they would prefer to return to the office if it accommodated their pets.
sized for many
pet comfort in the workplace
With pet welfare a priority, Pet Pod offers several iterations in design that take into account the size, temperament, and energy level associated with different breeds of dog, as well as individual pet personalities. The Pet Pod must be large enough to allow the pet to stand, turn, and lie down; the doorway should be at least 2” wider than the dog’s shoulders to ensure comfort and freedom of movement. At the same time, the Pet Pod must fit under a standard desk or within an adjacent space allocated for its use.
Species Type
Describe temperment & add other details here
Breed: Boston Terrier
Physicality:
Dogs in the workplace boost employee happiness, with 87% of employees in pet-friendly offices reporting higher job satisfaction.
91% of employees feel more engaged at work when a pet-friendly policy is in place.
from our research
fun fact
The benefits of pet ownership have inspired companies like Google, Amazon, Uber, and Mars to welcome pets to the office. Amazon allows registered dogs in 100 Amazon offices, providing dog parks, paw wash stations, and relief areas, as well as dog-friendly water fountains and free treats at reception desks.
Source: amazon.com
did you know?
process shots
BEHIND THE SCENES
installation shots
Designer D
Designer C
Designer B
Designer A
LOGO
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Average Shoulder Height: 10–12 inches Average Weight: 12–25 pounds Low-to-medium shedding
Higher energy Not very vocal Quite trainable and eager to please Very good with strangers Friendly with other dogs
Traits:
Bright Amusing Well mannered Highly affectionate with family Very playful Somewhat adaptable
Temperament:
Breed: Miniature Poodle
Shoulder Height: 10–15 inches Weight: 10–15 pounds Non-shedding Hypoallergenic
Higher energy Somewhat vocal Very intelligent Highly trainable Very good with strangers
Athletic Proud Smart Highly affectionate with family Very playful Adaptable
Breed: Italian Greyhound
Average Shoulder Height: 13–15 inches Average Weight: 7–14 pounds Medium shedding
Medium energy Somewhat vocal Quite trainable and eager to please Very good with strangers Very friendly with other dogs
Sensitive Attentive Charming Highly affectionate with family Quite Playful Adaptable
Breed: Maltese
Shoulder Height: 7–9 inches Weight: under 7 pounds Non-shedding Hypoallergenic
Medium energy Somewhat vocal Intelligent, but somewhat stubborn Somewhat open to strangers and other dogs
Charming Gentle Alert Highly affectionate with family Somewhat playful Adaptable Protective nature
Breed: Chihuahua
Average Shoulder Height: 5–8 inches Average Weight: under 6 pounds Low-to-medium shedding
Higher energy Very vocal Very intelligent, but willful Reserved with strangers
Sassy Loyal Confident Affectionate with family Quite playful Adaptable Protective nature
With pet welfare a priority, PetPod offers several iterations in design that take into account the size, temperament, and energy level associated with different breeds of dog, as well as individual pet personalities. The PetPod must be large enough to allow the pet to stand, turn, and lie down; the doorway should be at least 2” wider than the dog’s shoulders to ensure comfort and freedom of movement. At the same time, the PetPod must fit under a standard desk or within an adjacent space allocated for its use.
Shoulder Height: 10–12 inches Weight: 12–25 pounds Low-to-medium shedding
Shoulder Height: 13–15 inches Weight: 7–14 pounds Medium shedding
Shoulder Height: 5–8 inches Weight: under 6 pounds Low-to-medium shedding
Drawing upon recent advances in autonomous vehicle technology, Roam is a mobile, modular workstation allowing spaces to shift and adapt based on collective and individual needs.
While Rosie was a spaceage fantasy in a cartoon sitcom set in 2062, the notion of a domestic robot foreshadows autonomous technologies. Today, autonomous vehicles are equipped with AI, sensors, and advanced connectivity with the ability to transform the experience of commuting.
Versatility and customization are a significant part of Roam’s appeal. As a complete workstation housed in a cube, Roam’s users control the configuration and location of the unit. When tasks are complete, Roam’s distinct parts resolve into a compact unit which returns to its “dock” via a homing device.
bringing personal agency to the workplace
Drawing inspiration from advances in autonomous vehicle technology, Roam allows spaces to shift and adapt based on collective and individual needs. Roam acknowledges that the dynamics of the office and the number of participants are continually in flux—and the influence of functionality and adaptability on employees’ mood, comfort, and productivity.
a model of design intelligence
A precursor to the idea of autonomous vehicles (AVs), Leonardo da Vinci designed a spring powered self-propelled cart in the 15th century
enabled by technology
Wireless, mobile and automated, Roam creates flexible spaces that respond to people rather than requiring that people conform to a space. It’s a smart, highly adaptable solution that bridges spontaneity and intentionality, delivering a workspace that truly works.
1 of 2
The self-driving car market is expected to grow significantly, from $5.6 billion in 2028 to $60 billion by 2030.
autonomous vehicles
2 of 2
Amazon currently deploys electric-powered drones for consumer package delivery through Prime Air, which can deliver parcels up to 5 pounds in weight in less than an hour. Prime Air service is expected to expand to new cities in the near future.
Roam enables seamless transitions from task to task, as the requirements of individuals and groups evolve throughout the day.
no cords, more flexibility
As a compact, self-contained workstation, Roam offers a simple form and a scalable solution that can be used across the enterprise or dedicated to smaller teams that seek optimal fluidity within the bounds of the building architecture or office plan.
highly adaptable & scalable
When tasks are complete, Roam’s distinct parts resolve into a compact unit which returns to its “dock” via a homing device.
return. recharge. repeat.
stanford +
physical intelligence +
1x +
iRobot +
mobile aloha
Stanford researchers have developed Mobile Aloha, which can autonomously put away dishes and prepare a meal. The cleaning robot Tidybot has learned how to pick up and put away stray objects. (Source CNET)
π0 (pi-zero)
The team at Physical Intelligence is working on “foundation models and learning algorithms to power the robots of today and the physically-actuated devices of the future.” The company’s video shows a robot making coffee, folding laundry, and clearing a table, but notes that it’s very hard to build a robot that can do the things a human body can do.
neo
Silicon Valley start-up 1X's humanoid robot, Neo, is “training” to help with daily chores.
roomba
Initially called “DustPuppy,” the Roomba robotic vacuum was brought to market in 2002 by iRobot. However, the idea for a home-cleaning robot originated at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab more than a decade prior, with prototypes developed by Joe Jones a member of MIT’s research staff.
everyday autonomy: domestic robots
The team at Physical Intelligence is working on “foundation models and learning algorithms to power the robots of today and the physically-actuated devices of the future.” (Source: Physical Intelligence Company) The company’s video shows a robot making coffee, folding laundry, and clearing a table, but notes that it’s very hard to build a robot that can do the things a human body can do.
Today’s householders can’t yet get a robot helper like TV’s hardworking maid Rosie. But a number of companies are working on it.
Modular elements can be configured and reconfigured in response to real-time user demands—enhancing focus or encouraging social interaction.
Materials and finishes with visual and tactile qualities contribute to physical and psychological comfort.
As a compact, self-contained complete workstation housed in a cube, versatility and customization are a significant part of Roam’s appeal.
Induction charging surface
Acoustic screens that slide up to create visual privacy at either height.
The work chair offers a space for storage beneath the seat.
Roam’s users control the configuration of the unit, which adjusts up or down to provide a work surface at seated or standing height.
Adjustable elements offer flexibility for sight lines, acoustics, and user comfort.
careful attention to detail
reconfigurable modular elements
Inspired by advances in autonomous vehicle technology, Roam allows spaces to shift and adapt based on collective and individual needs. Roam acknowledges that the dynamics of the office and the number of participants are continually in flux—and the influence of functionality and adaptability on employees’ mood, comfort, and productivity.
A precursor to the idea of autonomous vehicles (AVs), Leonardo da Vinci designed a spring powered self-propelled cart in the 15th century.
An induction charging surface creates a cord-free experience.
Acoustic screens slide up to create visual privacy at either height.
Nimbus re-imagines how space is divided within the office with suspended elements creating a fluid and responsive environment, yet maintaining functional definition usually provided by walls, along with privacy control and acoustic attenuation.
The innovation of demountable architectural walls allowed the workplace to achieve greater flexibility and could more quickly adapt to advances in technology and the adoption of new workstyles, emerging employee values, and shifts in behaviors.
Each Nimbus pillar is secured overhead, rather than secured to the floor, thereby eliminating the need for cumbersome floor-mounted supports. The visual and tactile qualities of the suspended elements create a soft, volumetric presence that contributes to a welcoming, less formal ambiance.
Occupant-environment interactive relationship
Nimbus is an adaptive architectural system that challenges the traditional application of fixed partitions and enclosures. Fostering an interactive relationship between occupant and environment, Nimbus’ kinetic nature redefines how users inhabit a space. This inventive concept offers a scalable solution for those seeking flexibility with no compromise to design sophistication.
Rooted in the precise techniques of turning flat sheets into complex 3-D shapes, modern applications have produced foldable devices as complex as NASA’s deployable Starshade and medical instruments, as well as numerous formal innovations in architecture, furniture, and clothing design.
Nimbus occupies a liminal space that straddles tradition and innovation, as modern design retrieves what remains valuable from the past and opens new pathways to our possible futures.
At the same time, office layouts remained essentially defined by floor-based elements that act as boundaries.
Secured overhead, Nimbus approaches space planning from the ceiling down, departing from traditional floor-up conventions.
A system of suspended fabric pillars with a light, retractable framework that allows the column to extend downward or contract upward to divide or open up a space.
Creating a dynamic environment for today’s active and agile workers, Nimbus can easily be lowered or raised as desired, minimizing the need for walls and partitions that act as impediments to the flow of people and ideas.
Nimbus was inspired by the art of origami, which can be traced back to ancient Japan. The term “origami” derives from the Japanese words Ori (folded) and Kami (paper), but the art of folding paper into figurative or abstract shapes and structures likely has earlier roots in China where paper was invented around 105 AD.
Folded Paper & Lanterns
Strongly based on geometry—the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of space—origami principles have influenced both modern science and design. Endless creative possibilities have emerged from this ancient art.
Beyond its resemblance to cloud forms passing overhead, Nimbus is inspired by and reminiscent of traditional Japanese Chochin or paper lanterns, which are displayed outside shops and illuminate streets, temples, and shrines.
The lamp has a frame of split bamboo wound in a spiral and wrapped in paper or silk. The spiral frame allows the lamp to collapse into a basket at the bottom, easing relocation or transport.
By engaging with the pillars, users are able to subdivide large spaces into intimate, acoustically tempered zones. Subsequently, users can restore smaller zones to more expansive dimensions.
Suspended Spatial Reconfiguration
Historically, space allocation within the architectural envelope is achieved by erecting walls and partitions to create private offices, meeting rooms, break rooms, and open work areas. While the layout may accommodate a variety of employee needs and tasks, spaces are defined by elements that are anchored in place—thus, unable to adapt readily to changing needs.
Nimbus consists of an array of modular fabric pillars suspended from a grid on the ceiling, permitting an exceptional flexibility and smooth, virtually effortless spatial reconfiguration.
The interplay of light and shadow, folds of textured fabric and space, creates dimension and depth, enhancing occupants’ sensory experience.
As a corollary, Nimbus recalls the Akari lanterns created by 20th century sculptor, ceramicist, and designer Isamu Noguchi. Educated in both the United States and Japan, Noguchi traveled widely, studying sculpture and drawing in Paris, calligraphy in China, and garden design in Japan. In 1951, he visited the town of Gifu, Japan, noted for its manufacture of lanterns made using mulberry bark paper and bamboo. Inspired by the beauty of Gifu’s traditional lanterns, Noguchi set about designing and producing lamps using traditional methods of construction.
With both tool and toy, Nimbus shares the ability to expand and compress, due to its similar helical structure. Equally, Nimbus shares a second attribute of the ceiling-mounted retractable cord reel—the ability to endow its immediate physical environment with exceptional flexibility.
A key advantage of retractable electrical ceiling-mounted devices is the endless flexibility provided, users can reconfigure a space without dealing with hard-wired infrastructure. Retractable electrical cord reels are analogous in some degree to the helical spring Slinky toy in that the “retractability” relies on a torsion spring that draws the cord onto the reel, as well as a ratcheting system that locks the cord to the desired extension. Like a torsion spring, the Slinky is essentially a coiled wire designed to stretch and compress, lengthen and retract.
Retractable Electrical Cord Reels & Slinkies
While it is likely that retractable electrical cord reels were invented by Ericson Manufacturing in 1949, it was decades later that a new application was envisioned for the familiar “carry around” workhorse. An anonymous individual had a moment of insight and began to install retractable cord reels in the ceilings of workshops and tooling shops to keep floors free of tangled cords and wires from conventional table- or floor-mounted power options.
The iconic Slinky captures the creative imagination as a reminder that a spirit of playfulness can produce ingenious new toys and tools, structures and devices. In 1943, naval engineer Richard James was working in a shipbuilding factory to devise springs that would keep sensitive ship equipment steady at sea. James knocked a spring off his desk and watched in amazement as it gracefully “walked” across the floor.
Embedded lighting elements can be introduced to emit a warm, diffuse glow that produces a calming atmosphere.
Nimbus textiles are engineered to provide superior sound attenuation, reduced reverberation, and enhanced speech clarity.
resources
the advanced concepts team
It takes a village
Concept design
Dubbeldam Architecture + Design
Concept execution and manufacturing
Teknion
Graphics + Exhibit design
Vanderbyl Design
Nimbus construction and engineering
Studio Kotte
Installation of NYC Exhibit
ShowFab
Brochure
Sources
Meet Dubbeldam
Meet Studio Kotte
Meet Eugene
Photography
Eugene Krasnaok
tetroid
At its core, Tetroid is an adaptive workspace and play system— lightweight, compact, and easy to store, yet capable of expanding into a wide array of functional configurations. Designed to fit through standard elevators and doorways, it effortlessly integrates into any space, whether an office, coworking hub, or educational setting. Once unpacked, its upholstered, soft-edged components can be reconfigured with ease, thanks to magnetized plates and discreet controls that enable seamless assembly into different forms. With just a few adjustments, Tetroid transforms from a structured workspace for focused tasks into a casual meeting zone, a collaborative seating pit, a rocking chair, or even an impromptu exercise area.
Beyond function, Tetroid taps into an intrinsic sense of play and creativity. The flexibility of its components aligns with the younger generation’s inclination toward sandbox-style experiences, akin to the open-ended possibilities of digital environments like Minecraft. In these digital worlds, users construct, deconstruct, and reimagine their surroundings on demand—Tetroid brings this same spirit into the physical world. Its intuitive design invites interaction, encouraging movement, engagement, and experimentation, making it more than just furniture—it’s an evolving, responsive element within the workspace. By merging wellness, adaptability, and creativity, Tetroid redefines how we think about work environments. It is a wellness-driven, multi-functional system that adapts to its users, not the other way around—bringing a sense of play, comfort, and personal agency back to workspaces. Whether for deep focus, social engagement, relaxation, or active movement, Tetroid is a tool for a generation that refuses to be confined by traditional office structures—a true reflection of the future of workplace design.
conscious ecosystem
As workplaces evolve to meet the needs of younger generations and the demands of a more sustainable, tech-integrated world, The Conscious Ecosystem emerges as a visionary model for a self-sustaining, responsive workspace. Seamlessly blending natural and digital elements, it creates a dynamic environment that adapts in real time to its users’ needs. More than a physical space, it is a living system that prioritizes sustainability and well-being—reshaping how we interact with our surroundings.
At its core is a closed-loop resource system that transforms waste into energy, reinforcing environmental responsibility. Excess heat and CO₂ are captured and repurposed, sustaining plant-filled air filters, living walls, and integrated water features that improve air quality and enhance biophilic connections. Employees navigate the space in semi-transparent, mobile “bubbles” that float through the environment, fostering interaction between nature and an intelligent digital infrastructure. Furniture crafted from regenerative materials like mycelium and bioplastics is fully compostable, ensuring workspace elements return to the ecosystem rather than becoming waste. Beyond sustainability, The Conscious Ecosystem is designed for human well-being. The environment responds intuitively—when stress levels rise, mobile workspaces adjust lighting, temperature, and airflow to promote calm and focus. For collaboration, the space shifts effortlessly into communal zones, using subtle auditory and visual cues to encourage teamwork. This responsive adaptability ensures a workspace that supports both deep focus and collective creativity, aligning with the growing emphasis on mental health in workplace design.
Concept submitted by
Syllable Design
mason studio
