Decorex

The Corporate Athlete

problem

Ergoform was asked to showcase at the 2025 Decorex 100%design exhibition in Joburg. This is a massive opportunity for Ergoform to show what they can really do, but there was no direction and limited time.

solution

We brainstormed and workshoped how Ergoform can springboard with this opportunity. What makes Ergoform different, and what will Ergoform be doing in the future? This is where the idea of the corporate athlete was born. Offices are leaning towards utilitarian minimalist spaces. Designed for optimization and efficiency rather than the human beings inhabiting that space.

Offices are designed for optimisation and efficiency. This means that the human factor is excluded from the equation. The corporate athlete embodies the ideals of efficiency and effectiveness, but the corporate athlete does not swim with weights around their ankles or run with rollerblades on. They ensure the conditions are right.

So, to put this into context. We wouldn't expect a runner to run in high heels, but why do we expect people working in corporate to live their work lives without the ideal conditions? This means colour in the areas that need inspiration, calmness in areas that need quiet or concentration, formal luxury for important meetings, but ultimately moving towards workplaces that design their space to enhance their employees naturally. Enable them to work at their natural best.

We designed multiple different areas, touching on different areas that employees might need, and we optimised these spaces so we could empower the corporate athlete.

Yellow for creativity, Salmon for calming zones, black for high-level meetings and blue for those sensitive, highly emotional meetings.

These zones were then incorporated into the stand, and videos explaining these spaces were made. This was a mix of 3D rendering and video editing.

This concept was awarded the best stand by 100% design 2025