In Chicago, The Coalesse Co.Lab Pop-Up Championed Collaborative Design

At Fulton Market Design Days last month, the streets were packed with designers, architects—and pop-ups. On a main auxiliary, a row of pink shipping containers housed temporary room-sized exhibits from emerging designers and more (think: modern furnishings and a giant gumball machine). Down the street, a large-scale installation outside the Steelcase WorkLife Center immediately caught the eye

The Coalesse Co.Lab pop-up was rooted in contrast—from rich colors to textures to materials. On its exterior, light-colored plywood paired with pops of royal blue and a boxy silhouette set off circular cutouts that opened onto the street—each element standing solidly on its own, while simultaneously harmonizing as a whole. The interactive installation brought the power of collective energy and co-creation to life.

Designed for people to sit, gather and engage with furniture together, the Coalesse Co.Lab’s immersive, interactive space was a hub for connection—and the space itself facilitated this community spirit through interactive lighting and sound systems. And the project’s central idea emphasized this connection: that when people come together, space—and work—becomes more dynamic.

Modern outdoor seating area with glass tables, woven-back benches, green plants, and a large white canopy—featuring innovative Coalesse Co.Lab elements—set against a backdrop of light wood panels and a blue “sale” sign.

“At Coalesse, we understand the power of great communal spaces, and we believe they’ve never been more relevant,” states Meghan Dean, General Manager, Design Brands and Partners.

Bringing together different designers and partner brands to create spaces that felt cohesive, flexible, and complete, the experience started outside. A small outdoor seating area welcomed you in—complete with Panigiri Picnic Tables and a Sensu single square shade parasol from Extremis—while offering a taste of what could be found within.

Inside, the space was brimming with design inspiration—from new launches to fan favorites. A testament to the impressive array of brand partners under the umbrella, the Coalesse Co.Lab included interactive displays of Peaks, the new modular system by Yves Behar for Moooi; Tom Dixon’s iconic Fat chairs and Whirl lighting; SuperWire by Formafantasma for Flos; and Viccarbe’s Common modular benches by Naoto Fukasawa and Burin Mini tables by Patricia Urquiola.

Also on view, the curving forms of the Jean Nouvel Seating Collection encouraged exploration, offering a seat with playful charm. Designed for Coalesse and debuted at last year’s Fulton Market Design Days, the collection draws inspiration from the smooth edges of rocks in a riverbed or shifting sand dunes.

With lively designer meet-ups and discussions—and the diversity of design talent on offer—the Coalesse Co.Lab sparked conversations on the future and importance of collaborative design, to create a space where new ideas can coalesce. Driven by a desire to co-create, the Coalesse activation offered an engaging invitation: let’s create brilliant work together.