Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s bustling Fulton Market District, Humanscale’s new showroom at 345 N. Morgan Street stands as a beacon of innovation in sustainable and ergonomic design. Developed in collaboration with the award-winning Suchi Reddy, founder of Reddymade, this 4,000-square-foot, street-level space is more than just a display of products—it is a testament to Humanscale’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and human-centered design. 

A Space Designed to Revolutionize Sustainability 

The Chicago showroom sets new benchmarks in green building design. Certified Living Building Challenge 4.0 Ready, it complies with the most rigorous sustainability standards set forth by the International Living Future Institute. It also aligns with the Design for Freedom initiative by Grace Farms, which ensures ethical sourcing of materials. 

Humanscale Chief Sustainability Officer Jane Abernethy underscores the importance of these certifications: “Our top priority when working on this space was to uphold the highest environmental standards, even if it had never been done before. We hope this encourages other manufacturers to be more considered regarding their physical footprint.” 

The showroom incorporates over 90% Red List-compliant materials, from its poured concrete floors to its gypsum wallboard and electrical wiring. Sustainability is further reflected in features like FSC-certified wood, reclaimed wood doors salvaged from a construction site, and nearly half of the materials by cost sourced within a 300-mile radius of Chicago. 

Design Meets Ergonomics 

Collaborating with Humanscale, Reddy infused the showroom with a sense of openness and flow, creating an environment that invites exploration and interaction. Large circular architectural volumes anchor the space, elegantly framing Humanscale’s iconic products, including the Freedom chair, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. 

The Material Lab, a central feature of the showroom, enables visitors to engage directly with Humanscale’s products, textiles, and finishes. This tactile experience aligns with the design philosophy of embodied interaction, enhancing how visitors connect with the space and the products it houses. 

“Central to the design narrative is the notion of embodied experience—every element is curated to enhance how the body interacts with space, just as Humanscale’s products celebrate the body,” shares Reddy. 

A Global Standard for Sustainability 

The Chicago showroom represents the first step in a broader global collaboration between Humanscale and Reddymade, with plans for additional showrooms in Paris, Sydney, and Singapore. It also reinforces Humanscale’s leadership in sustainability through innovative practices like ethical labor research for material sourcing and its integration of Declare-labeled work tools and Living Products into the space. 

A Vision for the Future 

Humanscale’s new Chicago showroom is more than a retail space; it’s a manifesto. It embodies the company’s core values of sustainability, ethical design, and ergonomic excellence while setting an example for the industry. 

By merging design, functionality, and environmental responsibility, the Fulton Market showroom invites visitors to imagine a future where beautiful spaces and sustainable practices coexist seamlessly. 

Plan your visit to experience this groundbreaking space and discover how Humanscale is reshaping design for the modern world.