XX DESIGN PIONEERS or HOW GRACE, CLAIRE, CHARLOTTE AND REI WOULD REACT TO CURRENT DESIGN NORMS AND TRENDS…

Image above: a compilation of the publications (clockwise from the top): Grace Hopper and the Invention of the Information Age by Kurt Beyer, The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, London, England. Comme Des Garçons, Fashion Memoir by France Grand, Thames and Hudson, London, WC1B 3QP. Charlotte Perriand, Cassina CP (mini catalog: art direction by Byung Soo Zocchi, photo Santi Caleca, Federico Cedrone, Tomasso Sartori, Nicola Zocchi )
www.cassina.com , www.iccollection.cassina.com 
Women Designers in the USA 1900-2000, Diversity and Difference, by Pat Kirkham ed., BGC Yale. 

Brilliant mathematician  and computer scientist, admiral Grace Murray Hopper ( best known as “Amazing Grace” , one of her many nicknames due to her accomplishments)- said she could still remember December 7, 1941, the day of the Pearl Harbor bombing announcement. A decade that scores one of the highest rates in PHD female graduates in the USA- no wonder because of the fact that the male, active population was in the war. Women very quickly emerged to high ranks as professionals, not without a struggle, but for the simple reason that there was nobody else to do the job- “male” or not. 
College professor in her beginnings, naval officer, inventor, computer programmer, business executive, convention organizer, spokeswoman/ PR and wife- there was a “pirate” in the Admiral: an unceasing fire of creativity. In the amazing book by Kurt Beyer, a must-read for every Hypermedia architect , Multimedia designer or IT Engineer -the story of Grace and the evolution of computing architecture and independent programming languages during post-war America, resembles today’s crisis in many ways. 
The invention, design, construction, operation and application of personal computers against the odds of the times – to facilitate data mastering, manipulation and processing, in times that research in the laboratory was far more expensive that today, certifies the need to repeat history.  THEN is again NOW- at a state of emergency  (deflation, poverty, war) ,we experience again the absolute necessity to support research in computation innovative technologies.

They are many anecdotes spread by the senior historians of the Parisian design scene at the early 20th century -about Charlotte’s Perriand  “recruitment day” back in 1927 at  Le Corbusier’s  architectural studio…It is said that the response of Le Corbusier ,”Vous allez broder des coussins ailleurs , on fait pas ça ici” (:You try to go and find somewhere else to embroider cushions, we don’t do that here), made the young interior designer to run outside in tears, dropping a roll of sketches the ones Le Corbusier’s partner, Pierre Jeanneret  picked and opened to see…running behind her to lose her around the corner eventually, and finding her again later as an exhibitor at the Paris Salon d’Automne….In the Cassina  Charlotte Perriand  mini catalog- the Italian manufacture who is in charge of reproducing CP signature furniture – is mentioned  this year:
“…and so Charlotte Perriand becomes a cornerstone in the reformation project promoted by the architect, adding a distinct dimension of innovative humaneness to the often cold rationalism of Le Corbusier.” Perriand  designed all the furniture for the civilian apartments of the monumental Cité Radieuse, Le Corbusier colossal residential unit in Marseille and along that she created  modern everyday living comfort for the city population, after the huge post-war influx of the masses to the urban centers. ….Wondering  how her huge sense of people's need to feel better at home- with home furniture, could enhance solutions for current urban crisis with new large populations encrusting to the existing social map….A role-model of a designer , and a talented woman anxious to help. That may be a/the solution to the/a problem.

She declared a dislike to feminism, ambition, fame, anti-establishment, high heals. She is characterized as enigmatic , iconoclast, visionary, shy, ideas generator. Her first show in Paris in the 70’s created quite a stir, and gained a tag back then as the “Hiroshima Chic” collection . Last year she attended the show of Russian “enfant terrible” Gocha Rubchinskiy, one of the designers you can find in the Dover Street Market concept fashion store- a rare appearance. The truth is that Rei Kawakubo is a self-driven vehicle with an inexplicable energy  source , that fuels  an almost unearthly ability to question nobody but her self- a fact that leads her to new creative paths allover again. It is immense to create garments that do not remind of anything or anybody else but they have your personal stigma, after all these years. It is immense times like these, where the industry is facing a multiple crisis of credibility, financing, work ethics, environmental repercussions and humanitarian call for action- to continue to be the REI of the Star Wars of Fashion AND the Mad Max of it- all in one package. To follow immediately…
   
Claire McCardell revolutionized ready-made female “casual-smart wear” (actually the term was invented for her in “The American Look, 2 May 1955: 85). While many contemporary fashion designers are focusing on one element, preoccupied with the question of style- McCardell combined in perfect harmony the worker, the mother, the princess, the athlete, the pioneer and the super-heroine – in her dress designs.  Polymorphic or multitask clothing is NOT a mash-up, nor a mix-n-match - but a garment with flowing, transparent functionalities , ready to answer the challenges of a woman’s demanding life…Claire knew that and she passed it on to the next generations- her fashion being more topical and popular than ever…

Happy XX design reading +thinking…
A4D-D4A?-))

SALONE DEL MOBILE 2016, MILAN, ITALY: ITINERARIES AND COORDINATES.

Image above: Duilio Forte – Ursus:   https://www.dropbox.com/sh/794ts32m8s15kne/AABoZQ5CzJfDV9_Lt2h8fCwRa/ROOMS .%20Novel%20Living%20Concepts?dl=0&preview=ROOMS_Forte+(2).jpg 

An extract of one of the projects briefs- in the “ROOMS. Novel Living Concepts” exhibition (title in Italian “STANZE. Altre filosofie dell’abitare”)- Curator: Beppe Finessi, Layout: Gianni Filindeu, Graphics: Leonardo Sonnoli. XXI Triennale International ExhibitionPalazzo dell’Arte, Milan 2 April – 12 September 2016. 

“…DUILIO FORTE sees architecture primarily as a highly skilled and imaginative practice. His house, which grew over the years like a termite mound of original and wacky objects and solutions, all built with his own hands, is the synthesis of his creative fantasy. His project absolutely had to be associated with the books that have re-evaluated the craftsmanship aspect of homo faber, even from a highly technological perspective, such as 3D printing which enables all kinds of products to be designed and manufactured at a distance: Richard Sennet, The Craftsman (2008) – and also Stefano Micelli, Futuro Artigiano (2011); and Chris Anderson, Makers: The New Industrial Revolution (2012).
 
This project comes under the heading of “domestic landscape” according to the principles of the ArkiZoic manifesto.“On 12th February 2009, the 200thanniversary of Darwin's birth, AtelierFORTE laid down the principles of ArkiZoic style in a manifesto based on a set of seven rules inspired by the geological eras, thus underscoring temporal continuity with the Phanerozoic era, the aeon in which life on earth was explosively affirmed.” There are five particular fundamental points:
 I. Put your soul into your work
 II. Use natural and traditional shapes
III. Use drawing as an emotional sketch
IV. Adopt heuristic methods
V. Leave room for chance, error and the incomplete 

The design is a proposal for contemporary living, made possible by the speeding up of communication today. The size of the social group is determined by the ability to maintain personal connections. Monkeys, for example, manage to make up groups of up to 30 individuals. Language has enabled social groups of up to 150 people to be formed. 

In partnership with Rimadesio….” 

The fascinating 2016 edition of the Salone del Mobile in Milan traces a trigonal graph, in order to re-define the current way of design thinking, as predicted. Three major events are about to get explored by the connoisseurs , the entrepreneurial  locomotive and the general public- three paths  that will attract the attention and they will boldly create the navigational coordinates of the fair, this April.

The excitement hits the roof as always- because of the flawless pre-meditation and the execution of the central idea- in the exhibitions “ROOMS. Novel Living Concepts” and “21st Century. Design after Design”. 
In the first case , 11 ROOMS designed by 11 architects for different functions and projected uses, referencing Philosophical  horizons chosen ad hoc from themes explored by contemporary writers- a concept that we have never witnessed in such an in-depth manipulation and originality. 
At the “21st Century. Design after Design”,(the pivotal event to this year’s XXI Triennale International Exhibition manifestations at the Palazzo dell’Arte), we are expecting the usual key-point of the fair: an avalanche of cracking new design concepts and beyond- and their impact  on the society now, as the latter evolves throughout exceptional political circumstances and economic standards.

The SaloneSatellite- the third important axis is where  the fair endeavors the support and promotion of young designers. An impressive catalog 2016 –a showcase of promising, new design blood, under the credible mentoring of the Salone, in its spacious premises.

We are so looking forward to embrace every aspect of the three mentioned above…The exploration is soon about to begin! 

For additional details concerning, not only those three exhibitions but other ventures this year- plus exhibitors lists  and visitor orientation, please check: 

http://www.salonemilano.it/en/manifestazioni/salone-internazionale-del-mobile.html

http://www.salonemilano.it/en/espositori/catalogo-espositori.html

http://www.salonemilano.it/en/media/comunicati-stampa.html

http://www.salonemilano.it/en/manifestazioni/salone-satellite.html

Warm regards;-))

 A4D-D4A?-))  

Can’t see the Forest for the Trees….in Design and Applied Arts Higher Education? SAKIS BITIS sharply explains.

Picture above by Yiorgos Markozanis, https://www.facebook.com/yiorgos.markozanis

Athanasios (Sakis) Bitis is a Forester and Environmental expert with a Masters of Science in Educational Management and Administration . As the Vice Principal of  the legendary Diplareios School in Athens ,(Vocational Institute for Tourism Administration  and Computing /IT nowadays)- a landmark in 20th century Athenian Educational History of Applied Arts, also characterized by design historians as the hellenic “Bauhaus”-he also runs the Life-long Learning center of the school, creating short courses like the unique Marquetry art and craft workshop. Mr Bitis answers basic questions regarding education in Applied Arts and Crafts today… Quick-mode, wood-axe type replies -revealing bare, essential aspects and concerns.

All4design-design4all: What do you believe to be, from your experience , the most important /global problem in Applied Arts Higher Education today?

Sakis Bitis: I will focus mainly on Greece, where our educational system does not have the privilege to organize a well planned infrastructure  of Professional Counseling, like in countries with High Economic Growth Rate (ex. Austria, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Ireland).
The result of this policy is that talented citizens remained un-promoted, along with the fact that gifted youth will never exploit their fluencies and tendencies towards specific sectors. 

A4D-D4A: How an educator perceives in society today, the design vocation and profession?

S.B.: The design profession has many different fields and specializations, for instance  industrial design, furniture, interiors, fashion etc.
A designer conceives, designs and makes products , based on his/her original prototypes. He/she tries to combine creativity and technical knowledge in order to provide solutions  for a specific use, functional and with distinctive aesthetics . A professional designer starts from a concept, creates some original first droughts, compares and suggest alternatives to the customer-commissioner, alters  and readjusts the ideas according to the brief, until he/she renders  the final, complete prototype, ready for (mass or limited) production. It is a personal process, as well as team work. Adequate communication and mutual understanding with others-fellow designers and technicians- are fundamental in order to complete a project and deliver the outcome on time.

A4D-D4A: Why there is such a time- lapse or even a deep gap , between the Applied Arts educational system and the actual, design working world- in many countries today? 

S.B.: “Connecting academic studies with the job market”: a huge chapter, various positions have been registered on this. I read somewhere that it is almost considered disgraceful to liaise science with production necessities or  academia to production standards. I clearly claim for academic curriculum and work  to get interconnected, with no exclusion  whatsoever of local culture: thus, meaning the Traditional Arts and Crafts. Education here in Greece  was extremely theoretical  and quite dated in many areas of study. The Schools, Institutes and Technical Universities  of Applied Arts and Crafts that could eventually create new groups of professionals and thriving new markets – also related with the Tourism industry in the country- were driven to a downfall, with no significant role anymore.  The educational system, the academic curriculum, the teaching staff, the students individual profiles and the particularities of the market – are the key factors to guarantee the transition from the academic environment to the job search and territory.

A4D-D4A: Sensorial Trend Analyst  Zuzanna Skalska (www.360inspiration.nl), referred in  her recent  lecture  under  the title “Awareness of change: 5 Trends that are changing our Living & Working Landscape”(The Stage, IMM 2016, Cologne )- “to a person being rich in the future, as the one person who can make something”. How do you react to this approach?

S.B.: My personal view is identifying somehow with Zuzanna Skalska, in the following clause:

“…The citizen we will recruit at the high ranks of administration in the future, other than his academic or professional skills, he should master the craft of making something or repairing something….”

A4D-D4A: A student , who has fulfilled his/her studies in Finance- announces  to you that he/she decides to change professional orientation to become a  carpenter/furniture maker. What piece of advice would you give him/her?

S.B.: Follow your heart….. !!!

Thanks a million dear Sakis Bitis!

For more information on Sakis Bitis and Diplareios School in Athens- news, ventures, workshops and programs, please check:

https://sakisbitis.wordpress.com

www.diplareios.edu.gr

A4D-D4A:-))
 

RESIDENCES ET AL: CHAPTER 2 (EPILOG). THE IMM AFTER EFFECTS-THE SMART HOME EXHIBITION (by LivingInteriors)

The UK “Sunday Times”, on the article about digital television signed by M. Bore, back in October 1998- clearly stated that we are heading “to the future online,(with a common server at home),  but we must remember that converting from analogue to  digital (transmission) is simply a switch in the delivery mechanism and without some other changes is going to be unnoticed”.

Almost 20 years later, in the IMM fair in Cologne this year the Smart Home special event  reflects the evolution on the principal above, launching  a new domesticity era. Homes and apartments are becoming intelligent , through a series of devices, interfaces and applications, embracing the individual needs of the contemporary citizen’s lifestyle. “Automatic for the people” attitude, renewable and sustainable energy efficiency (electricity, gas, water), personal entertainment space,  ergonomic comfort in a flexibly navigated surface, design and planning for the care of seniors or handicapped – the new HOME is designed cleverly as a hub of energy saving (therefore economically affordable), social care , creative preoccupation (time-saver) and maximum security against intruders.

The whole project is thriving with innovative ideas and solutions in lighting, heating and cross-platform programming in the home area, kitchen and bathroom utilities,- with companies involved such as Berling LED Vertriebs GmbH, BMW AG (except automobiles the company is a leader in renewable Biomass energy), Grohe, hfh Solutions/ lemon light Gmbh & Co. KG, Marentec Antriebs, Steuerungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, MENNEKES Elektrotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Miele & Cie. KG, Nolte Küchen GmbH & Co. KG, Paperflow, Rheinenergie AG, snom technology AG and Vodafone.

The whole attempt  in the Smart Home niche can be proved  a bit of a risk though for local industry, (despite patents/copyright strict protection laws in EU ), through the fact that IMM remains a trade fair essentially, with competition in the area of “smart technology", from  its Asian rivals - India or China for example- the latter intensifying its commercial presence in the show this year.

For more information , videos and details on the presentations in Smart Home area-please check (or leave a message on the blog for further orientation):

www.letsbesmart.de

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F4BXlf-sb3w

http://www.imm-cologne.com/imm/trade-fair/events/Exhibitions-more/SmartHome/index.php

Enjoy!-)))
A4D-D4A

RESIDENCES ET AL. CHAPTER 2: UNROLLING THE ACTION AT THE IMM FAIR 2016, IN COLOGNE, GERMANY.

 Picture above: An inner view from this years edition “Das Haus – Interiors on Stage” ,conceived  and designed by  German  famous designer , Sebastian Herkner.

Cologne: the bride of the Rhine welcomes again this year– despite the many challenges of our turbulent  times- the International  Interiors  Show, in the city’s gigantic premises of the Köln Messe exhibition complex. A “Prova Generale", a general rehearsal –introduction-crash test for the trade, (before the second major international event of the industry this spring in Europe: the Salone Del Mobile in Milan), indicating the signs, settings the trends and  building up the alliance and those first contracts.

The Highlights

Living in the round? The “enfant terrible” of contemporary  German interior design, Sebastian Herkner presents a house , where nobody  “is locked out”, based on the principal on concentric (radio) waves or circles. The different spaces in this years version of “Das Haus” remind of circular waves propagating outward from the central disturbance, like  a pebble tossed in the water. A transparent transition from one space-room , to another with no natural limits (walls, drapes, or doors), open to navigate effortlessly. Innovative concept? No. Elaborated proposal? Yes. Herkner designs a module for the contemporary housing of the future with all his objects, soft furnishings, furniture, commodities– reinvented by himself and manufactured by important local companies and  European studios. Family, children, economy, subtleness, security , protection– by the absence of acute angles  and corneous edges and the imposition of curves  to his final prototypes like ex . the Pole Table introduced by Morgen (www.morgen.org). It’s the Sebastian Herkner new house Condition for human beings who are happened to be also (tormented) civilians. Warm and embracing.

www.sebastianherkner.com (check views of "Das Haus" bellow)

On The Stage, the small amphitheater created to host lectures and corporate presentations of all kinds- Art director and design consultant Poonam Choudhry,  Karl Johan Bertilsson /Vice President of NCS Colour AB , Thorsten Muck/ Appointed Managing director for THONET GmbH and Sensorial Trend Analyst Zuzanna Skalska - delivered four lectures that remain of extreme importance for the scientific, academic and  strategic outcome of the IMM exhibition this year.  Smart sustainability/Sustainable inspiration (P.Choudhry), NCS Interior Colour Trends 2016 (K.J Bertilsson), Classic VS Trend; Evolution or Stagnation ( a pragmatic approach on the production evolution of the legendary house and design locomotive THONET by T. Muck) and last but not least, The Awareness of Change (Z. Skalska)- were  electrifying  and focused on capital issues and  their effect on current design production and creative business in general , as: the environmental impact, new “green” industries”, products and  resources, intense colour scheme analysis  towards the following years of economic uncertainty, the re-birth of modernist classics to contemporary furniture craftsmanship throughout an auxiliary educational presentation as well, the politics of trends, the definition of new residencies, strategies of new emerging design businesses, the social transformations revolving and evolving around the birth of new (design) problems. It is imperative to check:  

www.poonam-designer.com

www.ncscolour.com

www.thonet.de

www.360inspiration.com

It is absolutely fundamental to explore the possibilities involving the promotion and support of “young” design- a distinctive characteristic of the IMM fair. The 13th edition of Pure Talents exhibition and contest- together with the impressive stands of universities such as the local Köln International School of design (KISD), the Universität der Künste in Berlin, the Hochschule für Technik in Stuttgart , the Fakultät Angewandte Kunst in Schneeberg among others – underline a focal german principal : the export of the industrial and interior design of the next generation. Many great ideas were noted from the students/future professionals- such as the Chain Chair by Lara Liese and Hendrik Beyer from KISD and the ever-so-promising  project “SETZ DICH MAL ANDERS” ( have a sit  differently) by the Fakultät Angewandte Kunst in Schneeberg students. Have a look on the links for more info on the individual projects:

Pure Talents Exhibition and Contest:

www.nathaliamussi.com (Nathalia Mussi Weidlich)

www.juancappa.com

www.bnag.cc (Oliver Selim Boualam)

www.markus-marschall.com

www.ninacho.com

www.jamesmichaelshaw.co.uk

www.bnag.cc ( Lukas Marstaller, Oliver-Selim Boualam)

www.umiar.com (Stanislaw Czarnocki)

www.louierigano.com

www.rubenbeckers.de

www.luisakahlfeldt.com

www.aureliehoegy.com

lena.plaschke@gmx.de

www.studiotheresehallberg.com

www.twofaceshelves.com (Philipp Grundhoefer)

www.dariayvazova.com

www.carina-deuschl.com

www.annabadur.de

www.martijnrigters.com

The schools and their projects for the IMM- the links available:

 www.schlicht-moebel.de        chain@kisd.de

http://www.hft-stuttgart.de/IMIA

www.sitzperspektive.com       www.fh-zwickau.de/aks

http://www.design.udk-berlin.de/2016/01/graduates-exhibition-at-imm-cologne-2016/

Bellow,  an A4D-D4A  favourite, from the “SETZ DICH MAL ANDERS” project, by the students of  the Fakultät Angewandte Kunst in Schneeberg : a yoga floor stool- super comfortable!!!!!:Bellow: “SETZ DICH MAL ANDERS” imaginative stand and AVITAR yoga stool by Rebecca Schönherr, (http://www.sitzperspektive.com/#!bodensitze/bqy33) 

The Press Corridor with the International publications regarding the field of living interiors, house and garden decoration, industrial design , architecture and urbanism- did not hide any unfamiliar names. A pleasant surprise : the German magazine CUBE, specializes in residential / public architecture, urbanism and the building/ construction sector- on German ground, showcasing the current architectural blueprint of every major German city. Useful, knowledgeable and sleek.

www.cube-magazin.de 

The Exhibitors Selection (by A4D-D4A)

The IMM represents the  initial heart beat of the market, about to define the stigma of the whole year and the big houses are not compromising for less than their usual immaculate perfectionism- from the stand design to the new products, to the press and reception service. This January Vitra’s  last spring’s  World Party in Milan was transferred to Thonet. Great vibes, lots of dedicated fans, customers, merchants and students were cruising the area between Tom Dixon, Cappellini, Karimoku, Villeroy & Boch- on one side of the Köln Messe. The other strategic point of luxury and relaxed elegance, the crossroads of the grandiose: Cassina, Walter Knoll, Trussardi Casa and Showroom Finland- polarized the visitors who required to see innovation, impeccable finishing and upper-middle class eclecticism. Lots of flair, humor, rich colour  and the maximum level of imaginative craftsmanship. Those 10 companies- stands- dominant features  this year at IMM, correspond very well to the clause pronounced by Russian composer’s and conductor Alexander Glazunov , as a comment to Mozart’s Symphony no 41, (also known as “Jupiter): “The  grand finale  of Jupiter reminds me of the Cologne Cathedral”.  Enjoy the pictures bellow and follow the links for further details:

 
From top to bottom: “Warum So Ernst?” living concept by Vitra - Thonet All Seasons Chairs revisited –Tom Dixon pending lamps,( but check the INK stationary and BREW coffee/tea collection) - Cappellini Living Interior - Karimoku New Standard - Villeroy & Boch magnificent ARTIS washbasins - AUTHENTIC ICONS re-produced by Cassina - His excellence, Walter Knoll with living a room concept and THE floor lamp - Interior luxury by definition , in Trussardi Casa – Lighting design and more by Showroom Finland  

www.vitra.com

www.thonet.de

www.tomdixon.net

www.cappellini.it

www.karimoku-newstandard.jp

www.villeroyboch.com/artis (coming soon)

www.cassina.com       www.lccollection.cassina.com

www.walterknoll.de

info@luxurylivinggroup.com (Trussardi Casa)

www.showroomfinland.fi  

The Surprises: Romania and…

The IMM fair 2016 edition unveiled to the public some extremely interesting ventures. One of the most attractive developments in the industry is the Romanian presence in the furniture sector. The Romanian National Pavilion,  supported by the Romanian  Furniture Manufacturers Association (APMR)-one of the pillars of Romanian economy and export- exhibited the works of 24 furniture companies, studios and associations, demonstrating a broad range of products- various in style and of high quality in design and manufacturing.  Very exciting and skillful home furniture, from the classic designs of the end of 19th century to the most avant-garde pieces destined  to entirely urban surroundings. Romanian furniture evolution proves many things about the country’s intention to over-achieve (compared to the rest of the Balkan countries, which presence was rather dim). A prediction: if Romania continues like that, in 15 years max, its furniture industry will surpass the Scandinavian cluster, in style, durability and sales. Please check and be impressed by a thorough selection of companies and their sites -that really stood out:

www.industriamobilei.ro (APMR site)

www.alrointernational.ro

www.design-for-life.eu

www.itsmateria.com

www.sidea.ro

www.noulwoodest.com (picture bellow)

China attacked literally, with a massive portfolio of companies , occupying practically most of the surface in Hall 2.1. The complexity of EU finances at the time give opportunities for business, and the related to IMM industries in China are boosting with merchandise in low(er )prices. The many stands  with  chairs look like Emperor Qin’s Terracotta Army- have a look at the pictures bellow:  

There is nothing more rewarding than the discovery of  excellent furniture and home interiors in places…where you most expect to: the Danish companies Innovation Randers and Scandinavian Design International  (pictures bellow respectively) confirm the previous rule and offer elegant and practical furniture for cozy homes:

www.scandinaviandesign.as

 www.innovationliving.com  

The “Gems”…

Companies and brand names that contribute something  really unique to the living interiors sector and its many subsidiary fields - are a joy to observe. In the Sleep designated area at IMM this year, Candia Strom  creates bedding and mattresses with eco-materials, using olive oil, guaranteed for 25 years…In an area where the competition is fierce with eco-friendly manufacturers like Dormiente or pioneers in sleep DNA pattern, like Ergosleep- patented products like the BODYFIX-Cretan spirit mattresses by Candia Strom, have an extremely complex procedure in their making and their placement in the market. For more info- and a feel of the product after a visit- please check:

www.candia-strom.gr

Metallic  furniture is hard to find- at least with the high aesthetics, the smart design and the flawless finishing of wooden prototypes or plastic moulds. The industry is encrusted mostly with warehouse-type, bland containers. Germania-Werk Krome GmbH & Co.KG is a German house, that impressively proves the contrary: very elegant metal pieces among the company’s range, highly styled, available for a house interior or an office, in perfectly executed  manufacture - their site is:

www.mygermania.com 

Lavatories of the future ? The AquaClean MERA toilet by Geberit, is a “masterpiece of function and design” as it is described by the press. Apart from the fact that it is designed by mega-designer Christoph Behling and won design awards- it applies a multi-mechanism of odour extraction , an economical water clean, a super comfort with a heated seat and an orientation light - and other facilities. Check the full description on:

 http://m.geberit-aquaclean.com

The springy toys “Baby Bumble” Hoptimist come from Denmark and they will put a smile on your face as soon as you see them. A happy phenomenon:

www.hoptimist.com

The most popular stand due to the success of its promotional polka dot design-canvas bag at the fair? The stand the young people visited the most to check out the latest furniture pieces- but also to get the bag!? Visit Brühl on:

www.bruehl.com

Turkish ads at the exit drop a reminder for the second round of International fairs on European ground. (In Italy this spring A4D-D4A will try and present the full potential of the Turkish Pavillion- hopefully in Milan, following the thread from Cologne to the Big Brother of the Design Industry: the Salone del Mobile).  The information above regarding the IMM , are carefully selected in order to give you not only a general idea, but the methodology and the politics behind IMM ‘s mission to host the home interiors design industry of the planet. The experience was immense. A4D-D4A is looking forward to next year…. 16.1.2017- 22.1.2017. Until then enjoy and process all the news and info…Danke IMM! Auf Wiedersehen!)))

 

www.imm-cologne.com

A4D-D4A?-)))))))

NOTE: The whole text above consists of a summary so if you wish to obtain additional information regarding press kits, events- even advice - or if you have specific other questions concerning IMM, do not hesitate to contact the blog by sending a message...

?-)))  

RESIDENCES ET AL: CHAPTER 2 (PREFACE): THE IMM FACTOR.

 

Image above from: http://www.imm-cologne.com/imm/trade-fair/Segments/Pure-Talents/index.php


The ever so interesting fair intends to shake the foundations of the international design and interiors -scene, again this year with some capital initiatives and proposals, coming from the heart of Europe, Germany and the city of Cologne.  The segments of the IMM exhibition (from 18.1 to 24.1.2016)  – Pure, Pure Editions, Comfort, Sleep, Smart, Global Lifestyles, LivingInteriors- are truffled  with inspiring events such as DAS HAUS-Interiors on stage, Pure Talents and Pure Talents Contest (the forum for experimental design: labs, schools, networks and the PTContest, present the next generation of design), Sleep Lounge, Featured Editions and so many more regarding very important aspects of contemporary living interiors – design and construction wise: 
Smart Sustainability-Sustainable Inspirations for Products and Rooms, Playing  together in the Sandbox: Integrating Art & Design to Create Unique Guest Experiences, The Trend towards Classic Designs: Innovation or Stagnation?, Healthy, cosy and for young and old alike: Trends in the Bathroom, Awareness of Change: 5 Trends that are changing our Living and Working Landscape, FURNITURE CLUB  - MADE IN GERMANY e. V., etc. 
The Italian cluster of major Italian design brands is a strong exhibitor this year, together  with the Chinese, Balcan, Indian and German firm presences- among others- ready to play ahead with a variety of new ideas, materials, philosophies and styles , keen on answering to the multiple challenges of today’s housing. The young blood of designers is a key element in this fair, one of the few dedicating such an intense attention to the new generation of designers through policies  like Pure Talents and PTContest- but also showcasing  an important  academic network of German design schools and universities , also involved  and included in the 60 pages of the exhibitors list.

A4D-D4A is ready to jet! to this very significant design fair and transmit some essential and valuable information concerning IMM’s most worthy declarations. Keep in touch for the reference article , planned to be published the last week of January….Until Then, a Happy and Lucky New Year 2016, starting at the IMM in Cologne?-))

Best wishes
A4D-D4A