'Loveless' school chair by Martin Hirth; photo courtesy of the designer

A young German designer Martin Hirth has developed this collection of four chairs composed of reclaimed school-chair frames and upholstered, quilted seats. Called ‘Loveless’, the series was showcased earlier this year as one of 28 products created by up-and-coming designers during imm cologne’s [D³] Contest. (more…)

'The living structure' furniture concept by David Hanauer

Extremely simple in its structure yet serving multiple functions, this geometric frame called ‘The living structure’ has been devised by a young German designer David Hanauer. The reduced, skeletal form of the piece allows the user to adapt it according to particular needs – with the addition of a powder-coated aluminium sheet, the maple-wood structure can be transformed into a wall-mounted shelf or a simple, freestanding table. Presented at the [D³] Contest during this year’s edition of imm cologne, the concept was nominated for the Interior Innovation Award 2012. Watch ‘The living structure’ come to life in the video below. (more…)

Detail of the 'Pause' daybed by Andreas Mikutta; photo courtesy of the designer

A young German cabinetmaker and product designer Andreas Mikutta has recently realised this subtle and beautifully simple daybed made out of soap-treated ash wood. Almost ascetic in its appearance, the austerity of ‘Pause’ is softened by a stack of richly coloured pure wool and leather cushions which contrast with and liven the charcoal grey of the mattress and the subdued hue of the wooden frame. Aimed to ‘advocate calmness and tranquility in life’, the daybed was presented at the [D³] Contest during this year’s edition of imm cologne. (more…)

'Spotlight Volumes' pendant lamp by Lukas Peet

The young Canadian designer and Design Academy Eindhoven graduate Lukas Peet has created this series of steel pendant lamps inspired by spotlights. Presented earlier last month during imm cologne’s [D³] Contest, the ‘Spotlight Volumes’ collection encompasses three glossy lampshades, each fitted with an energy efficient lightbulb at either end which simultaneously illuminate the ceiling and the floor of an interior. The design is suspended with a simple, braided electrical cord and a 1mm steel wire looped around the lamp. (more…)

Photo tour of imm cologne 2012, Design Post

Join us on our photographic journey through the exhibition halls of this year’s edition of imm cologne and Design Post. In the next five parts of Architonic’s popular photo tours, we focus not only on the products, but also on their setting and context.

to Architonic’s tour of imm cologne 2012, Part 2

including: B&B Italia, Böwer, Bordbar, Classicon, Hey-Sign, Holzmanufaktur, Interlübke, Kartell, Kettal, Kettnaker, KFF, Ligne Roset, Limited Edition, Living Divani, Livingzone, LND Design, Loehr, Mafi, MDF Italia, Miinu, Möller Design, MOX, Naver, Nielaus, Oligo, Paschen

to Architonic’s tour of imm cologne 2012, Part 3

including: Poliform, Poltrona Frau, Cassina, Cappellini, Nemo Italia, Accademia, Potocco, Accente, Accupunto, Arketipo, Artek, Artmodul, Bocci, Bodema, Brühl, Cane-line, Chat-Board, Christine Kröncke, Draenert, Driade, Durlet, Erba Italia, ex.t, Fjordfiesta, Flötotto, Flux, Frag, FSM, Geberit, Intertime, Jori, Leolux, Pure Position, Raumplus, Reflex

(more…)

'Jo' stool by Eric and Johnny Design Studio at imm cologne 2012, photo: © Architonic

While we caught ourselves glancing at this plywood stool for an above-average period of time before we finally unravelled its intertwining form, the structure of ‘Jo’ is, in fact, surprisingly simple. Developed by two Taiwan-born Berlin-based design students Eric Chang and Johnny Hu of Eric and Johnny Design Studio, ‘Jo’ is made up of three, j-shaped legs which all connect in six points. Member of ‘J Family’ collection of moulded wooden furniture, the stool was presented at the [D³] Contest during last week’s edition of imm cologne. (more…)

The award-winning 'Apollo' modular lamp shades by International

Two young British designers and former fellow students Marc Bell and Robin Grasby of the International design studio have created this multiway modular light system which was awarded the Interior Innovation Award at the [D³] Contest during last week’s edition of imm cologne. Made of laser-cut, anodised spun aluminium, the simple-yet-striking ‘Apollo’ series comprises a number of opaque as well as perforated shades which can be layered and customised according to the desired visual appearance and intensity of the emanated light. (more…)

impressions from the D3 Design talents

A show within a show, the superbly-curated [D³] Design talents has been taking place during Germany’s imm cologne fair since 2006. An unparalleled springboard for young creatives, the forum is dedicated to promoting and launching the up-and-coming talents who present their innovations and inspiring products and materials within the Pure Village hall. This year, from among nearly 700 applications, the [D³]‘s jury selected 28 imaginative and out-of-ordinary products by the bright design stars of tomorrow such as Lee Sanghyeok, Jolan van der Viel, Ryan Yoon and Harc Lee of Ryan Harc, Caroline Olsson, Martin Solem, Raphaëlle Bonamy to name just a few.

And in case you’ve missed it while at imm, Architonic was there, with our ubiquitous camera on hand. Visit our Facebook page to view no less than 94 images from this hugely inspiring and decidedly resourceful show.

Photo tour of IMM Cologne 2012, [D³] Contest