Design Talents at the Cologne Design Week 2009

imm cologne [d3] contest

From the top of the escalator in Hall 3.1at the imm there was a distant view of the exhibits in the [d3] contest section, which had been rather sidelined in the far right-hand corner. They deserved a much more prominent position, because the works on display were well worth a closer look. The 31 designers who had been selected from a total of 475 candidates presented innovative, high quality prototypes.

Mr. light series by Tomás Alonso, UK
This is a design for a lamp series featuring the new LED T8 lighting tubes. The combination of three different components – in particular the wooden legs – gives the lamps an animated character.

Grace Table by Philippe Malouin, UK
The fascinating thing about this table is its exceptionally robust, inflated top. The top is supported by a base made of stretched rope and wooden legs, and the whole design took second prize in the contest.

Bill und Clarc by llot llov, Germany
The 'Clarc' table and the 'Bill' modular shelf unit are inspired by the way we tend to drop things. Instead of places to stand things on they provide containers to collect all the stuff we discard. The understatement of the designs is highlighted by their colour and surface.

A New Proposal by Pernilla Jansson, Sweden
'To disturb the established order' was the title of her M.A. project, out of which the lighting installation developed. The luminescent tubes look as if they want to escape from their fittings. A really playful, interesting idea.

Supercool by hansandfranz, Germany
The telescoping rod made of anodised aluminium to which an LED lamp is attached can be fitted between floor and ceiling, enabling it to be adapted to any kind of spatial environment. A highly architectural lamp which offers a wide variety of possibilities.

Your Level by Ryohei Yoshiyuki, Japan
The drawers are both stylish and practical, offering flexibility of arrangement to create attractive spatial installations.

Chocolate Carpet by Philip Edis, Sweden
The hand-made carpet creates a chocolate landscape in 3D, with its precisely shaped relief generating optical illusions which change with the angle of the light.

'Cologne Guesthouse' in Hall 11 at Rheinauhafen

In cooperation with Spichern Höfe and Designpost the imm cologne for the first time initiated an external workshop as part of the accompanying programme for the Cologne Design Week. At the Reihnauhafen in the restored 'Hall 11' the 31 participants in the [d3] contest under the leadership of Arik Levy implemented their ideas on the theme of 'Cologne Guesthouse'. Using the materials provided they were able to give free rein to their ideas on how to create living space freed from any commercial considerations. As materials for their installations the participants had 50m2 cardboard, 25m adhesive tape, 20m cable, hot-setting glue and cutting implements.

'Designers Fair' at the Rheintriadem

Another new development is the 'Designers Fair', which will in future enhance the Cologne Design Week as part of the 'Passagen'. Located at the Rheintriadem directly opposite the trade fair halls on the other bank of the river, the 'Fair for young furniture and interior design' represents a worthwhile supplement to the [d3] concept of the imm. Let's hope that these two platforms in future won't have to compete for the favours of designers, and can instead make use of the potential synergies.

Theo by Formfjord, Germany
The 'Theo' desk lamp is integrated into the desk top by a ball joint made of concrete, which means it can be moved into any position. The idea was developed together with the T02 work table. The combination of materials is an attractive one, with the raw concrete ball embedded in the exclusive wooden surface and above them the white, filigree metal of the lamp.

Ray by llot llov
With its woolly, soft exterior the lamp invites you to touch it, with its 12-metre long cable enabling you to treat the lamp flexibly and take it to wherever it's needed.

Silent companion by David Olschewski
With his clothes stand David Olschewski succeeds in giving an everyday utilitarian object an ironic, sculptural character. The 'Silent companion' is available in a limited series of 100.