Dear Readers

Since 90 years now, the Bauhaus has influence on the history of architecture and design like no other school before. The occasion of this anniversary is being marked by an extensive exhibition at Berlin's Martin-Gropius-Bau, an exhibition which will also be on show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in November. Architonic is dedicating a special section to the Bauhaus and presents the most interesting products here.

The summer trade fair break is coming to an end with the start of 100% Design London. In our Architonic Guide we have once more compiled the most important manufacturers for you.

Make a note of the date: invitations are going out to the fabulous Architonic Party in Zurich starting at 20 hrs on 29.10.09! On the occasion of 'neue räume', Switzerland's premier exhibition of design furniture and interior furnishings, Architonic will be celebrating the relaunch of its website. From 24.10. 09 - 1.11.09 we will also be at the exhibition with our Concept Space II.

Be inspired!

Your Architonic Team
Zurich | Milan | Berlin | Barcelona | Copenhagen | London | Amsterdam| Miami

Exactly 90 years ago Weimar saw the foundation of the institution which more than any other influenced the architecture, design and art of the twentieth century.

The Bauhaus was one of the first colleges of design, and in the 14 years of its existence it brought together not just many of the most important artists, architects, designers and graphic artists of the age but also provided a blueprint for the comprehensive design and modernisation of our industrial society. At the time neither the teachers, their students nor society as a whole were able to predict with what ease and universal validity the design principles of the Bauhaus would be adapted to a range of applications worldwide. The institution itself was forced by conservative political forces to change location a number of times, moving from Weimar via Dessau to Berlin, where the Bauhaus was closed down in 1933 under political pressure of the Nazis.

Paradoxically it was this very harassment of the Bauhaus which was responsible for the unfolding of its worldwide significance. Many of its former teachers emigrated to the United States and as university professors had a major influence on generations of architects and product designers. Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer lectured at Harvard, Mies van der Rohe at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago, and Josef Albers at Black Mountain College, to name just a few.
It is accordingly not surprising that the term 'Bauhaus' became a style and is today representative of radical modernisation in architecture and everyday objects, with all its negative concomitants and extravagances.

Today the Bauhaus has become common cultural property. The pedagogical and political aim of its founders seems to have been achieved only partially though. The furnishings and lighting conceived as affordable industrial products today belong to the most expensive and eligible luxury objects. This explains the paradox that many of their designs are today being copied or modified in the cheapest fashion. Nowadays the official manufacturers of the original designs have to invest a large part of their revenues in legal battles to defend their rights, but the aim of eliminating all the cheap copies on the market seems to be a difficult if not hopeless exercise. However, at stake here for the manufacturers is not just loss of income but also the protection of their customers and preserving the legacy of the designers themselves.
As a result the anniversary celebrations at the Martin Gropius Bau in Berlin and New York's Museum of Modern Art are accomplishing more than just a service in terms of history and art history. They put the real designs of the Bauhaus in the spotlight once more and highlight the genuine quality of the original works, which are threatened by the sheer mass of similar or modified copies.
On the occasion of the Bauhaus anniversary Architonic is presenting a comprehensive selection of approved Bauhaus designs which are still or once more in production today.

Bauhaus. A Conceptual Model. The Exhibition
Martin-Gropius-Bau, Berlin
22 July - 4 October 2009

Bauhaus 1919-1933: Workshops for Modernity
Museum of Modern Art, New York
November 8, 2009-January 25, 2010

The '100% Design' interior design and architectural event which is taking place in London from 24 - 27 September shows furniture, textiles and lighting. In addition its '100% Detail' show shows innovative and sustainable architectural products, while '100% Materials' displays materials which are especially interesting from a design point of view. Outstanding young talents demonstrate their ideas and prototypes as part of '100% Futures'. In recent years a trip to London has been well worth it, not least because of the increasingly extensive spread of the London Design Festival throughout the city.

Same as last year we have selected the most important manufacturers from the architect's point of view and compiled them in our clearly organised Architonic Guide, together with layout plan and stand number. The Architonic Guide is available from the stands of all the listed manufacturers or as a download right here.

This year the legendary Architonic Party will be held on 29 October on the occasion of 'neue räume 09'. We look forward to celebrating our major website relaunch with you and invite the architecture and design scene to the former turbine assembly halls in Zurich-Oerlikon from 20.00 hrs onwards. With their unique live mixture of ska, polka gipsy and disco the Zurich band Palkomuski will get everyone dancing, while the Campari Soda Concept Bar will provide the necessary refreshments. The admission charge of 10 Fr. also includes entrance to 'neue räume 09' from 17.00 hrs.

From 24.10.09 - 1.11.09 we will also be ready to welcome you to our Concept Space II at 'neue räume'. This exhibition, which takes place every two years, is now being held for the fifth time. On an area of 8000 m2 Switzerland's premier exhibition for design furniture and interior furnishings displays the latest trends and new products from domestic and international manufacturers in the fields of furniture, lamps, kitchens, bathrooms, floor coverings, furnishing accessories and textiles.

Parque Biblioteca España
part of the library park in Medellín

In areas of urban underprivilege and unrest, libraries can improve the quality of life. Based on the urban development model of Chicago, a library park has now sprung up in Medellín, the second-biggest city in Columbia.

'Modell Bauhaus'
exhibition at the Martin-Gropius-Bau Berlin

Bauhaus-Archiv Berlin, Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau and Klassik Stiftung Weimar present a combined exhibition.

Peter Cook: On Lines and Shadows
Peter Cook is a Washington, DC-based principal of Davis Brody Bond Aedas

“I feel very appreciated professionally and personally,” responds this principal at the New York-based firm Davis Brody Bond Aedas. But, he says of the unsung concept, “It’s not so much about being unknown than it is about operating in the shadows. And that, to me, is the parallel between me and my great-grand uncle.”

"You will remember the experience"
Loss of Charles Gwathmey

Last Monday, 3 August 2009, Charles Gwathmey, the American architect and co-founder of Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects (1969), died at the age of 71.

Toonkamer, Center for Interior Design in Utrecht
At Toonkamer, more than 30 interior design companies showcase their new collections on 5000 m2 of floor space: lighting, cabinets, sofas, textiles, carpets, curtains, floors, furniture fabrics, outdoor furniture and even a kitchen. In an informal setting, you can look around, try out the funiture and, if required, the staff members are on hand to provide you with professional advice. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee while leafing through one of the magazines or books on interior design available in the store. Toonkamer is located at the old Pastoe factory in Utrecht.
On 14th / 15th and 21st September retailers and architects are specially invited to see the new collections.