Stories by Vitra

Space-age product design of the 20th century and beyond

In the midst of a contemporary space race, we look into humanity’s obsession with space and the products – both past and present – inspired by the beauty we find when we look up.

The science of sitting: six rules for choosing a comfortable sofa

Even the best-looking sofas can cause twisted spines and sore backs, ultimately making users dread sitting on them. Here’s how to keep the style, without the stiffness.

London Design Festival: on the Design Trail

Divided into 12 separate design districts, London Design Festival’s key theme of identity was explored in these installations, exhibitions and workshops from the trail.

How to get the most out of maximalism

A tricky style to achieve, maximalism is as unique to each user as their own personality. Get it wrong and it’s easy to feel exposed and unfulfilled. Here are some examples that get it right.

Inspired by community: ORGATEC

The upcoming ORGATEC trade fair from 23–27 October 2018 will shed light on how co-working and other collaborative office concepts are changing the work environment.

Poland plays to its strengths: Warsaw Home Fair 2018

Strength! is the theme of Warsaw Home International Interior Design Fair’s third edition and it highlights Poland’s emerging position on the scene.

A new way of working in the Studio Office

VITRA is using the power of good design to sustainably improve the quality of living spaces, offices and public facilities. The company’s guiding principle is to work with designers to design innovative products and concepts – such as the Studio Office at the company’s headquarters and the Pacific Chair.

Top 20 Armchairs at imm cologne 2018

The analysis of our daily users' behaviour gives us an insight into developments in the architecture and design markets, which we would like to share with our community.

The CDW countdown heats up!

Clerkenwell is less than a week away and with the festival celebrating its 8th year in May 2017 (23-25), it will be quite the celebration! CDW has firmly established itself as the UK’s leading independent design festival and annually attracts the international design community to this small area of London for three days of exciting events.

The Only Way is Up: Downtown Design Dubai 2013

The first-ever design show in the Middle East to unite on a single platform some of the best global design brands with award-winning design from the region, Dubai's new Downtown Design fair, like the soaring Burj Khalifa, has its sights set high.

Non Plus Ultra: the Interior Innovation Award 2013's 'Best of Best'

The biggest, the fastest, the smartest. When it comes to marketing-speak, there's nothing like a superlative to liven things up. Best of Best – the annual exhibition held at imm cologne of the category winners from the Interior Innovation Award 2013, a scheme organised by the German Design Council and voted for by a jury of big names from the design industry – is no exaggeration, however.

Same but Different: classic design and the design of change

Everything changes, so they say. But should it? What about decades-old, often iconic designs? Should they be preserved, as it were, their contemporary production remaining ‘true’ in every respect to the ‘original’? Or ought manufacturers be free to modify them – materially, technically, even formally – in the name of contemporary market appeal. And what about the thorny issue of authorship? Architonic investigates.