IMM Cologne showcases abstract contemporary living and rising talent at 70th edition

The new calendar year marks the beginning of the January design fairs, which kick off in Europe with IMM Cologne (14-20 January). The German showcase is heading into its 70th edition with over 1200 exhibitors from around the globe putting their best foot forward with innovative releases and inspiring installations. Here we preview the pioneering projects to look out for, from an Australian duo that questions contemporary living, to experiments in a railway line bunker...
Das Haus by Truly Truly
Each year the fair invites an international emerging talent to create their ideal living environment in a 180 sq m space at the fairground. In 2018 they appointed Czech designer Lucie Koldová, and this year they enlisted Australian duo Truly Truly. The Rotterdam-based team map out a vision of experimental contemporary living, ‘the space that we’re developing for “Das Haus” will be unfamiliar yet inviting at the same time – a balance between abstraction and warmth', explain the studio founders Kate and Joel Booy.
Ferréol Babin for Pulpo
German brand Pulpo add a number of lighting designs to its portfolio this year with the ‘Light Now, Vol. I’ collection. Collaborating with Sebastian Herkner, Ferréol Babin and no-made, the works express Pulpo’s innovation with materials. Babin’s sculptural table light (pictured) is made from fat lava-covered ceramic, as its title ‘Magma’ suggest. This organic base supports the handblown glass light in an intriguing collision of contrasting materials.
Generation Köln at Passagen
Taking place inside a railway line bunker, this satellite event is part of coinciding design week Passagen in the city. The project explores how the surrounding environment can inform designer’s products and includes works from four German creatives: Karoline Fesser, Klemens Grund,Thomas Schnur and Tim Kerp. The result is eclectic, with Kerp’s furniture pieces inspired by the urban landscape of Cologne, while Fesser’s products are formed from powder (pictured).
Bunker am Bahngleis, Gladbacher Str. 49, 50672 Köln
Sebastian Herkner for Schönbuch
Last year Herkner designed a 1950s-inspired trolley for the German brand, in 2019 he returns with a colourful project that exudes similar sophistication. The ‘Souvenir’ drawers that are mitre-jointed in lacquered MDF, and available in a flurry of playful hues from emerald green to flamingo pink.
INFORMATION
Imm Cologne is on view 14-20 January. For more information, visit the website
ADDRESS
Koelnmesse GmbH
Messeplatz 1
50679 Köln
Germany
-
Rado’s ceramic watches take inspiration from the world’s great gardens
New additions to the Rado True Thinline watch collection reinterpret exotic plants
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
‘Meaningful disruption’: Heron Preston launches L.E.D. Studio, a convention-defying creative hub
Part art and design studio, part sustainability practice, Heron Preston’s L.E.D. Studio builds on the world he has built at his eponymous New York City-based fashion label. Here, he tells Wallpaper* more
By Pei-Ru Keh • Published
-
Exploring Punta del Este, the southern hemisphere’s hub for art and relaxation
Punta del Este offers everything, from party to relaxation; all enveloped in idyllic countryside and a rich cultural offering
By Rainbow Nelson • Published
-
Assessing the pitfalls and potentials of the information age
The world’s longest running Biennial of Design in Ljubljana questions data, fake news, AI in the post-truth era
By Laura May Todd • Last updated
-
Porto Design Biennale evaluates post-millennium creativity
For the first edition of Porto Design Biennale, curators ask big questions about global issues in locations across the coastal city
By Marco Sammicheli • Last updated
-
Designart Tokyo transforms the city into a living, multi-sensory museum
The third edition of the fair (18-27 October) showcases over 100 exhibitions across the Japanese capital
By Danielle Demetriou • Last updated
-
Dutch Design Week 2019 captures the zeitgeist
What to expect from the 18th year of Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, from social design to sustainable innovations
By Giovanna Dunmall • Last updated
-
It’s all about mineral activity at Amman Design Week 2019
The third edition of the fair comes to life inside schools, art foundations, abandoned 20th-century buildings and more
By Suzanne Trocmé • Last updated
-
Ettore Sottsass, colour and architecture at Lake Como Design Fair
By Laura May Todd • Last updated
-
Poland’s modernist resort city Gdynia gets experimental with sustainability
By Clare Dowdy • Last updated
-
Experiments and curious showcases at Design Miami/Basel
By Henrietta Thompson • Last updated