The subject proposed by Orgatec “Creativity works” was carefully rendered in the design of the exhibition areas. The 2016 favourite material is natural wood and the lively colours play the lead. On the whole, we were favourably impressed, some stands were thrilling… and some disappointing. 

The competition between top-level fitting-out designs is high, yet finding the WOW! effect, captivating and enhancing the likewise top-quality products isn’t easy.

Creativity Works
At the boulevard close to the north entrance, The students by HSD Hochschule of Dusseldorf explained their vision. A not commercial yet most interesting design that shows a fresh and unconventional view combining different workplaces marked by a strong identity, however lacking the right communication, which makes the concepts hard to understand.

Kokuyo

Kokuyo’s is definitely the most exciting one. The space designed by Nendo is a bright, total white background sets off the pure geometric shapes and through their non saturated colours the objects seem to be floating in a space that wipes out the three dimensions to create a dream-like and festive atmosphere.

Interface

Well-done! The designers of Interface stand succeeded in finding an original way to present a hard-to-display product as carpets, based on a concept of sustainable development. The new collection exhibited on 180 sqm -with organic structure and texture inspired by nature- clearly express the biophilic design and the Interface’s philosophy.
The “entrance portal” brings up the subject of nature as a source of wellbeing; the most original setting is a residential one, fitted with retro units, that shows the new World Woven collection, designed by David Oakey, drawing inspiration from traditional weaves like tweed, mélange, loose –textured weave, but even pied-de-poule and tartan, that quote the optimistic prints of the 50s.

Sedus

Inside a1200 sqm space under the claim “Create space with personality, Sedus stakes on the holistic view of wellbeing. Inspired by nature, the stand concept was developed by Evolution Design in Zürich. They has worked with a range of cell structures, developing a spatial concept which creates a harmonic pattern linking the design of the furniture, the different zones and the gangways. The cell-like organic structure of the booth design generates openness while at the same time creating a framework for the various application areas of “conference and training”, “informal working and relaxation”, “workplace and concentration” and finally “meeting and collaboration”. A semi-transparent veil envelopes the stand like a membrane and stimulates curiosity. The really thronged stand could be admired from the bar area on the upper floor.

Pedrali
An dreamlike and surreal setting at Pedrali’s, designed by Calvi Brambilla, elegant and charming, although the idea of three-dimensional pictures showing different environments recalls what Vitra has proposed some years ago.

Sinetica

“The evolution of space” – according to the architect and designer Paolo Mantero, who designed Sinetica’s stand and is new art director for the Italian company – creates a series of environments in which home and work life, private and collective life, develop seamlessly.

Vitra

We expected more from Vitra after the announcement of a stand named “Work” taking up the whole 5.2 pavilion.  The “Collage Office” was expected to give ideas for the complex workplace scenario but has been a bit of disappointment. The urban scheme is predictable and the new, beautiful products displayed in several “collages” on the right or on high, plain platforms are not set off..
the design of the space involved two international architectural offices: –Pernilla Ohrstedt based in London and Jonathan Olivares based in Los Angeles– maybe it is a new trend in exhibiting design that we cannot understand.
Vitra was always a pioneer, it might be a new displaying style. Hopefully there will be not too many emulators…