COLUMNS OF FABRIC, FURNITURE OF LIGHT

In the last few weeks and months, a lot of intensive planning and organization has been taking place in the Stylepark offices in Frankfurt; after all, there has been an exhibition to be conceived and realized, the first of its kind, and one which from January 15 will take up much of the exhibition space in the Museum of Applied Art Cologne (MAKK). Munich designer duo Ana Relvão and Gerhardt Kellermann have developed the scenography for the event, and it was not exactly an easy job. After all, the expansive, double-storey central hall of the museum building, (a major work by architect Rudolf Schwarz from the 1950s) has to fulfill several tasks at once: First, Stylepark is exhibiting its own selection of 20 novelties from imm cologne 2018. And second, some of the “special guests”, namely Griffwerk, Jung, Richard Lampert, Laufen, Tsatsas and Vitra are showcasing their own presentations. In addition, the space will also function as a “living room for imm cologne” in downtown Cologne – providing a pleasant place for relaxing get-togethers for members of the design scene. The spacious lounge and restaurant area were designed by imm Art Director Dick Spierenburg.

Relvãokellermann have accomplished their task with true verve. They have structured the hall using large expanses of textiles by Nya Nordiska and simultaneously created a calm, cozy setting encouraging visitors to linger. Doubtless the most striking design element is the two enormous textile columns the designers have created from swathes of fabric suspended from the ceiling. Each of these columns forms a circular space inside which the “Stylepark Selected” items are presented.
From the beginning it was clear the selected projects should not simply be displayed on pedestals, especially as all the items can be seen in the imm halls. So Ana Relvão and Gerhardt Kellermann came up with the idea of visualizing all the chosen objects using 3D hologram technology. Visitors can marvel at the spectacular result inside the two columns.

Text by Fabian Peters
Project Assistance by Florian Giele
Graphic Design by WVH GBR

Stylepark Selected imm 2018 at MAKK was supported by Erco, Loewe, Nya Nordiska and Vitra. Thanks to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), the MAKK, and the imm cologne for the excellent collaboration.
Special thanks to Michael Köster.