17/01/2018 - At
imm cologne 2018,
Artek extends an invitation to
35m2 = Living + Working with Artek, a space that explores the idea of 'compact living'.
A scarcity of urban space is a challenge faced all over the world: the concentration of populations in cities as well as the rise of solo living and smaller families have produced an increased demand for smaller living quarters. However, this does not go hand in hand with lower expectations in terms of quality. 35m2 - the size of many newly-built micro apartments — will be taken over by Artek to demonstrate that even spaces of limited proportions can be intelligently furnished to serve different needs.
Featuring two different colour moods, 35m2 = Living + Working with Artek offers a home for both living and working, two spheres that merge thanks to the possibilities created by new technologies and the emergence of remote working.
The booth is designed by Hamburg-based studio Besau Marguerre.
Classics with a contemporary footprint
Designing intelligent and transversal solutions for better living has been at the heart of Artek's philosophy since the beginning. Alvar and Aino Aalto explored the possibilities of combining maximum efficiency and minimum space during multiple projects, such as the 'Minimum Apartment' at the Arts and Crafts exhibition in Helsinki in 1930, and the Baker House Senior Dormitory in 1948, a commission by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge. From the multipurpose Stool 60, to the stackable chair 68, to the combinable round and rectangular tables, the Aaltos designed many clever answers to problems posed by limited space, combining communal and private spaces, living and working environments.
A compact footprint, versatility and space enhancing qualities are characteristic to all products presented at imm cologne 2018. Classic and contemporary items come together to provide space saving and space enhancing solutions.
The Kaari Wall Shelf with Desk by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec works both as a storage solution for a living space and as a desk; Konstantin Grcic's Rival Chair swivels between dining and working spaces. Alvar Aalto's half round tables form a compact and transversal dining and working table. Stool 60 invites sifting, storage, display and stocking. Complementing the space, the new 124° Mirrors by Daniel Rybakken, a series of wall-mounted or freestanding mirrors, work as space enhancers, while Rybakken's Kiila series functions as a room orgoniser and Aino Aalto's Riihitie Plant Pots bring nature indoors.
Product news at imm cologne 2018
124° Mirrors: space enhancers
The 124° wall-mounted mirrors by Daniel Rybakken have an unmistakable sculptural quality. Two faces are placed 124 degrees apart creating an unexpected dual-aspect reflection of the surrounding space, enhancing it. The mirrors are functional objects designed for use, mode from mirror polished sheet steel, and are available in three different variations including one with an integrated wooden shelf. They are also an evolution of Rybakken's extensive work around the subjects of natural light and image and as such they punctuate the wall with their strong form, curious reflected image and fragments of refracted light. The mirrors have endless applications; they might be hung in a hallway, bedroom, bathroom or on any wall that might be enhanced by their form and qualities, alternatively they can be used freestanding on a table, shelf or horizontal surface.
The Kiila collection: space organisers
The Kiila collection by Daniel Rybakken is a family of useful and versatile small furniture objects designed with hallways and entrances in mind. The sturdy coat stand and coat rack can hold heavy coats without losing their centre of gravity and toppling (Rybakken applied the simple engineering principles of a tripod) whilst the bench is a multi-functional piece to aid interior organisation. The Kiila system includes a unique wedge-shaped joint (Kiila translates as 'wedge' in Finnish) made from powder-coated metal onto which solid wooden legs are fitted. They are secured with metal pins which double as hanging pegs on the coat stand and coat rack.
The Kiila family of objects is robust, designed for longevity. Inventing a system of construction, rather than designing individual pieces, pays homage to the origins of some of Aalto's most famous designs.
Riihitie Plant Pots: introducing two new colours
Created by Aino Aolto around 1937 and used on the terroce of the AoIto family home on Helsinki's Riihitie Road, the plant pots embody the Aaltos' belief that the small details are equally worthy of our time and attention. On the occasion of Finland's centenary in 2017, Artek introduced the Riihitie Plant Pots in both the original shapes and in two colours.
At imm cologne 2018, Artek introduces two new colours to the range: a dark brown and a light grey. The ceramic pots are handcrafted. The choice of material and colours is inspired by the tiles Alvar Aalto incorporated into many of his buildings, among them The Experimental House, the Aaltos' summer retreat on the Finnish island of Muuratsalo.