During the month of November interior designers, architects and design enthusiasts from in and around Switzerland flock to Zurich. The international design show neue räume (literally: new rooms) is a great source of design inspiration and a good place to mingle with like-minded people.
More than 100 exhibitors showcased their products and latest innovations during neue räume‘s 8th edition. The former industrial halls of ABB create a unique backdrop for this event. The exhibition, which targets professionals and end consumers, features well established Swiss and international brands, but also offers a platform for newcomers in the section ‘young labels’.
Photography: courtesy of neue räume/ C. Meyer, featuring Fatboy and Classicon
Neue räume is mostly about furniture, but you will also find lighting, textiles, accessories and even some bathrooms and kitchens. Below I am sharing some of my favourite discoveries.
Sleek up- and downlighter by Baltensweiler
Given our modern lifestyles, modularity and flexibility continue to be a key factor when designing and developing new products.
Modular and lightweight furniture by Cor, Wettstein and Cubit (clockwise)
Even though I mostly enjoy discovering novelties and learn about new designers and producers, I also appreciate the good old design classics, because it reaffirms my love for ‘modern contemporary with a touch of nostalgia‘.
Handwoven Nordic style carpets by Anna Saarinen
Recycling and upcycling is another trend that continues to be explored.
Reclaimed wood turned into furniture, Nespresso capsules and bicycle wheels turned into lighting, just to name a few. The possibilities seem limitless, when creativity and willingness meet technology. I personally have great admiration for those seeking out new ways of re-using our planet’s resources.
Left: Kyburz Made/ Right: 2mol ReDesign
Each year the organisers of neue räume choose an industry related topic, which they then highlight with installations and presentations. This year the focus was on ‘Meuble – Immeuble’ (literally: furniture – building) and presented an analysis of the close correlation between architecture, interior design and furniture. With the increase of our population, urban solutions are being explored. The Zwicky Areal, which used to house a silk thread factory, is the perfect example. The mixed-used complex will have modern buildings standing next to historic industrial buildings, which will be refurbished and turned into creative living and working spaces as well as cafés and shops.
Model of Zwicky Areal, ZH
If you missed this year’s neue räume, but would like to keep updated on future design shows in and around Switzerland, then please follow Global Inspirations Design on Facebook, where I regularly post about upcoming events. For more interior design trends 2015 read my article Milan Design Week, where interior design trends are set or take a look at my video Best of Milan Design Week 2015.
Best regards,
Simone xx
