Magazin

In our series “Spotlight on Women Architects”, we regularly present the work of female architects – such as that of the architect Myra Warhaftig, who has developed new forms of living together and created emancipatory floor plans in response to new models of family living.

Fast, efficient and multifunctional: With the CombiSteamer V6000 45 Power Steam from V-Zug, it is possible to save half the cooking time – without the dishes losing quality or taste.

A special awareness of tradition and design characterises the design language of Mazda's cars: the team translates Japanese craftsmanship, the precision of the master craftsmen and the principles of minimalism into elegant vehicle design.

Kim Colin and Sam Hecht from the Industrial Facility design studio have translated the formal and material heritage into the present for Thonet: "S 220" is the name of their shaped wooden chair, whose lines are inspired by the classic "214" bentwood chair.

In Frankfurt am Main, Groß & Partner and Phoenix Real Estate are currently building the new "Grand Central Frankfurt" quarter in the station district. Part is the "Icoon" high-rise by Mecanoo Architecten, which will offer both socially subsidised housing and condominiums. Prof.ir. Dick Van Gameren, partner at Mecanoo, explains the concept in an interview.

Dallmer and Pentair Jung Pumpen have jointly developed an active drainage system that enables floor-level showers even in existing buildings.

Agrotourism is booming and bringing new forms of hotel business to light. The Berlin-based start-up Raus, for example, develops mobile, self-sufficient hotel rooms that it sets up in forests, meadows, fields and pastures. Architect Sigurd Larsen is responsible for the latest design.

Marjan van Aubel Studio creates solar design that translates complex technology into aesthetic objects that can enrich our everyday lives – like "Sunne", a self-powered solar lamp that captures, stores and generates light indoors. She gives us an insight into her work in the interview.

Fashion designer Mary Katrantzou has designed "VICTORIAN", a tile collection for Villeroy & Boch Tiles that translates nostalgic graphics into the present.

Robin Rizzini has designed the new Toa Workstation for Pedrali, a table with a slender structure, made of die-cast aluminium that builds a bridge between the industrially influenced design language and decorative elements. He explains the idea to us in an interview.

Paola Lenti merges technology and craftsmanship to create high-performance outdoor furniture, not forgetting style and elegance.

A soft feel and clear lines at the same time: for Freifrau, designer Hanne Willmann has added a sofa and an armchair to the style-defining Nana product family.

The architects of MVRDV have built a spectacular building full of both a variety of uses and surprises in the Zuidas financial district on the south side of Amsterdam.

Can you save the world with fashion? Yes, to a small extent, says Bernd Keller, designer and creative director of the new 1C1Y label. Every time you buy a new piece of clothing – and make a child happy for a year.

Jung has further developed the classic Smart Home control: The "LS TOUCH" room controller combines up to 32 functions in one device.

The Berlin architecture gallery Aedes is showing the work of the Chinese architecture and design firm Neri & Hu until 30 November 2022.

How can the design of an interior be up-to-date when new trains are on the road for at least 30 years? DB's design should attract more guests to the tracks. A strategy was developed for this purpose that is now beginning to catch on.

With "KUYU DINE", Formstelle offers a dining table in numerous versions for Zeitraum that has a strong presence in the room.

Lighting manufacturer Grau is breaking new ground with a holistic rebranding: Timon and Melchior Grau are leading the creative development of the company that their parents once established.

Architecture for the community and pioneers in urban mining: Ulrike Schartner and Alexander Hagner, founders of the Viennese architecture firm gaupenraub +/- in an interview.

The "Elcom motion" door intercom system from Elcom offers access control combined with remote management and can be easily integrated into digital building structures.

Solid wood, soft leather and an alternation of autonomy and togetherness in the design: the "Ilma" armchair by Jonas Lutz for e15 underlines the furniture manufacturer's focus on essential materials and forms.

With "Lost" and "Bouquet", BrogliatoTraverso enrich the Magis portfolio with the first light collection and a wireless vase light. Both shapes perfectly translate the philosophy of the Italian family business: they are both unique in design and universal in use.

The major Isamu Noguchi retrospective in Bern shows the work of a cosmopolitan who was always in search of the connection between art and life.

Inspired by Japanese craftsmanship, Mazda creates vehicle design with a sculptural formal language and coherent interior styling do not need any frills to be exciting.

In the west of Munich, Stenger2 Architekten and the interior experts at Arnold/Werner are transforming the former Aubing thermal power station into a monumental cultural meeting place complete with bat biotope. It is to go by the name of Bergson Kunstkraftwerk.

How can a smartly networked building help save energy? How can smart systems be fitted in old buildings without too much effort or expense? And how can we ensure the data is safe? Jung has developed a system, Jung Home, that provides swift solutions to these questions.

With "Hevea", Victoria Azadinho Bocconi has designed a multifunctional pot holder for Pedrali that can bring a touch of the jungle into any room.

Together with Studio Altherr Désile Park, Expormim has developed an outdoor table collection featuring pure geometric shapes: "Talo".

Madrid-based Ensamble Studio combine sculptural construction with advanced manufacturing methods to create a work of impressive stringency.

How should mass transit be designed to get people excited about it? Emission-free, autonomous, comfortable, elegant and futuristic? With Agora E, industrial designer Andrea Ponti is designing a vehicle of the future – and of encounters.

"One Forty West" is one of the latest additions to Frankfurt am Main's skyline. A model apartment designed by Sebastian Herkner is equipped with switches from Berker, exemplifying the design aspirations these residential units have.

The designers at Panorama Fabrics in Berlin have developed a UV-sensitive yarn that changes color. With it, they aim to raise awareness of the potential damage caused by these rays.

With Fairytale Castle, Knut Eivind Birkeland has built a romantic retreat in the forests of Norway, whose bathroom is equipped with products from Geberit.

“Design for Democracy. Atmospheres for a better life” is the slogan the City of Frankfurt/Main and Rhine-Main region have adopted in a bid to become “World Design Capital 2026.” Prof. Matthias Wagner K, Director of Frankfurt’s Museum Angewandte Kunst, is heading the bid. He explains the concept behind it in this interview.