Company History

Sauerbruch Hutton have designed an open "Forum" for the Hager Group – in Obernai in the Alsace. It persuasively embodies the company’s brand values.

For his lifetime achievements Nils Holger Moormann has been presented with the “German Design Award” in Frankfurt. Prompting Florian Hufnagl, former Director of the Neue Sammlung in Munich, to compose a special laudation in words and images.

Based in Veneto, luminaire manufacturer Foscarini relies wholly on the strength of design. Instead of developing models itself, the company has devised a system whereby it selects convincing designs from projects.

In its heyday Braun set the benchmark, designing everyday objects destined to serve as “quiet assistants”. Now Braun licensee De’Longhi is relaunching some of the historical designs. But beware: What might at first sight seem to be the respectful cultivation of revered traditions is nothing but whitewash.

In our present age, often over-emphasizing contemporaneity, it can’t hurt on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the German Design Council to cast an eye over its history. Including surprising.

Not just for aviation enthusiasts: The photo book “Swissair Souvenirs” affords readers an insight into all areas of civil aviation and at the same time makes for a new piece of photography history.

What attitude do the Germans have toward their homes? This is an interesting question, which sociologist Alphons Silbermann pursued in his 1989 study “Neues vom Wohnen der Deutschen”. It is now to be updated with “Deutschland privat”, which has shown many German homes to be in almost perfect condition. Leo Lübke, the commissioner of the study, is delighted at the Germans’ affirmation of furniture as a cultural asset.

Maharam stands for exclusive upholstery fabrics from Eames’ “Dot Pattern” to Hella Jongerius’ “Repeat Classic Stripe”. The book “Maharam Agenda” published by Michael Maharam documents the US textile manufacturer’s development from the very beginnings to the present day. As accomplished as the treatment of the textile collections and multifarious company philosophy may be, the book does not offer us a real peak behind the scenes.

Verner Panton once caused quite a stir with his psychedelic design for “Spiegel’s” offices. While parts of the “Spiegel Cafeteria” will soon feature in Hamburg’s Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, the “Spiegel” unveils its new, illustrious office building designed by architectural firm Henning Larsen – this time the Ippolito Fleitz Group has handled the restaurant’s interior design.

A folding chair, objects for everyday office use and eminently viable experiments with LEDs: At this year's Salone, Alberto Alessi offered glimpses into a treasure trove bursting with ideas and innovations.

Times of crisis spawn new ideas, such was the consensus at Salone in Milan two years ago. Today the, back then, new, young furniture labelssuch as Skitch and Moustache, have matured somewhat. We take stock.

Oliver Grabes heads the design department of the long-standing company Braun and in conversation with Jens Müller explains his way of looking at things. What is the design process at Braun like today, how does the company deal with Dieter Rams' legacy, and why are Apple products so successful compared with Braun?