IMM Cologne 2011: Design braucht Täter

Bhocker by Marco dos Santos Pina @ Design braucht Täter 2011, Cologne

One of the things that separates the world of independent product designers from the commercial giants is the level of cooperation and community that exists.

Whereas one can’t really imagine, for example, Vitra and Fritz Hansen jointly presenting Verner Panton re-issues at a trade fair; among young and independent designers there are fewer such hang-ups.

And even a few “cooperatives”  – for want of a better phrase – who regularly put on collective shows during design weeks and on the fringe of furniture trade fairs.

One such is “Design braucht Täter” – “Design needs Perpetrators” – a Cologne based platform that regularly present the work of young international designers.

During IMM Cologne “Design braucht Täter” have their base in a props company warehouse – a setting which literally allows the works to be “set in scene”

Among established (smow)blog favourites such as Becherlicht by Martin Neuhaus and Stefan Weiser’s chair series – Design braucht Täter 2011 presented a couple of other works that caught our attention.

Bhocker by Düsseldorf based Marco dos Santos Pina caught our attention, not because of its form, craftsmanship or function – but because we first came across it as part of a stool competition during Vienna Design Week.

And we voted for it as our favourite.

It came second – but only because the winning entry fitted slighter better to the competition rules.

And so it was wonderful to see it in such a setting.

Based on a delightfully simply principle, Bhocker is a wonderful “folding” stool which is perfect, for example, for packing in the car and taking out for roadside picnics.

Part of the hommage au velo range by Sebastian Donath @ design braucht täter 2011, Cologne

As every fool know we don’t like furniture made from everyday items – interesting student projects, daft real life products. And no its not recycling!

That said we were impressed by Berlin designer Sebastian Donath’s “hommage au velo” range of furniture based on bicycle components.

Not because of the use of bicycle components – but on account of their uncomplicated, unobtrusive form and the craftsmanship of the pieces.

Something which indicates more than a little talent and for us a designer worth getting to know a little better.

A notable mention also goes to amba by ellips design. Amba is a hanging chair that looks like a bird cage for humans.
Which is why it gets a notable mention

For us shows such as “Design braucht Täter” are important not only because they offer young designers an efficient platform from which to present themselves – but because they do such independently of the design week organisers and so can present their own accent and direction.

And of course because they give visitors the chance to see a wide variety of designers in one location.

All “Design braucht Täter 2011” participants can be viewed at www.design-braucht-taeter.de

Design braucht Täter 2011