‘Thoroughness’ seems to be the key word with which to read and interpret the new edition of Imm Cologne (14-20 January) and, simultaneously, the week of design that the city is getting ready to host. Always known as the ‘business trade show’, a meeting point of international, but above all, Middle European trade, Imm intends to overcome this label that has traditionally defined it, embracing new spheres of concept and meaning.
The strategy it has taken is that of offering an increasingly broad selection of exhibits and themes, thus providing opportunities for further exploration, in which to examine trends and network with other professionals. All of this as part of Passagen, the circuit of events that will animate the entire city and in which even the most experimental and emergent design finds its place.
A wide variety of styles and types of living environments unfold throughout the eleven pavilions of Koelnmesse: from elegant lifestyle brands to furniture solutions for the younger generation in the Smart section, and, of course, everything in between.
Particular focus is given to the Pure section, dedicated to the world of design, which this year has registered a significant increase in the number of exhibitors, with many new entries, including Fritz Hansen, Normann Copenaghen, Dedon, and Knoll, and where ‘Made in Italy’ reigns. Within this setting is “Pure Atmospheres”, the all-new spacial experience offered in pavilion 11.3, recreated in an exhibition concept that exalts the emotional nature and the quality of the visit, “a meeting point for exhibitors and visitors to network in total freedom”, to borrow the words of Dick Spierenburg, Creative Director of Imm.
But the added values that accompany the exhibition continue: from the congressional forum The Stage, to the Das Haus (created for this 8th edition by the Rotterdam Truly Truly studio), all the way to the Pure Talents Contest as a showcase of young designers, this time with a special, kitchen-themed exhibit, staged at LivingKitchen.
It is this very area that has people talking. The Cologne Biennial dedicated to the world of kitchens renews its appointment this year with a focused selection of kitchens, appliances, and accessories. Three dedicated pavilions and 200 exhibitors from over 20 countries (60% international), as well as three formats: Future Technology, Future Design, and Future Lifestyle, that, through their synergy, create a unified vision of the opportunities offered by the kitchen of tomorrow. A topic that was also addressed by Alfredo Häberli in his ‘Future Kitchen’ project, in pavilion 4.2.
From the exhibition and onward to the city, following the thread of design innovation: the destination is the neighbourhood of Ehrenfeld for Passagen, this year in its 30th edition – with events, openings, exhibits, and presentations – and Designers Fair celebrating its 10th anniversary.
