Inspiration at every step: Domotex 2019

CREATE’N’CONNECT – the keynote theme of DOMOTEX 2019, which takes place in Hannover from 11–14 January 2019 – puts the focus on the megatrend of connectivity. Connectedness is an important aspect of flooring design. Floors inspire us, give us orientation and set the stage for human interaction. A multi-facetted supporting programme will provide ample opportunities for visitors to exchange views and ideas with renowned speakers and industry professionals: there will be talks, presentations, panel discussions and guided tours by designers and architects who will introduce their personal trade fair highlights.

In hall 9, the Framing Trends display will provide important impulses and inspirations for the flooring of the future. The Flooring Spaces zone is where exhibitors and other manufacturers can showcase their creative interpretations of the keynote theme, connect with visitors and position themselves as trendsetters. The NuThinkers zone is an opportunity for students to present their innovative projects and concepts inspired by the connectivity megatrend. Furthermore, the Art & Interaction zone explores the keynote theme in a sensory feast of installations from the worlds of art and design.

The “Wood Lifecycle” project by Milan-based design, communication and architecture firm Total Tool Milano shines the spotlight on wood, tracing the material through seven lifecycle stages, from tree in the forest to recycled product. It focuses on the intrinsic value and versatility of wood as a natural material, and in doing so, uncovers innovative and inspiring new uses of wood for architects and interior designers. The project comprises multiple exhibits that illustrate particular characteristics, applications and qualities of wood as a material. Italian companies like Tabu, Kerakoll or Celenit will showcase a range of on-trend products such as furniture, flooring and wall panels made of recycled wood to illustrate the various stages in the wood production and supply chain.

The Talks programme will take place daily, from Friday to Monday, between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. in Hall 9, on the stage located between the Framing Trends display modules. Speakers will focus on connections between architecture, interior design and product design. On each of the four trade fair days, top-name architects, planners and designers, along with some interesting new talents, will contribute to the Talks programme, presenting innovative projects and fresh new ideas that illustrate the key role of flooring in interior design. Subjects include: New Technologies, Smart Materials, Smart Living, Digital Design Crossover Design, Fusion Architecture, Spatial Experiences, Tradition and Community.

“Connected by Technology“ is the topic of the first series of talks taking place on Friday. Star designer Sebastian Herkner (Studio Sebastian Herkner), professor Martin Tamke (Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts) and media artist Tim Edler (realities:united) will give introductory talks on projects ranging from cross-disciplinary cooperation and co-creative planning to innovative floor coverings featuring extraordinary design.

Narrative spatial installations and unconventional combinations of colours and materials characterise the style of architect and interior designer Ester Bruzkus (Ester Bruzkus Architects). On Saturday, the Berlin-based trendsetter will be speaking about “Connected to new social and cultural patterns”, as will architects and designers Louis Schulz (Assemble Studio) und Maarten Gielen (ROTOR Architects).

“Connected through Emotions” will be the topic of the TALKS on Sunday. Architects and designers Špela Videcnik (OFIS Architects), Thomas Burlon (Brandlhuber+) and Katrin Greiling (Studio Greiling) will speak about alpine refuge cabins perched in the mountains at dizzying heights, about shared experiences of commonality and about familiar materials used in surprising ways.

On Monday, the final talk will be presented by students from four universities. They will introduce the innovative results of their projects on the future of flooring. Speakers include both teachers and students from the Trier University of Applied Sciences, from Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences, Technology, Business and Design and from the Detmold School of Architecture and Interior Architecture at Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe, University of Applied Sciences.

The talks are followed each day by a personal MEET&GREET from 2.30 pm to 3 pm where speakers and audience can exchange views and ideas in an informal get-together. A perfect opportunity for knowledge transfer and productive networking.

Before and after the Talks, trend-aware architects and designers will take visitors who are eager to learn more on GUIDED TOURS to their personal favourites and highlight exhibits at DOMOTEX. These daily tours will provide participants with a more intimate understanding and an insider view of selected products that reflect the keynote theme. They are also an additional opportunity to meet exhibitors. The guided tours will start daily at 10 a.m. and 3.15 p.m. and will take approx. two hours.

DOMOTEX is the global meeting hub for the entire flooring industry and a major highlight in the calendars of flooring professionals the world over. Architects from around the globe use the show to meet up with specialised colleagues and producers and maintain contacts, learn about new and emerging trends, and gather inspiring new ideas for their own projects.

Address:
DOMOTEX 2019
11 to 14 January (Friday-Monday)
Hannover Exhibition Center
Hannover, Germany