Creating transitions with EGGER

The idea that change is the only true constant in life had already been recognised by Heraclitus 2,500 years ago. Panta rhei, everything flows. Today – millennia later – the aphorism not only still applies, but has, perhaps, never been more true. Anyone immersed in the complexity of research into megatrends at Germany's Zukunftsinstitut (Future Institute) for example, may wish themselves, even for just a short time, back in the times of antiquity.

While many trends arrive then disappear not long after, megatrends hold the power to significantly change society in the long term. Numerous social, cultural and environmental issues have been in a process of change for a long time, but the pandemic has radically accelerated many of these developments, while also bringing other new factors into sharper focus – coupled with a fresh awareness of our world and its resources. 

Whether in relation to globalisation, digitalisation or individualisation, every development that occurs brings with it not only positive effects, but unfortunately often also negative ones. As a way of trying to balance these two sides in the future, hybrid solutions are being sought. Glocalisation, for example, combines the cosmopolitanism of globalisation with local rootedness, the striving for individualisation has been supplemented by the desire for solidarity since Covid, and the omnipresent topic of digitalisation demands a new kind of socio-cultural behaviour that allows the digital and the real to interact more holistically.

And not to forget sustainability, which is no longer related purely to environmental issues, but something that should have a place in all facets of our lives. With all these developments, it's no longer a case of having to decide between option A or B, but rather of making meaningful and qualitative connections which make our lives and also the products that surround us more agile and thus more sustainable. 

What can support us in these decisions are new spaces that allow the possibility for more flowing transitions – or, to return to Heraclitus, elements that make it easier for us to change in the midst of change. Architecture and interior design both play an essential role here in reflecting megatrends in our living spaces as well as making them tangible in our everyday lives.

The family-owned company EGGER, from St. Johann in Tyrol, has been manufacturing groundbreaking solutions made of wood since 1961. With its ‘create transitions’ campaign, the globally active group is consciously considering the developments and what-ifs of the future head-on in order to offer flexible and sustainable solutions that work not only today but tomorrow as well. The campaign aims to encourage architects, interior designers and planners to shape our changing times with creative decors and wood-based materials which help to more lightly manage social and cultural developments in relation to the physical environment. 

One of the most discussed examples of this in the past two years is the home office, but even if the will, as well as the technical possibility, already exists, the natural rhythm needed to combine both worlds in a relaxed and uncomplicated way is still missing. Here, EGGER offers inspiring ideas with its holistic approach to form, colour and haptics, subtly structuring space and redefining furniture. In this way, the workplace can adapt to the living space without interfering, while cocooning fuses with functionality.

‘While in previous years, there was still talk of “mix and match”, now modular design is also coming into play,’ says Klaus Monhoff, head of design and decor management at EGGER. Here, individual pieces of furniture or elements are given contrasting or monochrome colour tones to ensure harmonious transitions, yet are still open to changes and adjustments at any time. In recent years, the kitchen has also increasingly become a focal point of togetherness, opening itself up as an extension of the home's living area. This makes it all the more important to design such transitional spaces consciously and, above all, functionally, from colour concepts to anti-fingerprint surfaces. 

Even the need to decide between countryside or big city becomes obsolete. Choosing one style doesn't mean having to forever miss out on the other. Whether urban style in an old farmhouse or country kitchen in the middle of Berlin. Whether you prefer gold or wood, luxury or natural, all are possible, of course, because in combination, different styles and materials can show their individuality while opening up new qualities for each other.  

Everyday modern life demands much of us, so it is vital that there is also space to simply 'be', without the need for making any decision at all. New spaces of possibility that meet the needs of the zeitgeist. Spaces in which not only the world, but also people can remain in flow.

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