Luce yourself: Das Haus 2018 at imm cologne

The thousands of visitors flooding through the doors of imm cologne from 15-21 January will doubtless be on the lookout for innovation and fresh ideas that will shape the future direction of interior design. Since 2012, the event’s Das Haus installation has provided just this sort of inspiration, with designers including Doshi Levien, Luca Nichetto, Neri+Hu and Todd Bracher presenting their own personal visions of future living in the form of a simulated domestic environment.

For the upcoming Das Haus 2018, the creative team at imm cologne invited Czech designer Lucie Koldova to create an installation that represents “a poetic study of light”. Koldova is known for her elegant and characterful lighting designs, particularly in collaboration with Czech firm Brokis, and will apply all of her knowledge and expertise to a 180-square-metre concept house located in the Pure Editions area of Hall 2.2.

“In 2018, we are focussing on the subject of light and emphasising its importance as a creative design element,” explains imm cologne creative director, Dick Spierenburg. “With this in mind, we also want to let our prestige project 'Das Haus' shine in a special light – in the truest sense. As a highly talented designer of lighting products, Lucie Koldova is the perfect person to do this."

Koldova's concept space is called “Light Levels”, and will comprise a sequence of cellular rooms representing different zones in a typical home. A central living area intended to promote shared experiences will be surrounded by spaces for activities including relaxation, inspiration and welcoming guests. Each zone will be illuminated in a way that is appropriate to its function, demonstrating the various lighting conditions required to create a balanced interior environment.

Alongside several of her existing products, Koldova will introduce prototypes of new items including a bentwood chair for Ton and a sofa system for Prostoria. Architonic caught up with the busy designer to find out about the process of developing Das Haus 2018.

When did you find out you would be responsible for this year’s Das Haus installation and how did you feel when you were awarded this special project?

They asked me to be the designer in April and I thought it was a nice opportunity because they were searching for somebody who focuses on lighting design. It was a perfect match.

Also, it’s a prestigious project so I was able to develop new pieces that are a bit more artistic and represent my personal vision, rather than needing to focus on a product that is targeted for a certain company.

What was the main thing you wanted to achieve with your design for Das Haus 2018?

Through a concept called Light Levels, I want to present light from different perspectives using my existing lighting designs and some new products, in an installation that allows visitors to experience different atmospheres based on different spaces within the home.

I divided the space into several zones where light will function as the consistent element within a narrative setting that will also feature other pieces and collections. Sometimes in the home you want to enjoy spending time with family or friends, but other times you want to be alone in a space, so you need to be able to create different atmospheres for different occasions.

What were the main challenges you had to overcome to create a special and unique installation?

It’s important to understand that this is a temporary house for seven days, so it’s not designed using premium materials or exceptional detailing. The organisers stressed that the focus should be on the concept – how I see myself living and what’s important for me.

I tried to show a vision of how lighting can produce different atmospheres. Having light as the main topic is fantastic for me because lighting is what I have been focusing on recently.

What are the key things to look out for in the future of lighting design and how are these reflected in your project?

For me, craftsmanship is very important. This happens to be something that my country is very good at, and which I feel is important with regards to sustainability. I think handmade products have much more value than something that may be smart but is made in China from cheap plastic. This will be evident in all the pieces on display, including the bentwood chair I’ve designed for Ton and my blown-glass lights for Brokis.

© Architonic