Designing rooms with textiles

Whether in the hospitality sector, modern offices or health-care facilities, more and more architects and interior designers are recognising the positive spatial effect of textiles. The range is enormous, with application possibilities ranging from integrated LEDs, through holistic spatial concepts to functional solutions that influence the acoustics or room atmosphere. 'Textiles are a wonderful way of brightening and enrichting otherwise minimalist architecture', says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt. 'If as an architect or interior designer you have corresponding experience with textiles, this is of significant value when advising the client.' For those wanting to acquire or increase their expertise, a visit to Heimtextil is ideal. Especially for the commercial sector, the fair offers a large portfolio of exhibitors, which are summarised in a separate guide. 'When compiling the guide, we not only ensure that the exhibitors have corresponding references in the commercial property sector, we also stipulate that during Heimtextil a competent contact partner be made available for the target group', says Schmidt, explaining the selection procedure. 'It has also become clear that more and more manufacturers are responding to the needs of architects with their presentations. Instead of all-encompassing product displays, they are opting for well-designed exhibition stands that make the company’s core focus clear.'

Attractive additional offers such as the 'Salon Interior.Architecture.Hospitality' meeting point, curated and guided tours on different core topics, and a special lecture programme also provide opportunities for learning and exchanging opinions. And not to be missed - whether at the beginning or end - is the inspiring 'Theme Park'. This presentation compiled by six international trend and design studios in Hall 6.0 provides an excellent overview of current and future trends. In addition to current colours, patterns and materials, the focus here is on cross-cutting themes such as making textiles perceptible through virtual room simulations.

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Text: Katja Reich