Discuss design! - Part 2

Wednesday January 17, 2007, 8 p.m.
Andreas Ruby (Textbild, Berlin) in conversation with Jörg Stollmann and Dirk Hebel (Instant Architecture, Zurich) and Anne-Julchen Bernhardt and Jörg Leeser (BeL, Cologne)


re/mis/ab-use:
Use as the continuation of design using other means

In his "Philosophical Investigations" Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote that the importance of language lay in its use. It is not the words themselves so much as the way they are used that gives language sense. The same applies to objects and spaces, regardless of the extent to which nowadays architecture and design indulge the cult of the brand. Even an Issey Miyake dress has to be worn for its design value added to be appreciated. In this spirit this event aims to probe the question of the extent to which the identity of objects and spaces is influenced by the specific ways they are used. Two architecture studios, Instant from Zürich and BeL from Cologne have been invited to the presentation and discussion. Both have made a name for themselves with projects that in different ways take as their theme the use of spaces. Instant became known in Germany through the temporary entrance to the Kunstwerke in Berlin that it realized in 2004, a walk-in pneumatic construction, by means of which works of art concealed in the rear courtyard drew attention to themselves. The Cologne architecture studio BeL first drew attention in 2002 with its DIN design for a trade fair, the furniture in which is reduced in size and, at the latest when it is used, prompts the question as to their use. Both studios will make a short presentation of their work and subsequently provide more in-depth information in conversation with Andreas Ruby.