2016 design event review

As an exciting new year has just started and everyone is getting ready for the coming design fairs, let’s take a look back at the 2016 events to better understand the new trends that await us in 2017.

MAISON & OBJET
Last year, the Parisian design fair went wild. Indeed, contemporary creation brought us back to nature and gave us the possibility to escape the busy urban life. Forms and materials have reconnected with elements to be in line with Mother Earth. Discover more about the fair here.
STOCKHOLM FURNITURE FAIR
Since a few years, Scandinavian minimalist and functional design is in the spotlight. While wood remained ubiquitous in Nordic interiors, home accessories and furniture got darker accents this year. Learn more about the show here.

MILAN DESIGN WEEK
Among the great exhibitions that were presented during the Fuorisalone in Milan, Norwegian structure show, COS x Sou Fujimoto installation and the numerous tasty gatherings caught our attention.

DESIGN MIAMI/ BASEL
About forty galleries among the most prestigious ones in the world exhibited in Basel their best selection of unique or limited edition and twentieth century design. We were there with a vintage design expert, Corine Stübi, to cover the show. All about it is to be found here.

DESIGNERS’ SATURDAY
For its 16th edition, Designers’ Saturday gathered all the players of the Swiss design scene in Langenthal. In a very authentic way, the Biennale always takes place where design is actually created, in the heart of five important design firms – Création Baumann, Girsberger, Glas Trösch, Ruckstuhl, Hector Egger Holzbau – as well as in the Mühlehof/Depot for design.

This unique platform in Switzerland enables the brands to showcase their stunning installation in an extraordinary setting. On top, some internationally known design schools enrich the show with the innovative and experimental approach.

Last November, under the motto The Making of Design, more than 70 exhibitors welcomed the 15’000 visitors and invited them to enter into their brand universe. From site to site, let’s wander through these impressive exhibitions reflecting on the themes of change and motion.

Through a conference and an exhibition, Design Preis Schweiz led a reflection about The Ageing Society and launched the Design Leadership Prize.
How does ageing affect us? Can design help breaking down barriers and finding solutions?
It’s time to rethink standards matching the new needs of a society that lives longer.

Giants and dwarfs by Horgenglarus, a scenography by Stephan Hürlemann

The future of rugs by Ruckstuhl Carpet Manufactory in collaboration with the Design Academy Eindhoven.

Oasis by Ruckstuhl Carpet Manufactory x ECAL/Ecole cantonale d’art de Lausanne, a project led by Adrien Rovero.

Oasis by Ruckstuhl Carpet Manufactory x ECAL/Ecole cantonale d’art de Lausanne, a project led by Adrien Rovero.

A breathing grid by USM Modular Furniture x Haute école d’art et de design – Genève

Take a swing with Sattler lightning

The colourful capsules by Brunner

Piece by piece – Thismade

All awarded exhibitions of Designers’ Saturday are to be discovered here.

COMING DESIGN FAIRS
– Paris, Maison & Objet, January 10 to 24, 2017
– Stockholm Furniture Fair, February 7 to 11, 2017
– Frankfurt, Heimtextilen, February 10 to 14, 2017
– St-Etienne Design Biennale, March 9 to April 9, 2017
– Milan Design Week, April 4 to 9, 2017
– Design Miami/Basel, June 13 to 18, 2017
– Helsinki Design Week, September 7 to 17, 2017
– London Design Festival, September 16 to 24, 2017