The young Berlin design studio osko+deichmann created the space-creating, modular piece of seating furniture for various sitting positions. (photo: Brunner)

With “plot” Brunner presents a modular piece of seating furniture for a relaxed way of sitting. The young Berlin design studio osko+deichmann created the space-creating, modular piece of seating furniture for various sitting positions, which can be integrated into offices, foyers or lounges like a natural “loungescape”.

The open concept of use, which is based on a square module, fits in well with those who do not only want to sit but lean against, move, interact and communicate in a relaxed way. “We wanted to create a product which the user handles in a different way. You should feel free and mobile – this releases productive energy and promotes creativity,” Dr. Marc Brunner, Managing Director of the family business, is convinced. The concept of plot offers seats adjustable on three levels and is about to interpret the function of arm and back rest in a new way.

“How do we sit, when we are on the road? Do we wait or do we work? Do we meet and interact? Or do we rest?” These questions led osko+deichmann to the unconventional design of plot. On the basis of a square module, six combinations of seats and rests can be realised. The middle level – the arm rest – was designed in a flexible way and can be repositioned without the use of tools.

The upper level – the back rest – cannot be changed because of static reasons and is closely connected to the base element by powder-coated diagonal bars. Various configurations are possible with this concept – from individual module and classic sofa to linear structures to structures spanning corners, islands or structures stretching into a room which can be extended in all directions. A concept suited perfectly both for compact as well as for very large floor plans.

For locations at which people carry luggage and bags, plot offers unconventional variants of the modules with shelves. Larger pieces of furniture can be extended by space-creating add-ons – trays, tables, planting vessels and functional wall screens – and can also be divided into different communication zones. Use of the individual levels is open and flexible: They offer generous seats and space for laptops, trays and other items.

Plot is characterized by a carefully developed colour concept which appeals to the senses and features a subtle mix of earthy, warm or even cooler colours. The range of colours is adapted to the colour of the lowest cushion and is available in seven colours; there are also two monochrome options. The material of the coloured seats is just as appealing: high-quality imitation leather with a fabric structure and a metallic look combined with side and back rests in grey Trevira.

“We create objects on the borderline between design, new inventions and art,” Blasius Osko and Oliver Deichmann describe their design approach. Architecture, too, is not far away. The observer should get the impression of architecture miniature moving dynamically in a space with shifted levels. The designers also were inspired by the form and structure of natural cascades of waterfalls, for example.

Sofa Bahir by COR and bookless by interlübke (Photo: Mirjam Fruscella / koelnmesse)

World travellers in Cologne: This year COR is sending a deeply relaxed piece of seating furniture to Cologne from the other side of the Alps: Bahir isn’t just for sitting on, it’s perfect for lounging, sprawling and stretching as well. A place where you can spread out and snuggle up, a freedom zone for slouching and reading, gaming and surfing the net. In order to make all this possible, Swiss designer Jörg Boner created Bahir in the form of a big, inviting shell, abolishing the classic division into seat and backrest. As a result, Bahir is not so much a piece of seating furniture as a private space where you can settle down with cushions, blankets, your partner, some cookies or the kids, depending on how the mood takes you. It’s good to know that the quilted cover can be taken off and cleaned in next to no time. The seams emphasise the clear basic structure of the sofa. The Bahir series also includes an armchair. An ottoman puts the finishing touches to the collection.

Design: Jörg Boner
www.cor.de
Booth: Hall 11.3 Booth S010

With bookless, interlübke transfers the idea of conventional storage concepts into a gallery system for domestic settings. The bookless range aims to shine a spotlight on the beautiful things in life and can be configured as a movable partition, a floor-to-ceiling shelf or a floating wall element. Its elegant glass surfaces, filigree carcass depths and LED lighting are designed to convey a sense of transparency and lightness. One particularly sophisticated detail: the units stand at a distance of 6 cm to the wall, enlarging the surrounding light cone and enhancing the three-dimensional effect of the hovering modules. Developed for both domestic and office settings, the multifunctional concept can adapt to almost any layout, integrate digital media systems and be used in combination with other product ranges.

Design: Gino Carollo& René Chyba
www.interluebke.de
Booth: Hall 11.3 Booth S020

The use of bentwood for excellent seating comfort has always been a hallmark of Thonet’s seating furniture. Introduced three years ago, Stefan Diez’s 404 chair series has further developed this theme, using new wood processing techniques and building a bridge between tradition and contemporary interior design. Thonet has extended the successful 404 collection with two new and distinctive designs: the 405 PF and the 406 PF padded armchairs, furniture that provides relaxing seating comfort for the home as well as for hotels, restaurants and bars.

In 2009, for the furnishing of the fireplace area of the Reitschule Café in Munich’s English Garden, Stefan Diez transformed the 404 F armchair into an elegant and comfortable lounge chair (406 PF) by shortening the legs. Now, this design has been fitted with soft seat padding and, together with a slightly higher version (405 PF), has become a permanent member of the Thonet collection.

The most distinctive feature of Diez’s seating series are the curved legs and armrests that merge into a ‘knot’ and are inlaid into the anatomically shaped seat pan. The new padded chairs, with their contrasting characteristics of elegantly curved laminated wood and voluminous seat and backrest padding, communicate a feeling of comfort: a promise that certainly is fulfilled. Additionally, the generously formed backrest has just the right amount of ‘give’, which creates a pleasant, comfortable seating experience. The 405 PF is designed for standard table heights and therefore particularly suitable for use in the dining room. The lower 406 PF is a perfect chair for relaxing in the living room or in reception areas.

The seats and backrests of all designs in the series are made of moulded plywood, and the legs and rear cantilevers are made of laminated wood. All chairs are available in beech, either natural or stained, painted white or with a textured lacquer finish in various colours. The padding is available with a leather or fabric cover. Diez’s chairs and armchairs are complemented by the matching 1403 and 1404 tables.