Students and artists explore the world of flooring under the theme of personalization at the world’s largest trade fair for floor coverings, Domotex 2018. Taking place from 12-15 January, numerous exhibitions will showcase the latest trends and emerging technologies in the industry – using materials such as cork and leaves in surprising new ways.
Titled Unique Youniverse, the 2018 theme reflects the growing trend of individualisation in design and seeks to explore new avenues by bringing artists and manufacturers together. This collaboration of creatives and producers encourages innovation of current processes, helping businesses ‘gain a new and unexpected perspective that is not always possible when a company is too deep into its own products,’ explains Susanne Schmidhuber, who is a panel member of Domotex 2018 responsible for curating the event.
Raumskizzen – or ‘space sketch’ – by Florian Lechner brings the theme of personalization into the realm of architecture with a sculptural installation.
In Hall 9, Framing Trends – one of the many exhibitions – features Fairkorkt, a tactile rug designed by University of Hanover students Sarah Gerner and Johanna Kolb. Composed of cork and felt, the two-sided, loosely-stitched pieces move freely, changing appearance with each step and revealing its dual texture in every footprint.
Another student work in the NuThinkers exhibition combines a process similar to that of making fibreboard, with natural scraps like spruce needles and old leaves. Modern resins and abundant natural materials come together to create a durable floor surface with the organic diversity and earthy hues of nature. In addition to the novel techniques presented by emerging designers, established studios will also be exhibiting their latest creations – including trusted names like Nomas Studio, Classen Group, Amini ABC Italia, Tisca Tischhauser, MA Trading Company, Fletco Carpets, Le Tissage d’Arcade and Stefany Hali Tekstil.
Domotex will also host a series of talks alongside the exhibitions, with renowned speakers such as Jürgen Mayer H. and Werner Aisslinger discussing topics like modularity and handmade versus digital. Providing both intellectual and physical environments for creative expression, the trade fair is a holistic design experience that places visitors in the crossroads of many disciplines – offering a glimpse into present and future trends in floor coverings and products.
Location Hannover Exhibition Grounds, Messegelände, 30521 Hannover
