As always at the beginning of each new year, January 2014 will once again show future lifestyles, emerging trends and new design styles. This is because no other question is as important and makes as many conclusions for the development of society as those for housing and tomorrow's lifestyle. For the bathroom Paul Flowers is looking for an answer to this question.
Clothing, Food and the way of interaction are part of our culture, also reflected in our furnishings – even in the bathroom. In different series, Duravit wants to combines different cultural influences at international level whilst retaining an own distinctive style.
When living relocates outdoors in summer, the daybed, easy chair and coffee table migrate to the patio. But there are other refreshing activities that can be pursued without a roof over your head too. According to the German Sanitary Industry Association (Vereinigung Deutsche Sanitärwirtschaft / VDS), sanitary manufacturers have developed home spa enjoyment in the form of whirlpools to such an extent that moving this particular water feature into the greenery has been no problem for some time now.
Modern living means the greatest-possible flexibility in all areas of life. Area's hallmark is a modern, versatile character that fits in with any furnishing style. A movement of the hand is all it takes to realise what is so special about the filigree LED luminaire. Area by Dreipuls means variable light – as if by magic.
The “Hansgrohe Prize 2013: Efficient Water Design” competition for young design talent rewarded seven fresh, exciting ideas and concepts centering on the topic of showering. This competition was a special prize in the iF concept design award 2013. A panel of four experts selected the seven most innovative, exciting shower concepts from about 135 entries.
Interior culture always adapts to the circumstances in society. And since our modern lifestyle is influenced by an increasing blurring of the borders between our private and social lives, more and more people are calling for less rigid ways of living. Thereby the bathroom is becoming cosier too. But there is still a huge gap between the desire for creative freedom and the practicable solutions. And that gap Burgbad wants to close.
Baked earth is one of the oldest building materials there is – this is such common knowledge that there's no need to cite the ancient Babylonians or – as is more oft en the case – the ancient Romans as proof. Even if we do have the latter to thank for the realisation that "baked earth" isn't just great for building with.
Where in our homes do we find relaxation? In front of the television, most people would say, and perhaps while we're cooking, and maybe ... when we're taking a bath. Or a shower. It's not unusual to lose track of time then. It doesn't matter whether you're getting ready to go to the cinema, reading the newspaper or enjoying the last quarter of an hour before bed.
We want to have it even better in our bathrooms in future. And we want the ultimate in technical convenience too. But without any complicated gimmicks, if you please, so that everyone can use it and we can all live barrierfree lives. It should be natural too, of course - and ecologically compatible. An exciting task for the industry, its designers and architects.
For the ISH 2013, the trend forum "Pop up my Bathroom" will once again be presenting the latest bathroom trends, this time for 2013/14. The trend platform takes a look at both the needs bathroom users are already practising and those that are still unmet and uses them as the basis for developing different types of bathrooms that are intended to meet users' future requirements.