Meeting points are a challenge from an architectural viewpoint: How to strike a balance between the elements that offer seclusion and an open atmosphere for networking? How to clearly signal quality leisure spaces? And what must a meeting point exhibit to be perceived and accepted as such? Jörg Boner’s design concept for the “Stylepark Architects’ Lounge” at this year’s Light + Building in Frankfurt/Main deliberately relies on a few simple but effective elements – and on a carefully calibrated spatial concept that delivers the right functions and leisure qualities.
Spaces where you can pause
The zone in Hall 1.2 boasts 420 square meters and is visually highlighted by chipboards with a red varnish that cover the entire floor and walls and visually combine the different user zones. The exhibition for the “Design Plus” competition, the “Stylepark Café” and the slightly raised “Stylepark Architects’ Lounge” for invited guests form a single unit that stands out clearly within the trade-fair hall: A place where visitors can pause during their tours and recharge their batteries, where the trade visitors can meet and swap impressions in a casual setting. And not least a place that attests in several regards to Jörg Boner’s rigorous design style – in the spatial concept, the fittings and the product displays.
A path runs through the longitudinal space, marked out in dark blue, leads up stairs that link the “Design Plus” exhibition with the Café and the Lounge. The staircase gives a great view of the entire space, and element of orientation that is especially important in the trade fair. A small, simple house attached direct to the staircase system and somehow reminiscent of an architectural folly serves as the counter top for the Café. In the spacious café zone, the comfortable “Juppa” chairs that Boner designed for Atelier Pfister encourage you to spend some time sitting at the round tables.
Bright heavenly bodies
The visual point of attraction, and it towers above all else, is an installation that Jörg Boner has erected from a total ten “Go” luminaires. These street lights made by Ewo are placed in a circle at regular intervals, and between them a white, textile roof has been stretched which seems to bulge inwards like a large optical lens. Light floods from the LED pole-top lamps above into the textile diffusor and illuminates a circular zone beneath it. Heavenly body and astronomical devices, science and mood blend in the associations the installation kindles: The polygonal structure of the individual textile elements that go to make up this roof brings to mind mathematical and scientific phenomena, while the installation itself resembles a research facility surrounded by simple functional buildings.
The circle of light that is outlined on the floor creates a transition between the Café and the Lounge, which boasts the comfy leather “Oyster” armchairs and sofas Jörg Boner designed for Wittmann. Secluded from the hustle-and-bustle, visitors to the Lounge can simply enjoy the company of others and watch goings-on in the Café. Hard to imagine a more comfortable retreat for discussions with other trade experts.
