Let there be light
It would be a particularly unfitting image to say the imm cologne 2018 is already “casting a shadow”. After all, the focus will be on light at the coming exhibition, in several respects. Specifically, in the “Pure” Halls (2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2, 10.1 and 11), the section for high-quality contemporary design at imm cologne, the large and small technical revolutions that are opening up totally new options in the field of light will be explored – smart home and LED are just two of the buzzwords. And in addition, visitors will also be able to experience the emotional quality of lighting in a wide variety of guises there.
The technical aspect will especially come into its own in “Pure Architects” in Hall 4.2, which is geared primarily to architects, designers, planners and interior architects, but will naturally also appeal to interested consumers. In an new take on LivingInteriors, imm cologne has elaborated a concept in which products from the design-oriented “Pure” section from the fields of flooring, walls, ceiling and lighting are showcased in innovative settings. For the premiere of “Pure Architects” the focus is on the smart home and bathroom. The interactive smart home installation showcases the latest technical and design solutions for this ever more important market segment. In the “Pure Architects” format, exhibitors from the bathrooms segment have the opportunity to present their products such that visitors can discover current trends and developments as a special experience.
Once again in 2018 a further highlight in the “Pure” halls is “Das Haus”. This time 34-year-old Czech designer Lucie Koldova was invited to develop her own personal vision of living for imm cologne. Naturally, her choice is a perfect fit with the topical focus; in recent years Lucie Koldova has caused a stir above all with her extraordinary luminaires. And light also takes center stage in her “Haus”. The concept by the Prague designer, a star-shaped building with six totally different rooms, will be assembled on a life-size scale in Hall 2.2. Lucie Koldova has developed totally different scenarios in the rooms, which explore a broad spectrum of light moods.
Like “Das Haus”, as part of “Pure Editions” the “Featured Editions” in the Halls 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2 also have a focus entirely on light in 2018. Here, again, there is an innovation: Instead of presenting products on pedestals again, this time the nine selected manufacturers are showcasing their design installations in so-called “Light Labs”, pyramids of transparent, reflecting mesh. The artistic presentations on show all find very different ways of exploring the topic: fluctuating between ironic art parody and experiments with light the exhibitors show their products to advantage with a high degree of creativity.
Once again in 2018 young talented designers have an opportunity in the “Pure Talents Contest” to put their ideas to the test. In the 15th edition of this renowned newcomers’ competition the 20 nominees selected from all the participants, will have the opportunity to exhibit a prototype of their design in Hall 3.1. On the day before imm three winners will be chosen, who not only receive a distinction but also have to chance to win prize money totaling 6,000 euros. And the jury is made up of distinguished figures once again: Alongside designers Sebastian Herkner, Rianne Makkink and Harry Paul van Ierssel it will include design journalist Sophie Lovell and Architonic Managing Director Tobias Lutz.
The second platform for young design at imm cologne: The “Pure Studios” in Hall 3.1. Here young design studios, design networks and design labs can present their projects – an ideal springboard for establishing contacts with manufacturers, planners or architects.
With a host of reputable speakers and discussants the trend forum “The Stage” in Hall 3.1 will once again throw light on current developments relating to the topic of living. Lucie Koldova, the designer of the imm highlight “The House”, and designer Daniel Rybakken have already indicated that they will participate. Naturally, light will also play a key role here, too. Trends in the fields of colors and materials are also on the agenda. Finally, “The Stage” is also devoted to the peripheral areas of interior design, and will include a talk on customizing furniture by “hacking”. On the days when imm is open to the general public “The Stage” will also offer consumers practical tips on interior design.
Similarly, in 2018 imm cologne will not only feature the design-oriented “Piure” halls, but also the sections “Prime” (Halls 5.1, 5.2 and 10.1) for classic, family-oriented furniture, “Comfort” (Halls 6 and 10.2), the area for upholstered furniture, “Smart” (Halls 7 and 8) for young living, “Global Lifestyles” (Halls 2.1 and 3.1) for non-European and budget suppliers, and the bed segment “Sleep” (Halls 5.1 and 9).
imm cologne 2018
Cologne Fair Ground
January 15-21, 2018
Opening hours
Monday till Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Public days Friday – Sunday
Directly adjacent to the exhibition grounds, once again in 2018 Design Post invites you to take a short detour. Alongside familiar names such as Magis or Kvadrat, for the first time Canadian furniture maker Bensen and luminaire manufacturers Midgard, Wästgard and Marset are showcasing their products.
Design Post
Deutz-Mülheimer-Str. 22a
50679 Cologne
Opening hours
Monday till Friday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
