What led you to a closer consideration of the subject area “flooring”? Which aspects have you focused on in particular and what is the concept you came up with? Jörg Boner: The ground has our utmost attention. We always know what we are walking on, what we are standing on. One could describe this constant attention to where we place our feet as being existential. Furthermore, a floor covering is the most basic definition of a space, which in turn makes it an extremely decisive component when establishing an atmosphere. Our concept focuses on atmosphere: The rug has now superseded animal hides as a floor covering. We have reached a point where mass production techniques are used to manufacture thousands of square-meters of carpet at a time. This installation pays homage to the aesthetic of the production halls. It harks back romantically to the days of industrialization. The production process has barely changed in the many years since. On the other hand products are subject to constant change, continually required to adapt to new conditions. But there is yet another factor that remains decisive here. What would a carpet be if devoid of an aesthetic level? Nothing but an empty surface. The whole installation is centered on the theme of beauty and charm in both product and production. What was the greatest challenge you faced when implementing your project? Boner: How to accurately communicate a matter or concern that moves and drives you. The implementation itself was also challenging because as a designer I am used to communicating via the products I design. But in the very short time we had available to us it was neither possible nor sensible to create a brand-new carpet. That is, we had to find and make a substitute. Do you have a favorite type of flooring – both personally and from a designer’s perspective? Boner: I like two very contrasting floor coverings: Pirelli flooring because it symbolizes modernity and thus the notion of starting out for new things so wonderfully; and rammed clay flooring because of its simplicity and archaic feel.
