REVIEW – HEIMTEXTIL 2025
Hybrid experience
What is the idea behind ‘among-us’?
Patricia Urquiola: ‘among us’ is a hybrid installation. It is not only an imaginative space to spend time in, but also offers an intuitive experience of hybrid textile techniques. Even in our digitalised present, craftsmanship is of great importance and should not be underestimated. One of the tapestries, for example, is created using the traditional dhurrie technique. In the centre of the installation, the floor is very soft and gives way a little, so you are asked to take off your shoes to walk on it. This mindful way of exploring the space offers a more intense perception. The positioning of the four tapestries also divides the space into partially protected areas where you can follow the idea behind the creation and the way it was made using the videos on the screens. Meanwhile, visitors can take a seat on the hybrid textile creations that Moroso has realised: ‘Gruuvelot’, ‘Mushmonster’ and ‘Giano’. The layout of the show thus demonstrates the numerous possibilities for experimentation with textile concepts and invites dialogue about sustainable design and community - the installation provides a space for reflection and exchange.
‘among us’ is an experiential landscape and a homage to textile design. It is about presenting different levels and thus enabling a holistic form of communication that goes beyond the visual. At the same time, the installation gives an insight into my studio's research and opens up a space for dialogue about new textile processing technologies. Meanwhile, the element made of a new generation cement, called Cimento, is made of the latter with the leftover of the econyl threads used for the tapestries, show a different way of using these materials. The first results of a new printing technique using watercolour on textiles are also part of the installation. We should not ignore topics such as the further development of colour production but should constantly strive to optimise every aspect of textile design through research. I think it is of great importance that we are open to hybrid research in order to combine new technologies with our expertise in craftsmanship. In addition, we show sustainable solutions for the presentation of the works, such as volume, with which we change the shape of the textiles from recycled fabric. We achieve this with paper bags filled with air, which are otherwise used for logistics.
Could it be said that you think "out of the box" with the exhibits and the presentation?
Patrica Urquiola: I'm not sure whether this ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ really exist. Every process takes place in a different cell and has a different result. We should accept the complexity of life and show it in our work. Everything builds on each other and the big picture is just as exciting for the development of new perspectives as the individual building blocks.
Like your textile designs, the installation ‘among us’ is very dynamic.
Patricia Urquiola: They are moving beyond the supposed boundaries. It's fantastic to work on these and explore them. A project like ‘among us’ must always be light. You create a defined space in a short space of time, which should have a kind of harmony that gives you pause and can be received in different ways. Thanks to the hanging works and the seating elements, you feel like you are in a gallery, the place has a purpose. It is not just a place to take a break, it stimulates the senses and offers many opportunities to be together.
In 2007, you developed an installation together with Martino Berghinz for the event ‘The Design Annual’, which Messe Frankfurt realised together with Stylepark. In other words, you have been associated with Messe Frankfurt for many years, why does this collaboration work so well?
Patricia Urquiola: At the core of a collaboration, it is always about human relationships, and these are based on mutual appreciation. The exhibition back then had a different character to the current one, but it created a common bond that still exists almost 20 years later.
In your opinion, what are the key issues for the textile industry at the moment?
Patricia Urquiola: We should agree together on a sustainable approach, be willing to always choose the better way. We were able to assemble the ‘among us’ installation within one day, as it is designed to be flexible and space-saving. Design processes should be viewed holistically; dismantling and reuse must be considered right from the start of the process. Favouring biomaterials and generally being open to research is also crucial.
