• The Ciba Modul-box at the Kölner Passagen
• Review of DESIGNMAI 2007

By Ania Dardas

Digitability is the key word at DESIGNMAI 2007, coming up soon from May 12 to 20. Held in the city that UNESCO dubbed last year as the “city of design”, Berlin is hosting this festival for the fifth time since 2003. An extravaganza with more than 100 locations within the city, the main events take place at a former train station Gleisdreieck. The exhibition space covers more than 4,500 square meters and is the platform for more than 60 designers, agencies and projects in the form of events, installations, workshops, presentations and discussions reflecting current design trends. Hall A deals specifically with the theme city and design, while further exhibits can be found in Halls B and C.

Where digital technology meets design

This year’s theme “Digitability” takes a close look at the relationship between digital technology and design, paying special attention to digital crafts (digital technologies such as laser sintering now being applied to products as well as customization and a revival in ornamentation), generation of shapes, 3D print technology and smart products (ordinary products whose functions are enhanced by the addition of a microchip). There will also be a conference focusing on digitability that has been organized by the Potsdam Einstein Forum. The conference will look at the significance of design in relation to computers and who is responsible for designing our environment.

Ciba® XYMARA™ will also be present with our wide world of effects. We will be presenting brand new materials for surface visual effects in a number of installations, including our infamous Modulbox, well known from its presence at the Kölner Passagen in January.  Join us to see what other creative innovations we have cooking at the vr Gallery, Kastanienallee 44, 10119 Berlin.

Satellite program

In addition to the main design festival there are plenty of other events to interest every age group and taste: a business-to-business program, excursions to DESIGNCITY SATELLITES, the play award for innovation in football co-sponsored by Nike as well as the associated Youngsters and Showroom forums. Don’t miss this exciting event in what is fast becoming Europe’s capital of design, style and innovation.