COLOGNE, Germany - In cooperation with the Interior Design department of the Detmold School of Architecture and Interior Design at the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences, the Trendfilter design workshop has developed “Tiny Spaces” for ZOW 2018, the industry’s next big workshop and trade fair event set to take place Feb. 6-8. 

 

With housing becoming more scarce and expensive, the available living space is dwindling both in absolute and per capita terms, an issue for which the interior design sector and furniture industry needs to find suitable answers. Urbanization and gentrification have a direct effect on communal and domestic life, so completely new approaches to work, life, and housing will be required for the future.

 

“Tiny Spaces” will focus on solution ideas and design concepts for interior fittings and furniture for small living spaces. With the concept provided by design scout Katrin de Louw, the front woman at Trendfilter in Bünde, Germany, the project was realized by students in the Interior Design Master’s course run by Professor Ulrich Nether and Ricarda Jacobi at the OWL University of Applied Sciences in Detmold. 

 

With a design basis in the new ZOW exhibition system, the students have been given complete freedom in the development work, so the results presented at the fair will be a surprise, whether they're for space saving, comfort, safety, or universal design solutions.

 

Whether “Tiny Spaces” sets new benchmarks for exceptional living in small spaces largely depends on the acceptance and support received from innovative supplier companies and furniture manufacturers. While there are still opportunities for exhibitors in the wood composite board segment to get involved, the response received from the industry so far has been good. 

 

"The feedback from suppliers on our ‘Tiny Spaces’ project has been extraordinary," said Louw. "We are trying to offer all supporters space without having to make any sacrifices in terms of the concepts of the aspiring interior designers."

 

ZOW 2018's organizer, Koelnmesse, is a trade fair organizer for furnishing, living, and lifestyle. Over the last few years, Koelnmesse has specifically added international fairs in the most important markets to its portfolio. These include the LivingKitchen China/CIKB in Shanghai, interzum guangzhou in Guangzhou, China, and Pueri Expo in Sao Paulo, Brazil. With ambista, the network of the interior decorating industry, Koelnmesse offers direct access to relevant products, contacts, competence, and events.