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Living Concepts for the Urban Nomad at Cologne Design Week 2016

“The concept was born out of necessity” is what both Lore and Stefan tell me independently when asked about how their projects came about. Not surprisingly, necessity is often a great basis for good design. 

Tucked away in the basement of the AIT Architektursalon in Ehrenfeld, the two students who were selected for the AIT Interior Scholarship presented their work in a temporary showroom flat, which is served as both as exhibition space and their actual home during Cologne Design Week.

Travelbox Olot by Stefan Prattes

Stefan Prattes had the idea for Travelbox Olot when facing the challenge of taking his beloved bike along to an internship in Spain. Having been informed by the shipping company that he needed to provide a bespoke container, he decided to take the task to the next level. Instead of going for the usual shipping crates made of plywood, he opted for giving the structure he needed both added purpose and appeal.

The 70 kg box contains a shelf, a bed and a large table

Travelbox Olot cosists of a frame structure that doubles as a shelf, plus a fold-out bed and a large table. When collapsed, it still provides enough room for the bike and other accessories.

When folded up, the box is 1 cubic meter in volume and 209x124,5x38,5 cm

The oak frame is coated with a 1.5 mm aluminium sheet which not only gives a high quality appearance, but also guarantees longevity. The idea is that the patina that is collected in different places over time will serve as a collection of memories, encapsulated in the furniture.

Oak and aluminium give the furniture/ container longevity

Lore Hauck’s project Mobile Küche was created during an experimental month-long stay at an abandoned brickyard. The aim of the project Rutopia was to come up with new strategies for the design of cultural and social spaces in industrial wasteland.

Mobile Küche was created as a tool for both research and communication. The kitchen unit is based on a wheelbarrow-like structure to enable it to be moved around the area to find the best location. Aimed to be fully independent, Mobile Küche comes with a gas bottle for cooking and a hung water canister for the washing up. Different levels provide an inclusive island of communication for the cook and their guests of all ages.

Gravity provides for water flow

Basic utensils on a copper tube rail

My favourite bit of the design was a small hidden music box attached to the wheels, playing “Here Comes The Sun” as the kitchen unit was moved around to announce its arrival.

A music box attached to the wheel provides the soundtrack to this moveable living space