A major attraction at Light+Building 2010 will be created by a trend forum. An exclusive feature of the world's leading trade fair for architecture and technology from 11 to 16 April in Frankfurt am Main, in the Foyer between Halls 5.1 and 6.1, it will allow people to experience the trends for the home in 2010/2011. "Gentle Ease", "Contemporary Classic", "Creative Verve" and "Advanced Purism" are the four strong themes, which will each be presented in its own lifestyle setting to provide orientation and inspiration for specialist wholesalers and retailers, architects, interior architects and designers. "Light+Building is the world's largest forum for innovation in the sector. Here visitors can discover all the latest products where technology meets architecture. In conjunction with that, we are also offering a trend forum at Light+Building 2010 with the most important trends for the home in the coming season," says Dr. Michael Peters, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt.
On behalf of Messe Frankfurt, internationally acclaimed design consultants bora.herke of Frankfurt and Berlin have, in their quest for the trends of 2010/2011, analysed the many and varied currents and influences and arranged them into themes. These are derived from areas that include fashion, art, exhibitions, trade fairs and publications.
"Running through all four styles, we perceive a growing awareness among consumers, as far as trends in the home are concerned, of lasting values, quality, individuality, credibility, emotional appeal and a desire to concentrate on the essentials," explained designer Claudia Herke who, with colleagues Cem Bora and Annette Palmisano, has filtered out and identified the trends. Significantly, this is leading to a changing pattern of consumer behaviour.
The following styles, presented in thematic settings for the home, can be seen on all six days of Light+Building.
Gentle Ease
Gentle Ease stands for an unpretentious, self-confident style with subtle contrasts in materials and a light, easy-going and natural approach to styling. Designs are clear and reductionist, with a predominance of natural materials, and are enlivened by delicate minimalistic patterns that draw their inspiration from nature. Cool clarity, subtle natural allusion and an impressive simplicity have become the keynotes of this style. Design that is sensitive to every-day needs, beguilingly simple ideas and unconvential use of materials are the hallmarks of Gentle Ease. Wood, with an elegant, clear finish has a central role to play. There is also a less distinct, misty, diffuse, wintery light that provides a dialogue with the cool clarity of this scenario, a filtered light with a softening effect.
Contemporary Classic
In Contemporary Classic, nostalgic reminiscences of design classics and a timeless aesthetic meet a contemporary feel and modern clarity. The trend combines quality and tradition: this means the use of high-quality materials, top-quality, perfect workmanship with unostentatious, timeless design and understated luxury. Modern classicism as reflected in the Contemporary Classic setting at Light+Building involves warm, sensual mood lighting, which brings out the full beauty of the fine materials used, with top-quality hardwoods, varnishes, marble, leather, metallic touches in gold, bronze and nickel as well as stone effects and generally interesting surfaces.
Creative Verve
Creative Verve is an open, spontaneous style which loves experimentation and improvisation, provides a touch of individuality, and uses retro features as a light-hearted counter-balance for the high-tech influences. This trend combines unconventional and original lighting designs in an uncomplicated, youthful concept for interiors. Creative ideas, "shabby chic", hand-made features, hints of traditional folk art and vintage styles make for a wide spectrum of styles and offer a multitude of possibilities for individual interpretations of spaces.
Advanced Purism
Futuristic design approaches and progressive use of materials are the hallmarks of Advanced Purism: the style unites iridescence and incorporeality, coolness and metallic effects, as well as a shiny, futuristic purism. The designs often seem to echo models in biology and the cosmos. In spite of their ultramodern aesthetic and their purist, high-tech character, they appear extremely poetic and sensitive. In this life-style setting at the leading international fair, visitors enjoy objects and designs with fluid shapes, experience a virtual aesthetic in an unusual stylistic context which has an architectural, organic, functional effect that does not, however, lack sensitivity. Polygons, lattice structures and geometrical shapes are equally acceptable here, as are iridescent reflections and the superimposition of foils and optical kinesis. Chrome, silver, aluminium, polished or ultrafine ceramic surfaces are key features of the style.