Prospects

Foto: Rational

As the first interior design fair of the year, the imm cologne is already pointing to the major trend of 2011. One theme is dominating the entire furniture industry right now: sustainability. The public discourse of manufacturers, critics and designers is heading in the same direction. From the consumer’s perspective, it’s not just eco-friendly production, sustainable material sourcing and problem-free disposal or recyclability that matter. Above all, he is interested in health and durability. For more than anything else, sustainability is quality – both in terms of workmanship, which determines a product’s durability and health impact, and in terms of design. What good is a “green” chair to me if I end up throwing it away a few years down the line because it has started disintegrating into its recyclable materials or I just don’t like it any more?

Topic:

• sustainability ans quality