Discover Germany | Issue 12 | March 2014

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Issue 12 | March 2014

PLUS

Annett Louisan “FREEDOM IS ESSENTIAL TO ME IN EVERY RESPECT!”

MADE IN AUSTRIA CREATIVE GERMANY FINE ART & FESTIVALS

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ADINA . EU | T OGAH OTE L S .CO M ADINA.EU TOGAHOTELS.COM

APARTMENT SPACE HOTEL SERVICE ADINA STYLE

HOTEL DESIGN HOTEL DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT HOTEL H OTEL INVESTMENT INVESTMENT HOTEL H OTEL OPERATION OPER ATION

BERLIN | FR BERLIN FRANKFURT ANKFURT | HAMBURG HAMBURG | BUDAPEST BUDAPEST | COPENHAGEN COPENHAGEN SYDNEY ADELAIDE CANBERRA WOLLONGONG S YDNEY | MELBOURNE MELBOURNE | BRISBANE BRISBANE | PERTH PERTH | A DELAIDE | C ANBERRA | DARWIN DARWIN | W OLLONGONG

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Discover Germany | Contents

Contents MARCH 2014

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Photo: Doppler

Schueco, BAU 2013. Photo: D’art

COVER FEATURE 6

SPECIAL THEMES Made in Austria Ever wondered who was commissioned by Emperor Franz Josef I to print his stationary? Did you know that it takes a whole week to produce a knife for the extreme adventurer? Wooden designer iPad cases and much more - with love from Austria.

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Fine art & festivals Händel, Mozart and more enchanting music performed in spectacular settings as well as a venue for passionate art lovers.

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Active learning Switzerland

REGULARS & COLUMNS 10

Creative Germany 2014 Meet the German Art Directors Club and read all about Germany’s most creative and renowned

‘Newcomer of 2013’. Head chef Lukas Nagl creates delicious food with the motto ‘Values are Changing’.

Dedicated to Design Noteworthy frontrunners from the German design scene.

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Fashion Finds

Hotels of the Month 32

German Treschers Schwarzwald Romantikhotel at the shore of lake Titisee offers spectacular views, luxurious wellness facilities and home-made Black Forest Gateaux to die for.

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Our Austrian favourite is the Sporthotel Wagrain, a healthy option featuring rustic luxury, alpine charm and a great location at the foot of the Grafenberg mountain.

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Welcome to the Arosa-Lenzerheide winter sport region. The newly combined resorts in the Swiss Alps offer 225 kilometres of pistes ready to be conquered by winter sport enthusiasts.

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At the Seehotel Niedernberg top notch conference facilities meet lakeside splendour – all just 30 mins from Frankfurt.

Sorbet hues are the palette of spring.

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Dine & Wine Anne Krebiehl takes a closer look at the Tannenzäpfle Black Forest beer. And discover some historic charm and Michelin-starred cuisine at the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Die SONNE Frankenberg.

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Culture & Lifestyle Some really great hospitality hotspots, fine art and fantastic festivals.

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Attraction of the Month

Business Senior wealth advisor Helena Whitmore explains the new UK capital gains tax on UK residential property for non-residents. Our legal expert Gregor Kleinknecht reveals his new merger. Online translation services, how to become an expert in the travel and hospitality business and more.

The admirable AIDA language school is on hand to help female newcomers to Switzerland while a language course in the French Alps is a great opportunity to combine learning and excitement for boys and girls alike.

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Lake Geneva Campus. © Le Rosey

Annett Louisan Chanson music with witty lyrics is the specialty of German singer Annett Louisan. Celebrating her 10th anniversary in the industry, the smart blonde songstress just released a new album.

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architects and designers from a variety of industry fields ready to conquer the world in 2014.

Restaurant of the Month Situated by Austria’s lake Traunsee, the gourmet restaurant Bootshaus was voted Gault-Millau

Conference of the Month

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Barbara Geier Barbara Geier teaches us a little lesson about architecture.

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Dear Reader,

Discover Germany

Sales & Key Account Managers

Issue 12, March 2014

Emma Fabritius Nørregaard

Published 17.02.2014 ISSN 2051-7718

Welcome to the March issue of Discover Germany. This month we present to you a truly gifted (and not to mention very attractive) German chanson singer: Annett Louisan.

Famous for her witty lyrics about the ups and downs of human relationships, her music is pure ear-candy and mercilessly honest.

In our star interview she reveals her inspiration and why freedom is so important to her.

Lena Meyer Faye Beermann Ariam Bereket

Published by

Caroline Nindl

Scan Magazine Ltd.

Niels Stratman

Design & Print

Advertising

Liquid Graphic Ltd.

info@discovergermany.com

Executive Editor

Discover Germany is published by:

Thomas Winther

SCAN GROUP Scan Magazine Ltd. 15B Bell Yard Mews Bermondsey Street London SE1 3TY United Kingdom

Creative Director Mads E. Petersen Editor Tina Awtani Art Director Svetlana Slizova

Phone +44 (0)870 933 0423 info@discovergermany.com

Copy-Editor Emmie Collinge

For further information, please visit www.discovergermany.com

Contributors

Austria gets some special attention this month, as we have handpicked a selection of authentic Austrian artists. The Made in Austria special theme includes manufacturers of luxurious watches, gorgeous designer fashion and accessories, sweet treats, fine cheeses, handy brollies, essential survival knives and exclusive stationary, used and cherished by Austrian Emperor Franz Josef I .

In the name of research one of our journalists was fortunate enough to taste some delicious, original Black Forest Gateau, making us just a little bit jealous! Find out what else is on the menu as you browse through the marvellous selection of great hotels and restaurants featured in this magazine.

If you are a fan of fine art and classical music you may enjoy visiting one of the high calibre events scheduled for the summer months. Some of the world's greatest artists are expected and the events featured in our cultural section will certainly appeal to those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Elisabeth Doehne Phil Gale Barbara Geier Julie Guldbrandsen Jessica Holzhausen Julika Hüther

Spring is a great time to acquire new skills and if you are considering going back to school, this issue may be your source of inspiration. Holiday camps in Switzerland, a language school for ladies or the best place to start a career in the hospitality industry – we have it all covered.

Sonja Irani Gregor Kleinknecht Anne Krebiehl Cordelia Makartsev Jessica Pommer Dorina Reichhold Jessica Ridder Marilena Stracke

Aesthetics and functionality play a vital role in our Creative Germany 2014 guide, where an impressive selection of top German design agencies and architectural studios are featured.Times are long gone when something just had to look good. Perception has been given a whole new meaning. Finished designs are made to be seen, to be heard or to be touched. Creativity knows no bounds.

Enjoy the magazine!

Helena Whitmore © All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Magazine Ltd. This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles

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Tina Awtani

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Discover real Private Banking At SEB Private Banking, we acknowledge that everyone has a unique set of challenges.

It’s why we do not offer ready-made solutions, concentrating instead on developing meaningful, long-lasting financial relationships and making the effort to really understand you and your requirements.

We look after all aspects of your personal and your family’s business finances – from daily transactions to long-term investments. And we offer everything from in-depth financial management to specialist advice on legal and tax matters.

As one of the world’s strongest banks and with more than 150 years of experience in private banking, we have just what it takes to ensure your future prosperity.

To find out what SEB can do for your personal wealth, contact us in London: Christian A. Hvamstad +44 (0) 20 7246 4307 privatebanking@seb.co.uk

Sweden • Norway • Denmark • Finland • Luxembourg • Switzerland • United Kingdom • Singapore • Estonia • Latvia • Lithuania

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Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Annett Louisan

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Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Annett Louisan

Annett Louisan Singer Annett Louisan chose Valentine’s Day as the release date for her latest album. With her crystal clear voice and sharp lyrics, this German chanson-style singer is a welcome break with her exciting blend of musical styles and her witty observations of human relationships.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: MARIE ISABEL MORA

Pretty and petite, measuring around 5ft, Annett Louisan unerringly made her way to the zenith of the German music industry ten years ago with the release of her first album Bohème. It reached platinum status within nine weeks, making it the fastest selling debut album in the German music business and by now it has sold more than 450,000 records. Since this initial success, her chanson-style music has never failed to

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Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Annett Louisan

impress listeners with sharp lyrics based on interpersonal stories, sung in a refreshing manner and not seldom containing a good touch of cynicism and irony.

Born in former East Germany in 1977 as Annette Päge, the singer chose to sing under the name Annett Louisan. Her Mona Lisa smile has become her signature look, and as with Mona Lisa, one can never be quite sure what is hidden behind the innocent smile. It is hard to say where Päge stops and Louisan starts. From her famous track Das Spiel, you could be led to believe that Louisan is a man-eater, playing with some poor fellow’s heart, and in Pärchenallergie she explains that the sight of a happy couple makes her feel sick. But, her honesty is touching and you have to love her for it.“It took time, and as a kind of self-protection, but I now consider Annett Louisan as like a sister personality in order to establish a bit of a distance to the public figure. But of course, a lot of me is in her and vice versa,” the artist explains.“I try not to act as cliché'd as Louisan has to do in order to exaggerate or to speed things up. And she gets real feelings from me, true pain and deep love, without these she would only be a decal.”

With a smile she adds:“And when someone serves me a Prosecco in a bar just out of the blue with a twinkle, then I toast her and say:“None of this could ever have happened without Louisan!”

The importance of interpersonal delicacies After a decade in the music business, Louisan has produced six albums, scooping numerous awards including the Echo, the German Radio Award and the Neo Award.

Her albums Bohème, Unausgesprochen (unspoken), Das Optimale Leben (the optimal life), Teilzeithippie (Part-time hippie) and In Meiner Mitte (in my middle) reached gold, four of them platinum status. Now, after 18 months in the studio the new album is finally out. Zu viel Information (too much information) is another stroke of genius, ruthlessly disecting human relationships.

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Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Annett Louisan

Some observations of daily life include cheeky flirtations and interpersonal disasters, but also some dark melancholia, all interpreted in Louisan’s authentic way. She compares loyalty points in a supermarket with her relationship status, wishes people would spare her from explicit information and enjoys sweet revenge while cheekily posting a thing or two online about an ex.

Asked where she takes her inspiration from, Louisan reveals: “Humans are the most important source of information.

Every dialogue can be full of interpersonal delicacies, one just needs to challenge them and be interested.”So far it is impossible for her to pick a favourite track from the new album.“I couldn’t tell you yet. I think, I am still too involved in it. Maybe I need to establish a bit of a distance from the album to be able to listen to it in an objective way,” she admits.

A free spirit Annett Louisan will be touring Germany, Switzerland and Austria in 2014 and she is really looking forward to sharing her new songs with the audience.“You always have these magic moments on stage; completely unpredictable and you never know when it will happen. It is the point when everything just coincides: the interaction with the musicians, blending in with the audience. I would travel thousands of miles for that. Usually these [moments] are found in the most unusual locations.”

2014 not only marks Annett Louisan’s 10th anniversary, but it also marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The historic event also affected her life.“The fall of the Berlin Wall will always be of great significance to me. I was twelve years old and it changed my family’s fate.

I was born in East Germany and I wouldn’t dare imagine how my life would have evolved without the turnaround. I think it is perhaps down to exactly this reason why freedom is so essential to me in every respect!”

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Discover Germany | Design | Dedicated to Design

Dedicated to Design...

Right now there is an abundance of exciting quality design coming out of Germany. As true pioneers of unique design trends and lifestyle tendencies, here are some of the noteworthy frontrunners, shaping both the German and the international design landscape.

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BY JULIE GULDBRANDSEN

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Knife block in luxurious Carrara marble by Cap. Makes a beautiful statement on the kitchen counter and provides a safe and stable place for your sharp blades. £492. www.cap-direct.de

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Qlocktwo is an original wall clock that displays the time in words in a letter grid consisting of 110 letters. Turning the moment into a statement - “it is half past seven” - it makes you stop and look at time in a different way. Available in two different sizes, seven colours and 12 languages.

From £820. store.biegertfunk.com

The MY table lamp designed by Tobias Grau sophisticatedly blends bone china, oak and polished aluminium.

It gives off that lovely type of deep light that creates a tender warmness in a room. £387. www.tobias-grau.com

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This cool stool designed by Raumfieber gives the rubber band a new function. While only decorative the rubber band is a central visual feature of this quirky design. Four different colours (red, yellow, green and purple) are included. £142. www.ambientedirect.com The sculptural table Xenia by Belfakto makes an elegant dining space or a distinguished conference table. With no inconvenient table legs at the corners and a variety of table tops, including asymmetrical versions, it is ideal for lengthy dinner conversations. From £4,000. www.belfakto.com

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Discover Germany | Design | Luxeries

Desirable designer purchases Buying a designer handbag online is a potential minefield, with a constant uncertainty of fraudulent goods and dubious dealers, Anne Goeminne knew that something had to change if she wanted to successfully find gorgeous designer bags. The solution? Luxeries.com

“I’ve assembled a luxury second-hand shop online to help retailers who are perhaps a little cautious about internet sales. Each item on the website has been certified by professionals.” As well as selling other retailers’ products, Anne also sells designer goods from friends. She laughs: “One friend has over 300 and some still with tags!”

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: GOSIO FARRELL

Setting up her online second-hand luxury goods shop definitely suits the amiable Anne, who was drawn to the world of online retailing after moving to a street full of second-hand shops in Lausanne. Anne could easily have bought all these luxury handbags

for herself, but she’s a generous lady with a passion for sharing the finer things in life.

After setting up luxeries.com, her online platform for smaller second-hand designer retailers just last year, she has seen sales rocket.“It’s a novel concept,” she explains,

“I’m currently selling a brand spanking new Lancel Exceptional bag, as well as the Hermès Kelly bag – brand new this costs 12,000-13,000 euros and you might have to wait a year.”Excitedly she lists some of her darlings of the current stock:“A limited edition Dupont lighter designed by Picasso, a Chanel watch and of course the Hermès Kelly bag!”

Luxeries offers an invaluable service for professionals, assuring reliable sales and authentic purchases. www.luxeries.com Left: Founder Anne Goeminne

ARSP

Architekten Rüf Stasi Partner

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Discover Germany | Design Xxx | Xxxx | Fashion Finds

Fashion Finds Sorbet hues have made their mark on the catwalk the past season and continue to be the palette of spring. We love how these soft spring colours appeal to our softer side and transform dreary winter wardrobes into flavourful sherbet crushes.

BY JULIE GULDBRANDSEN

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Antonia Goy does subtle prints yet still manages to make a statement. One of the beautiful things about pastel colours is how superbly they can be mixed and matched to create a feminine and refined look. Printed silk tunic, £528, silk top, £289, trousers, £405. www.antoniagoy.com.

Photos: schahriyar.com

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Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds

Tap into another big trend this season – the sports luxe – and combine this cute dove print t-shirt with a pretty skirt and some cool pumps. £25. www.armedangels.de

This light-pink lace skirt by Anja Gockel is the epitome of ladylike chic. Toughen up the look by wearing it with a t-shirt and chunky boots or team with leather leggings. £378. www.anja-gockel-shop.de

These light blue ballerina style patent-leather shoes come in a beautiful pastel shade. Easy to combine with skirts and trousers of all lengths, this pair sets the right mood for a spring outfit. £49. www.heine.de

We adore this delicate pleated silk dress by Antonia Goy. The colour stripes are reminiscent of our favourite candy store, absolutely adorable. We will be wearing it with tights and a well-cut suit jacket now, and with flat gladiator sandals come spring. £536. www.antoniagoy.com. Photo: schahriyar.com

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Main image: WKO headquarter, Vienna

Austria’s official economic portal The web portal www.advantageaustria.org is a collection of all the information you need as a business partner to the Austrian economy.

Right: Dr. Christoph Leitl, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber

Special Theme

Made in Austria

TEXT & IMAGES: AUSTRIAN ECONOMIC CHAMBERS (WKO)

For those who want to import products and services from Austria, as well as for those who are interested in exporting to or investing in the Austrian market, it is crucial to have a clear overview of the Austrian economy and fast access to the right contact partner.This is precisely where the portal www.advantageaustria.org comes in.

Offering around 28,000 pages in 28 languages, it delivers targeted information on Austria as a business partner. People from all over the world use www.advantageaustria.org to get comprehensive information on everything they need to work together successfully with Austrian business: from company profiles and business opportunities to information on more than 30 industry sectors.

business partner from any industry.

Furthermore, there is also the option of searching for concrete business opportunities from Austrian companies in your sector.You can make direct contact to companies in Austria, all the information you need is on www.advantageaustria.org. Another alternative is to contact your local ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA office. Across the globe 780 employees and 40 consultants are on hand to support foreign companies who are looking for Austrian business partners. They are specialised in establishing contact on behalf of Austrian companies who are searching for importers, distributors and trade representatives and introducing them to future business partners abroad.

You can find many detailed company profiles and contact data on Austrian companies in the database of the portal www.advantageaustria.org. The search function allows you to pinpoint and choose the right

On www.advantageaustria.org you can find announcements of trade fairs, presentations and other events. The event calendar is regularly updated and allows you to plan your personal contact to Austrian compa-

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nies and organisations.

All the participants of local events are listed on the portal, allowing you find out about a company and its business needs with just a couple of mouse clicks even before you attend an event. Every year the ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA experts organise and support more than 1,000 events worldwide, these events are announced on www.advantageaustria.org.

www.advantageaustria.org has detailed information on the topics “Importing from Austria”and“Exporting to Austria”, as well as information on investment, financing and the legal framework. The service also offers general information about the country itself and everything you need to know when travelling to Austria. Visit www.advantageaustria.org and find out about the international presence of Austrian companies and the benefits of Austria as a business location. Be sure to use the portal to get in touch directly with your local ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA office. www.advantageaustria.org

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Austria

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Austria

Timeless timepieces made in Austria Watches are not only instruments to measure the time but also complex constructions – especially when they work with mechanic clockworks. Tiny gear wheels which fit into one another with minute precision are the motor of these watches – quartz or electronic components are nowhere in sight. Montre Exacte, situated in Austria, manufactures classic clockwork for watches with a modern style.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

cation at the technical college for clockand watchmakers in Karlstein. Upon graduating, he worked in Switzerland for the high-end watch manufacturer Audemars Piquet in Le Brassus.

Christian Umscheid founded Montre Exacte in 2011 to manufacture precise watches for the Haute Horlogerie, mechanic timepieces combining elegant vintage glamour with a classic and contemporary design. As they manufacture exactly according to clients wishes, Montre Exacte develops, manufactures and montages clockwork and watchcases. Founded in Herrenbaumgarten, the company recently moved to Poysdorf where Umscheid took over an old post office building.

Umscheid’s atelier today is akin to a high security laboratory. The well-lit room must be free of any dust when the small pieces that constitute the clockwork are put together: miniature screws, spirals as thin as human hair, pinions and bridges bring a watch to life.

Becoming a watchmaker and opening his own atelier was a dream come true for Christian Umscheid. Even as a little boy he had been fascinated by the whys and hows of clocks. He soon began dismantling clocks and watches, so it came as no surprise to his parents that he decided to become a watchmaker, completing his edu-

In May 2014 the first original Montre Exacte watches, having only existed as digital drafts until now, will come onto the market for the first time.The company’s aim for the future is to manufacture about 100 watches a year – a small and exclusive number for everyone who likes special and handmade timepieces.

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The first series contains six watch designs and has a special clue: They are called Vierteluhr or quarter-watches and have a small extra time scale that measures the hour circle in quarters, every 15 seconds the small clock-hand moves forward.The watches are modelled after a traditional Lower Austrian Stadltor and use typical material from the wine region such as Gradlstoff, a heavy cotton cloth used for a vintner’s apron. www.montre-exacte.at

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Austria

High-flying fashion from Zillertal Thanks to popular events like the Oktoberfest, traditional clothes from Alpine regions are currently enjoying a fashion renaissance. If you are looking for a playful, trendy and truly unique twist to Dirndl and co, you will love the Tiroler Adlerin.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI | PHOTOS: ANDRE SCHOENHERR

The idea of setting up a fashion label literally flew to Margret Schiestl, creative head of Tiroler Adlerin (Tyrolean eagle), when she sketched an unusual raptor as she took the train to a silk-screen printing course in 2007. Her interpretation of a female eagle including breasts and high heels can be found on almost all of Schiestl’s designs – and it carries a powerful message.“Both of her feet are firmly rooted to her home soil, yet her wings are spread out, indicating that she is ready to take off for new adventures,” explains the artist.

Just like her eagle, Margret Schiestl herself is a child of Tyrol, yet she is always open to creative adventures.“In our design studio, traditional elements are re-interpreted and newly combined,” says the designer, who runs her business with daughter Melanie, a management graduate.“We show fashionsavvy trendsetters how to wear traditional Austrian clothes on a daily basis.” For Melanie, the perfect blend between tradi-

tion and trendy is embodied in the label’s jumpsuits, which can be worn on any occasion. Margret regards the loden jacket as the gem of their collection: “It reflects our philosophy the best because it combines art, trends and tradition. Casually worn with jeans and a t-shirt or dressed up for elegant events – the loden jacket is always an eye-catcher.”

High quality is important. Each piece is created by Margret herself and refined by a handmade silk-screen printing. Furthermore, the fashion items are locally produced from regional materials and natural fibres. This enables the team to adapt their creations to each client’s personal preferences and individual requests or to apply made-to-measure procedures.

Top: A unique blend of art, trends and tradition Above left: Exclusive Alpine Chic for men Above right: Fine Tyrolean loden for office and evening Below: Margret Schiestl, creative head of Tiroler Adlerin

Melanie are happy to answer any questions via e-mail (info@tiroler-adlerin.at), telephone (+436648538138) or on social networking sites including facebook, twitter and google+. www.tiroler-adlerin.at

An English website and bilingual brochure will be launched soon. For first-class personal advice, pop into their boutique in the Zillertal Alps. Alternatively, Margret and

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Austria

Haute couture for iPads Sustainable material, smart functions and a clean design: The sophisticated handmade wooden iPad cases by Woodero are simply revolutionary.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: WOODERO

Let’s face it, we all love our iPads and want to keep them safe. But we also love its simple design and clear functions. So why not go a little step further and protect this beloved asset with something that ticks all those boxes? Ambition has always been the engine for innovation. And the team at Woodero were indeed ambitious when they had the idea for the wooden iPad case. A case, which is not only entirely made of wood and hence eco-friendly, but also serves its function brilliantly. Founders Alexander Krauser, Florian Schupp, Andreas Brandner and Christian Gerer from Austria’s Steiermark invented a tool, which they were essentially trying to find for a long time for themselves. That is how they became aware of the gap in the market.

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Safety first – but with style “We realised we had to develop this kind of case ourselves,” says Krauser. “It took six months until our first prototype was finished. We were fascinated, wanting to create something completely new and unique.

The combination of natural wood with a high-tech product was extremely appealing to us and we noticed very quickly that we were not the only ones to be thrilled about it. It was time to launch our company Woodero!”

The wooden case has a unique feel to it and is as prac-

tical as it is sleek.The iPad literally slides into the case and is just as easily taken out. The iPad is automatically secured tightly through four special gel pads, following Woodero’s motto:“Safety first – but with style!”The lid is closed by tapping without having to push or press. This product is all about easy handling and thus many different positions can be achieved through just one move. Different

The Woodero team from left to right: Florian Schupp, Alexander Krauser, Andreas Brandner, Christian Gerer. Photo: Fotostudio Marion

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Austria

to other cases, the Woodero case does not have to be a permanent container. The integrated magnetic lock in the wooden lid keeps the iPad safe when it is not in use and the lid also serves to adjust and fix the angle of the tablet when working on it in an upward position. The lid also functions as a smooth surface to put a keyboard on. But that is not all! Because the case is wooden, it also serves as a natural sound box, thus magnifying the iPad’s sound. Perfect for watching a film or listening to music.

The case protects the entire iPad and weighs around only 360g, depending on the chosen wood (customers can choose between nut and cherry wood). That is half of what the iPad itself weighs. Since the cases are entirely made out of wood from local, sustainably managed forests, customers can enjoy their products with a clean conscience. All in all there is not one function missing. The affordable wooden case is the perfect companion for any of the iPads and can even be personalized. With the help of a laser, customers can have names, logos or anything else they want engraved on the case.

Growing international Driven by the challenging goal to make Woodero an international business in the near future, the team is keen to introduce more products later this year. Schupp says: “We are highly motivated by the challenge to lead a small Austrian company that will effectively compete in the global marketplace. Making the impossible possible is the source of our on-going passion.”

With a matching business philosophy and attitude, it makes sense for Woodero to stick to Apple products. The product range will be increased and soon customers will find new covers for the iPhone 4, 5 and 5s in the online shop.

To establish itself in the international marketplace with a bang, Woodero is currently getting a brand new appearance and demeanour. Its logo, the website and the online shop are being re-designed and taken to the next level. “We have a lot on our agenda this year. For example, we are developing a case with a finish made of crystals as well as precious metal inlays,” explains Brandner. Understandably Woodero is gaining more and more fans every day.

Gerer admits proudly:“It is a fantastic feeling when customers describe how terrific our case is and that they cannot imagine life without it.” www.woodero.com

Main image: Carousel. Photo: Courtesy of MONOQI Above: Walnut iPad case. Woodero - precise craftsmanship Below: iPhone case 5C

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Austria

Main image:The right sweets for every occasion. Top right: Owners Christian Mayer and Maria Scholz.

Sweets, sweets, sweets The Zuckerlwerkstatt in the heart of Vienna is a lot more than an ordinary sweet shop. Ever wanted to design your very own sweet? This is certainly the place to be.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: ZUCKERLWERKSTATT

There is a sweet scent in the air inVienna’s historic Herrengasse street. It can be tracked to a peculiar shop with a striking glass front at number 6-8. Peering through the window, you will not only see tempting sweets of all shapes and colours, but you can also marvel at how they are made by hand right there in the shop. Welcome to the magical Zuckerlwerkstatt, Austria’s very first traditional sweet factory. Owners Maria Scholz and Christian Mayer have turned the artisan craft skills of sweet-making into a mesmerising live performance. It is fascinating to watch them lasso the gooey mixture repeatedly over the sugar-hook to allow air to enter the mixture, or see them cut the finished mixes into tiny pieces, all of which bear a heart in the middle.

the Zuckerlwerkstatt is a dream come true.

Their honest passion is instantly contagious and somewhat reminiscent of a modern Willy Wonka. “Our dream developed into an idea, which turned into a concept for a modern sweets manufactory inVienna. It is an incredible feeling to continue with these old sweet-making traditions and to see how amazed everyone who watches us is,“ says Scholz. Some of the recipes and techniques are over 150 years old!

It is hard to imagine that a year ago Scholz was a lawyer and Mayer a singer. For them

Since the Zuckerlwerkstatt opened its doors in October 2013 its fan base has con-

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Mayer adds:“Naturally, we are very proud of all our creations, but we especially like the Viennese Seidenzuckerl (Silk sweets).

Very popular is our mint-vanilla version, filled with real cocoa. A true explosion of flavour!”

tinued to grow. The customized sweets, for example, are fabulous giveaways at weddings and events. The two confectioners love watching their customers’ delighted faces as they taste the sweets and lollipops or create signature sweets during workshops. Scholz smiles:“We are so happy that our Zuckerlwerkstatt is successful. Every day we are working on new creations, flavours and concepts. Recently we have started to offer our sweets for resale in hand-picked stores across Austria.”

A great eye for detail, a heart-felt passion for anything sweet, and a big portion of creativity, have turned the unique Zuckerlwerkstatt into a walk-in fairytale! www.zuckerlwerkstatt.at

Yummy Pocket Rockers

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Austria

Sorbet Bracelets – gorgeous and unforgettable After having spent the summer in Mykonos, inspired by the simplicity of the island, Sophia Mamas decided to turn her passion into her profession and launched her own Sorbet Bracelets label.

contains a personal note for the lucky recipient. With a Sorbet Bracelet from Sophia’s studio one simply can’t do wrong. But be careful, Sorbet Bracelets tend to be addictive! www.sorbetbracelets.com www.facebook.com/SorbetBracelets

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: SORBET BRACELETS

The name came to her as she“sat beneath the shade of a lemon tree, eating sorbet icecream, thinking about all the good things and people in life that are still to come.”Her bracelets are absolutely stunning – fine, little statement pieces in a variety of colours and materials. Semi-precious stones, crystals, silver and handmade ceramic beads or little metal plates grace the delicate artworks.

Produced with great care and passion in Austria, Sorbet Bracelets are strictly limited; these charismatic accessories are only available online and in hand-picked boutiques.

What makes them so special? “The Sorbet Bracelets are easily to combine - the more on the wrist the better! They spice up every out-

fit and underline the own personality. People tend to receive them as gifts, thus they take on an even more special meaning.You might wear it every day and it will go with you wherever you go in life,” muses jewellery designer Sophia Mamas. Truly a perfect gift to mark a special occasion, the little good luck charms are literally delivered as a message in a bottle, which also

Sorbet Bracelets (below) by Sophia Mamas (left).

Creating a lasting impression Since 1905 Huber & Lerner have been providing the world with some of the most exclusive and individual stationary products for private and corporate use.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: HUBER & LERNER

“Service built on tradition”is the company motto.“At Huber & Lerner we blend exquisite service, fine craftsmanship and outstanding quality to the highest level,” explains Pia Fischer, who manages the company as its fourth generation owners together with her brother Johannes HuberPock. Confidentiality and unobtrusiveness are a matter of course, but it is no secret that Huber & Lerner were once purveyors of fine goods to the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef I., the Duke of Windsor and countless other heads of state from all over the world. Industrial families, multinational corporations, and also smaller companies appreciate the timeless classics printed by Huber & Lerner.

Whether it is corporate correspondence or special family matters, Huber & Lerner cater

for various needs.“With our stationary products we accompany our clients through the emotional highlights in their lives, sometimes for generations,”Fischer muses. Luxurious steel engraving and copperplate printing, the more economic thermography option, classic offset or traditional letterpress printing are all part of the Huber & Lerner portfolio. In today’s world the haptic experience of touching a certain paper type or embossing is gaining ever more importance as Ms. Fischer explains:“In a time when most communication is carried out digitally, our products are slowing down the pace a little and thus are adding a certain significance to the written word.”

As well as their classic portfolio, Huber & Lerner cooperate with young designers to

create contemporary products such as the annual Christmas collection. www.huber-lerner.at

Above: Huber Lerner store in Vienna.

Photo: Rupert Steiner

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Main image: Experiencing milk processing and cheese production up close in the Open Dairy Above: Culinary delights from the restaurant Sennereiküche

Milk, mountains and much more

Hay milk products from goats, sheep and cows Bottom: Traditional hay harvest in Zillertal

At the Sennerei Zillertal in Tyrol, you can enjoy the unique taste of fresh hay milk products, discover how cheese is made and get to know the Zillertal traditions at parties and events – all under one roof.

nereiküche serves the best culinary delights in the region.You can also take home a piece of the Zillertal at the sale point on site.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI | PHOTOS: SENNEREI ZILLERTAL

And why not book the ErlebnisSennerei for your next party?“Our event location offers a generous space and beautiful views over the surrounding mountains of Zillertal!” says Kröll.“Inside, there is space for up to 200 and on the forecourt there is room for 200 to 1,800 people. The outer area can also be roofed and heated, so events can take place in any kind of weather.”

The very high standards of their hay milk from cows, sheep and goats is what makes the traditional, yet innovative, family-run business distinctive from other dairy farms. “The animals spend the summers on the hill farms in Zillertal, enjoying up to 50 different herbs and grasses,” explains Heinz Kröll, head of Sennerei Zillertal.“In the wintertime, they feast on sun-dried hay and mineral-rich grains – our fodder is 100 per cent free of silage or fermenting add-ons.”

The lucky cows produce great quality hay milk, which is used to create a variety of delicious foods.“Our product range includes milk, whipped cream, sour cream, butter, yogurt, curd, buttermilk and different kinds

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of cheese,” says Kröll about the goods, which will soon be available in the company’s new online shop, too. “Our traditional Graukäse Premium is particularly popular with the locals. The further refinement of this acid curd cheese at home has become a bit of a famous custom!”

Those who are curious to have a look behind the scenes will enjoy the company’s ErlebnisSennerei – the first Open Dairy in Tyrol.

“It offers the unique opportunity to experience the processing of daily fresh hay milk and the making of cheese – up close and personal!” says Kröll about the tours with multilingual audio guides and optional product tastings. Worked up an appetite after the tour? The dairy farm’s restaurant Sen-

www.sennerei-zillertal.at

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Austria

Gourmet preserves and pickled vegetables - Fruit creations from Vienna conquer the world Staud’s Vienna is one of Austria’s finest gourmet preserve manufacturers. The passion for fruit is deeply rooted in the family tradition and dates back to 1883 when the great-grandfather of the present owner started a fruit trading business.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: STAUD’S VIENNA

Hans Staud, today’s owner and managing director, took the family business to new heights and established the fruit processing company in 1971. Sophisticated production technology is teamed with good old traditions, and artificial additives and chemicals are strictly banned. Quality always comes before quantity. Today Staud’s Vienna is globally renowned for producing the finest quality gourmet products. With a lean team of 41 experts, Staud’s Vienna manage to offer jams, preserves and fruit spreads in 95 varieties. Pickled vegetables come in 42 varieties and there are also plenty of fruits in syrup, wine jelly, fruit in alcohol and fruit syrup options to choose from. Most products are going into selected

retail outlets, but if you are a frequent traveller spending time in the luxury hotels of the world you may be lucky to enjoy a few little pots of Staud’s famous jam for breakfast. Staud’s delicacies are exported to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Japan, USA, the United Arab Emirates and Russia.

The company store, Staud´sVienna pavilion at the vibrant Brunnenmarkt, stands on the exact same spot as where Hans Staud’s mother once sold fruits. It is the perfect place to find a truly authenticViennese souvenir for those who share the company owner’s passion for fruit. www.stauds.com

From top to bottom: Fine preserves. Photo: Johannes Kittel Pickled delights. Photo: Johannes Kittel Hans Staud, Owner and Managing Partner

The ultimate hand-made explorer knives from 69°NORD With meticulous and painstaking virtuosity, Norbert Leitner creates exclusive, heavy-duty explorer knives for the most demanding clients across the globe.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: 69°NORD

Based in the Austrian village of Weng, the highly skilled artisan creates high calibre explorer knives, ready to face extreme situations. Fans include survival guru Rüdiger Nehberg, as well as mountaineer Reinhold Messner to name just a few. For the past 25 years, adventure, freedom and self-determination have driven Leitner. He has spent many hours exploring the rough northern hemisphere, constantly on the quest for excitement and always on foot with his tent and a backpack. Ever alert and ready to discover the next big thing, a passion reflected in his craftsmanship. 69°NORD derives from the location of the Norwegian harbour of Tromsø, where many of the great

polar expeditions originated from, led by explorers such as Fridtjof Nansen or Roald Amundsen.

Only one knife per week leaves his workshop and the models, suitable for a variety of tasks, range from 6 to 22 cm in length.

While the blades are made of different steel types featuring sharp geometrix technology, the handles come in exotic materials such as buffalo horn or mammoth ivory. But who are the people who use these exquisite products? “The knife is a tool of curiosity.

Those who are interested in knives are people with a passion for discovery and exploration, those who really want to know

Top: Norbert Leitner

what’s inside of things. My clients are very practical characters with a close affinity to nature,”the artist says. www.69nord.at www.norbertleitner.at

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Austria

As umbrellas are just as useful during the rainy seasons as they are obsolete during summer, a diversification of the range of products offered soon became a logical consequence. This has led from the production of garden and branded parasols to cushions, seat rests and finally to the production of garden furniture.

Umbrella manufacturer doppler – easing the rainy seasons Come rain or shine, doppler is the most important manufacturer of umbrellas and garden parasols in Europe. It is also a traditional family company whose simple secret to success lies in high quality products.

TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: DOPPLER

Having worked in an umbrella factory in his youth, Ernst Doppler founded his own company in Braunau am Inn in Austria in 1947, initially employing just two members of staff. His daughter and son-in-law Hermann Würflingsdobler senior subsequently joined, putting the name doppler on the map. Today the company is run by his son Würflingsdobler Hermann, his wife Margit and his father, Hermann Würflingsdobler, who still plays a role.Together they manage a workforce of around 170 people.

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By keeping up traditional quality standards and simultaneously recognising and acting upon economic necessities, doppler has managed not only to survive for more than 60 years in a competitive market, but to strive and grow continuously. Some of the biggest assets that help write this ongoing success story are the two umbrella brands Knirps and doppler, the licensed products manufactured for s.Oliver and Bugatti, and the expansion via subsidiaries and production plants into different countries worldwide.

At the same time, their range of umbrellas is steadily expanding. Besides the longstanding doppler brand, known for its use of high quality materials such as real wood, cotton tartans and loden cloths, and the collapsible Knirps brand, new ranges keep setting doppler apart from their competitors. One of them is the Carbonsteel range which exceeds expectations in terms of longevity and practicality, featuring a fast drying fabric, a storm-proof yet lightweight construction and a handy pocket size. Another one is the elegant and popular range of umbrellas studded with genuine Swarovski crystals.

Behind the success of the brand is not only the owners who work actively within the company, but also their strong team. From the managers to the office employees, as well as those in the production and warehouse, everybody involved knows that they are an important part of the successful team. www.dopplerschirme.com

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Exclusive hand-sewn ties and shirts

Shirtmaker Hemden Herzog Gino Venturini

Bespoke shirts make Vienna's men A traditional craftsman's establishment, Hemden Herzog Gino Venturini produce hand-sewn shirts that epitomise style and quality. With an eye for detail, luxurious textiles are transformed into long-lasting masterpieces with a perfect fit, providing Vienna's gentlemen with elegant attire for all occasions.

TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: MATTHIAS RÜCKER

Founded in Vienna in 1906 by the HerzogKral family, the shop passed down to Gino Venturini in 1960, who now runs the business together with his son Nicolas. Besides the hand-sewn shirts that attract an international clientele, they sell hand-sewn shirts from other manufacturers, cashmere jumpers and slipovers, jackets, bow-ties, scarves and a large range of cufflinks. Additionally, Nicolas Venturini has a passion for hand-sewn ties, which are available in various different styles including many 7-fold ties.

Quality is the keyword for Venturini when it comes to production, materials and service. “Our motto: It is not the measuring tape that makes a bespoke shirt, but the people who invest their heart, experience and love of detail,” says Nicolas Venturini.

The exclusive use of two-ply fabrics is a prerequisite, as is the inexhaustible array of

textiles from which customers can choose.

If not currently in stock, every type of textile can be delivered within 24 hours.

Collars are meticulously adapted to the customer's individual elliptic neckline and angle between neck and shoulders, and each part of the inlays used for collars and cuffs, their type, size and feel can be determined by the customer.

“Each customer is measured in detail and receives a prototype shirt, as only if the cut can deliver a personal comfort when wearing do we speak of a bespoke shirt,“ says Venturini. The prototype is made of a special fabric that can highlight every little mistake in the cut. Subsequently, the shape of the collar is determined, then the textile, the shape of the cuffs, the positions of the buttons, and last but not least monograms,

which can be individually designed, are sewn.

With Vienna as the city of the balls, Venturini also offer tailcoats, tuxedos and appropriate accessories. A special service provided on the day of every great ball is the dressing of the customers.“They arrive in their work attire and we provide them with their freshly ironed tailcoat, dress shirt and waistcoat,”saysVenturini.“These days often turn into a convivial meeting of Vienna's notables. On one occasion, we had the pleasure of offering our services to Thomas Gottschalk before the opera ball.” www.venturini.at

Nicolas Venturini

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Discover Germany | Restaurant of the Month | Austria

Restaurant of the Month Austria

A beautiful landscape and fabulous food The award-winning gourmet restaurant Bootshaus, situated by the scenic lake Traunsee, is one of Upper Austria’s gems. Wherever guests take a seat, they are sure to have a fantastic view of the lake whilst indulging in local cuisine.

Main image: Fine al fresco dining.

Photo: Christof Wagner Above, right: Spectacular lakefront location.

Photo: Christoph Wagner The Bootshaus team. Photo: erlas Bottom: Head Chef Lukas Nagl.

Photo: Christof Wagner

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: BOOTSHAUS

Surrounded by green mountains, lake Traunsee is simply as beautiful as it gets.

Swans pass by, fish jump playfully in and out of the water and the white sails of boats can be seen in the distance. An air of tranquillity makes this the ideal place to rest and let your lungs be filled with a fresh breeze.

Right on the shore of the lake nestles the newly refurbished restaurant Bootshaus. It is part of the well-established four-star hotel Das Traunsee, which is run by the fourth-generation hotelier family Groeller.

It is the only hotel with direct access to the lake and even has suites with private access.

Bootshaus head chef Lukas Nagl creates dishes with the mottoValues are Changing, meaning that vegetables, fish and meat are of equal importance. This is particularly interesting for vegetarians, who can choose from a variety of dishes.

Being only 26 years old, Nagl is one of the youngest head chefs to have been awarded

26 | Issue 12 | March 2014

two hats by the prestigious Gault-Millau.

With 15 points, the restaurant was selected as ‘Newcomer of 2013’ and received 16 points by Gault-Millau in 2014. And the awards keep coming in! “We are proud to be one of the top five restaurants in Upper Austria and the best in the Salzkammergut!” says owner Wolfgang Groeller.

“Our chef interprets traditional, local dishes in a contemporary way. We only use organic regional produce. Local farmers deliver our meat, and fish comes from nearby wild-caught stocks. For our cheese selection, which we exclusively receive from small dairies, we even visit our next-door neighbour Switzerland.”

It goes without saying that the restaurant is home to a fantastic wine cellar and employs outstanding sommeliers. Julia Grashaefl and David Sitz competently assist guests and gracefully round off the culinary adventure. The interior is designed to draw attention to the lake, while equally giving room to contemporary art.

For a more casual experience the attached award-winning See Side Lounge comes highly recommended. Simple culinary pleasures and an easy-going atmosphere invite guests to relax by the lake. The Groeller family combine tradition with a modern attitude, creativity and passion – and this is something you can feel in all their venues. www.dastraunsee.at

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Bildklapptisch

Picture Table

des österreichischen Labels IvyDesign

by the Austrian label IvyDesign

Ein Tisch, der völlig aus dem Rahmen

einen stabilen und komfortablen (Ess-)

A table that turns into a picture frame

fällt, da er bei Nichtgebrauch zum sel-

Platz, zwei an jeder Längsseite und einer

when it is not in use. The strong construc-

bigen wird: IvyDesign produziert in

vor Kopf des Tisches - ideal für kleine

tion made from wood is a novel kind of

Zusammenarbeit mit regionalen Unter-

Wohnungen oder Esszimmer im großen

folding table which becomes an elegant,

nehmen einen neuartigen Klapptisch zur

Flur! Für die Oberfläche der anspruchs-

trendy and modern picture frame for art-

Wandbefestigung. Hochgeklappt ist der

vollen Konstruktion des multifunktio-

works, posters or photo collections that

Esstisch als Picture Table ein eleganter,

nalen Wandtisches Picture/Mirror Table

can be chosen individually. For people

schlichter Bilder- bzw. Posterrahmen, in

können viele Farben und Furnierober-

who prefer a mirror frame or don‘t feel

dem nach eigenen Belieben dekoratives

flächen wie Makassar, Buche, Nuss,

like making their own creative choice we

Bildmaterial hinter Plexiglas arrangiert

Ahorn, Eiche etc. gewählt werden.

offer this fold up desk construction with

werden kann. IvyDesign bietet diesen Entwurf auch alternativ als einen großflächigen Spiegel, dem Mirror Table, an

Größe: 130cm x 85cm (height: 75cm) Preis: 1690 Euros erhältlich bei www.ivydesign.at

a mirror instead the plexiglass. Up to 5 people can take a seat comfortably on the special dining table, 2 on the longsides

– für alle, die entweder eher einen Wand-

and one on the table end - ideal for small

spiegel bevorzugen oder keine Lust ver-

flats, dining rooms in a spacious corridor

spüren selbst kreativ einen Wechselrah-

or multifunctional coffee houses.

men zu gestalten. Bis zu fünf Personen finden an dem großen Wandklapptisch

Size: 130cm x 85cm (height: 75cm) Price: 1690 Euros available at www.ivydesign.at

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Relais & Châteaux Hotel Die SONNE Frankenberg

Celebrating the art of living Whether you are planning a romantic break, a girly pampering stay or an outdoor weekend with your friends, the Hotel Die SONNE Frankenberg in northern Hessen is the perfect choice. Located on a picturesque square in Frankenberg’s enchanting old town, its historic charm, the Michelin-starred cuisine and outstanding wellness facilities will make your stay unforgettable.

TEXT: CORDELIA MAKARTSEV | PHOTOS: RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX HOTEL DIE SONNE FRANKENBERG

Below: Chef de Cuisine Florian Hartmann

Dating back to the 16th century, the small town of Frankenberg has succeeded in preserving its medieval atmosphere and tranquility. The hotel is part of a romantic collection of ancient half-timbered dwellings. Its history, elegant ambience, exquisite cuisine and the impeccable service have earned the hotel membership in the highly respected Relais & Châteaux Association, an organisation consisting of the world’s finest hoteliers and chefs, who together set the standard for excellence in hospitality and fine dining.

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Discover Germany | Dine & Wine | Hotel Die SONNE Frankenberg

tourists and therefore not crowded during the holidays. The beautiful landscape inspired the Brothers Grimm to write their famous tales. A visit to Rapunzel’s tower is not only fun for children, as adults also love to see the places which inspired their childhood fairy tales. Numerous picturesque parks and castles straight out of the Middle Ages are in easy reach from the hotel Die SONNE Frankenberg. Also nearby is the “Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe”, a park with monumental water displays dominated by a giant statue of Hercules, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

to refined regional dishes and Mediterranean cooking, so everyone will find his or her favourite dinner in our house,”explains Susan Lorenz. A real gem worth discovering is the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant Philipp Soldan. Germany’s wellknown gourmet journal Der Feinschmecker named Chef Florian Hartmann “Shooting Star of the Year 2012”. Always on the lookout for new, extravagant compositions, Florian Hartmann spoils his guests with modern European cuisine. A sommelier will help to choose the matching wine from one of Germany’s best wine lists.

Nature lovers find endless possibilities for watersports and outdoor activities in the unspoiled national park Kellerwald-Edersee. Sign posts lead hikers safely through the famous beech forest which is part of the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany, also on the World Heritage List. Mountain bikers will love to climb the rolling hills to enjoy the stunning views. Afterwards, a refreshing plunge into the crystal clear waters of the Edersee is a well-deserved reward. The lake is a paradise for sailing, surfing, waterskiing, fishing or diving.

For ambitious hobby chefs Florian Hartmann offers cooking courses on a regular basis. They can be held in English but you have to book well in advance as these courses are very popular.

Deep relaxation in the Oriental Spa

The hotel welcomes guests in 60 elegant furnished rooms and suites. Children love the intimate, fairy-tale surroundings and feel immediately at home in the family rooms with the connecting doors. “We are a very child-friendly house and make families as comfortable as possible. And northern Hessen is the perfect holiday destination for grown-ups and children alike,”states Susan Lorenz, the hotel’s managing director.

After an exciting day-out in the fresh air, nothing compares to a couple of hours spent in a luxurious wellness temple. The SONNE Spa is a 1,000 sqm world of its own, dedicated to your beauty and relaxation. Enjoy the intense heat at the traditional Finnish sauna or take a little more gentle at the sanarium and the Moroccan steam room – a dive into the cold plunge pool afterwards or a visit to the ice fountain will get your circulation going. Your immune system will be grateful. Pure pleasure from top to toe awaits you in the Hammam where you experience a traditional Ottoman bathing ritual in the Turkish steam room. Massages with high-quality oils and essences and an extensive list of beauty treatments perfectly complement the indulgent Spa experience.

For regional specialities head to the SONNE Stuben restaurant where the locals like to enjoy seasonal highlights such as game. And last but not least, the cosy bistro Philippo has Mediterranean inspired snacks on the menu.

Frankfurt/Main airport is an hour and a half away from Frankenberg. For hasslefree arrival book the SONNE Transfer Service or, even more convenient is the Fraport VIP Service which will take care of all necessary travel formalities. With an overnight stay at the SONNE, arrival by private plane at the Allendorf (Eder) EDFQ commercial airfield nearby is completely free of charge. www.sonne-frankenberg.de

An insider tip for gourmets Outdoor activities and fairy-tales Northern Hessen is still an insider tip for

“We are very proud of our diverse culinary offerings. It ranges from first-class cuisine

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Discover Germany | Dine & Wine | Anne Krebiehl

A different kind of beer Black Forest – that immediately conjures up a picture of the gateau, or of fir-smoked ham, but of beer? Yes, while this must be galling to Bavarians, it is a Black Forest beer that has cult status in Germany and is close to attaining it over here, too.

TEXT: ANNE KREBIEHL | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

Iconically named Tannenzäpfle, or little fir cone, with a stylised retro-label unchanged since 1972, this moniker immediately gives away both the Baden origin – it’s the ‘le’ as a diminutive suffix which leads straight to Germany’s southwest – and the Black Forest provenance: red and white fir are the two most common conifers that cover this

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mountain range and make it look so broodingly dark from a distance. The Romans on their way north referred to these deep forests as ‘silva nigra’ and the name has stuck ever since. Since it is ingredients that distinguish the beer, it’s no wonder that so much is made of the Black Forest: this distinct beer has been brewed by the Rothaus

brewery on the same spot since 1791.

Owned by the federal state of Baden, Rothaus owns seven springs, all located deeply in the coniferous forest nature reserves. Their water springs from granite and sandstone layers, is very soft and so pure that it needs no treatment whatsoever. In line with the German purity law of

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Discover Germany | Dine & Wine | Anne Krebiehl

Main image: The Black Forest Below: Rossfest in St. Maergen. Photo: Herbert Mark / Schwarzwald Tourismus

period and we’ve had such an overwhelming response to get it back.” According to him, it appeals to all sorts of people, hipsters and older drinkers alike, “it’s a very broad spectrum drink, it’s popular across the board,” he asserts.

drinks trade they began to import it under their newly-formed company Blackforestbeers. Starting out in a recession meant slow growth, particularly as everything had to happen without a marketing budget, but the quality spoke for itself. Ira says:“I think the quality is so profound that we survived the recession. In London it has a big following; people who drink it will know the difference and will come back to it.”

1516 – yes, the world’s first law governing comestibles – the only other ingredients apart from water are malt, hops and yeast and these are also carefully selected.

The grain is locally-farmed barley bought from farmers with often decade-long supply contracts and malted in the traditional way, the hops are exclusively aromatic cultivars farmed in Tettnang and Hallertau, the yeasts are specially isolated, natural strains. Germans love it for its dry, clean-cut and brisk taste and for its cheeky, fun packaging. It was in Germany that Sandip and Ira Patidar discovered it – he’s an engineer, she is a nurse. On returning to the UK they simply could not face life sans Tannenzäpfle and with no previous experience in the

Tannenzäpfle currently has the distinction of being the only German beer in the vast array of artisan beers being served at The Craft Beer Co, a small chain of beer-specialised pubs in London with bars in Clapham, Islington, Brixton, Clerkenwell and an outpost in Brighton. Stephen Balderson, marketing and communications officer for The Craft Beer Co who have been serving it for the past four years, says: “it is such a genuine, authentic, very true-tostyle German lager which is hard to find in the UK and this means it stands apart from the samey, mass-produced lagers. It’s perfectly clean, crisp, and clear - it lacks the imperfections that other lagers have. People love it, we stopped stocking it for a short

At the legendary London music venue The Troubadour, where Bob Dylan played his first UK gig and where acts like Adele and Jessie J staged shows en route to their stellar careers, director Susie Thornhill remembers the conversation she had with Sandip from Blackforestbeers: “He approached us about three years ago,”Thornhill recalls: “He said: ‘You need this beer.’ I said,‘no, I don’t’ and he said,‘well, try it!’ So we tried the whole range and put it on as the beer of the month of June. During June we sold more of that than of any of the other beers. Needless to say, they are still serving it, currently the Rothaus Pils, the wheat beer and the Radler, a ready-mixed bottle of beer and lemonade. The moment the sun comes out, Thornhill cannot sell enough, especially as she serves the beer in little half-pint Rothaus tankards which are kept in the freezer to ensure an extra-cold experience.“Everybody wants one of them,” smiles Thornhill.

If you thought German beer only worked in pub and bar settings, you are mistaken, it is listed at Covent Garden’s swish Balthazar restaurant and also in the City, at 1 Lombard Street Restaurant. Bar manager Bartosz Kopacz, had been searching for a premium beer to put on draft. He already knew Tannenzäpfle and put on the Pils and the wheat beer.“It’s very popular,” he says, but takes the idea of beer further than most: “I recommend the wheat beer with a pork chop that has a little fat, that goes beautifully, but say if you have a starter where you would recommend a Champagne, like smoked salmon, Pils really works!” Well, why stop at wine pairing when you have fine beer to match. Look out for the smiling Schwarzwaldmädel, the Black Forest girl, and her fir cones, she might be smiling somewhere near you.

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Discover Germany | Hotel of the Month | Germany

Hotel

of the Month Germany

Treschers Schwarzwald Romantikhotel Marvellous views, luxurious wellness and cake to die for Unwind in idyllic surroundings while enjoying excellent cuisine on a sundrenched terrace with the panoramic view over lake Titisee and revive your spirit in the spa paradise. The 4-Star superior Treschers Schwarzwald Romantikhotel offers a warm welcome and first-class service after an exciting day out in one of Germany’s most beautiful holiday regions, the Black Forest.

TEXT: CORDELIA MAKARTSEV | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES Below: Host families Trescher and Moninger.

Blessed with Germany’s warmest and sunniest summers, as well as Germany’s cold, snowy winters, the Black Forest is a yearround holiday destination. Steeped in ancient legends and with a unique cultural heritage, it boasts a spectacular expanse of wooded mountains in Germany's southwest corner of Baden Württemberg, a perfect playground for nature lovers, families, walkers and mountain bikers.

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Genuine hospitality, a family tradition 125 years ago Treschers Schwarzwald Romantikhotel opened its doors on a prime location directly on the shore of Lake Titisee. Today, it is led by the fourth generation of the same family. Numerous awards from leading travel journals and excellent ratings on travel websites testify their passion for hospitality and their outstanding service philosophy.

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Discover Germany | Hotel of the Month | Germany

every day.” So forget about your waistline, relax on the terrace in comfy cushions under Mediterranean sunshades and dig into a yummy piece of the famous Black Forest Gateau. Heaven!

A spa paradise with a real feel good factor It never gets crowded on the hotel’s private beach at the lake. Wild swimming in the crystal clear water of the lake is a treat you should not miss. And in case you prefer warmer temperatures, the hotel provides a real highlight: “To swim outside in our heated pool with the stunning lake and mountain panorama is an extraordinary experience, especially in the winter when the lake is frozen.” Marion Moninger’s enthusiasm is palpable as she talks about the new Wellness area at the Treschers Romantikhotel. “It took us four years to completely renovate and extend our wellness area.” Now, the modern spa at Treschers Romantikhotels welcomes guests with a generously-sized sauna complex featuring a biosauna , Finnish sauna, steam bath and calm zone. Take a plunge in the indoor pool or let the bubbles massage your skin in the spa grotto - in any case you will forget the routine of everyday life and relax until your heart’s content.

Summer or winter, you never get bored in the Black Forest The owners have created a warm and elegant ambience for their guests. Many of the light and airy rooms of the hotel offer breathtaking views of the lake and mountain scenery. The stylish interior and warm colours throughout the hotel guarantee a homely feel. Several restaurants satisfy every culinary demand. Whether you prefer the cosy and rustic ‘Stuben’ or an elegant restaurant with seaside panorama, you can be sure you will be served mouth-watering regional delicacies from fresh local ingredients accompanied by an exquisite wine from the extensive cellar.

Summer or winter, the Black Forest is a first-class destination for outdoor lovers.

On the hotel’s doorstep is over 23,000 kilometres of signposted walking trails waiting to be discovered. For those who enjoy a wild ride through stunning scenery, Treschers Schwarzwald Romantikhotel offers mountain bikes for hire, free of charge. Less

ambitious guests will be happy to conquer the Black Forest mountains on the e-bikes available.

In five minutes walking distance from the hotel, golfers can practice their skills at an ambitious nine-hole course. Parents will appreciate the many nearby attractions for children, like the Action Forest or the tropical swimming oasis with the family fun pool at the Titisee resort. And for those who need a little urban distraction from time to time, Freiburg im Breisgau, one of Southern Germany’s most beautiful towns, with its picture-postcard historic centre and the famous sandstone cathedral is only a 30 minute drive away.

In winter, the Black Forest develops an enchanting atmosphere of its own. Snowy mountains, fairy-tale Christmas markets in medieval villages, skiing, ice skating – everything you could wish for on a perfect winter holiday. The ski bus stops in front of the hotel and in 20 minutes you can hit the slopes in one of Germany’s oldest ski resorts, the Feldberg.

If you stay two nights at Treschers Schwarzwald Romantikhotel, the hotel provides you with the Hochschwarzwald Card which saves you a lot of money at most of the attractions, a special treat for families. Free entrance to the golf course and free use of the ski lifts is also included. www.schwarzwaldhotel-trescher.de

Below: Large indoor sauna, pool and wellness area.

Marion Moninger, the hotel’s marketing manager, knows how to spoil her guests: “We have our own patisserie in the hotel and bake fresh bread and delicious cakes

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Hotel

of the Month Austria

Rustic luxury in magnificent surroundings Sporthotel Wagrain is the epitome of rustic luxury, with its alpine charm, unbeatable location at the foot of the Grafenberg mountain and desire to charm its guests through sport, sustenance and top class spa facilities, offering you that much needed “upgrade” all year round.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: SPORTHOTEL WAGRAIN Below: Sporthotel Wagrain

“Refuelled with energy, filled with that lust for life and with an action-packed holiday, trips can be over far too quickly,” explains Alexandra Sanin as she looks out at the magnificent landscape surrounding her office at Sporthotel Wagrain. “So on top of making sure our facilities are top end, we know that our guests are only going to be happy if our staff are friendly and motivating,

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not to mention at the top of their game professionally.” Under the management of the Berger family since 1996, the hotel blends a familial atmosphere with modern infrastructure and amenities. Whether it is a family holiday dedicated to sport or a corporate event on your agenda, the staff’s expertise will certainly come to the fore as they present their varied programme of activities.

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Discover Germany | Hotel of the Month | Austria Main image: Such stunning scenery boosts your productiveness, making it the ideal location for seminars Below: The valley where the hotel lies is perfect for outdoor lovers. Indoor and outdoor pool, top class spa facilities, pure relaxation. After a long day in the outdoors, you can kick back in the luxury of your hotel room.

the Grafenberg cable car which takes you 1,000m closer to the sky to a height of 1,713m. Awaiting you at the top of the Grafenberg is a veritable heaven for lovers of adventure. With more than 30 interactive stations criss-crossed over the mountain, both young and old alike can take pleasure in the adventure playground. The hotel itself is on hand to provide hiking routes and recommendations, as well as organised trips up and down the mountain.

Seminars and sport For corporate getaways and off-site seminars, Sanin is adamant that spring and autumn are the best times for visits, and the hotel’s qualified event manager is on hand to tailor the event to your wishes.“There are so many options for our business guests, we organise a fantastic Rauchkuchl evening, in true Alpine lodge style with open fire, games and wine tastings. On top of that we’ve got really varied programmes including team training sessions, events and incentives, golf, adventure sports, theatre performances and even management and team building courses.” The hotel boasts eight seminar rooms and the brand new boardroom, car lift, and a conference centre to seat up to 300 people so whether you are debating biosciences, economics or current events, the hotels lends itself to productive discussions.

The Berger family leapt at the chance to get their hands on the hotel, immediately seeing its potential as a haven for sportslovers, conference-goers and families. Having both grown up in rural surroundings, Felix and Martina Berger both dreamt of owning their own hotel, and over the years they have worked devotedly to upgrade and enhance the hotel. Together with their two sons, they celebrated 2013’s latest additions: a vinotheque for wine lovers and a state-of-the-art boardroom.

The hotel makes a perfect base for an active holiday or corporate getaway as the mountainside is laced with hiking trails, skiing routes and cable cars. Directly opposite the hotel is your gateway to the mountainside:

for the day. Golf lovers can take advantage of their position as a guest of the Sporthotel Wagrain – resulting in free use of the Akademieplatz training golf course and a heavily reduced (30 per cent) use of the esteemed par 34 championship course.

After returning from a long day out on the slopes, an exhausting day of hiking across the peaks, or a refreshing round of golf, Wagrain’s facilities will provide that welcome respite. After all, the hotel is located in the heart of après-ski country, adding a new dimension to your holiday. The hotel’s restaurant and bar cater to all tastes, offering some hearty Austrian grub for dinner as well as popular international dishes, such as pasta – the ideal fuel for another day in the outdoors.

Its pristine white linen and alpine charm combine to add the fashion to the function of this great hotel. Located just 75km from Salzburg, it is ideally positioned for companies who are looking to stage conferences. The hotel manages to retain its rustic charm while still having the facilities for hosting large meetings. www.sporthotel.at

Below: Eight differently sized seminar rooms ensure that all business needs can be dealt with in comfort.

Naturally the hotel is also a prime location for a relaxing, restorative holiday. Equipped with both an indoor and outdoor pool, extensive gym facilities, tennis courts, two relaxation areas and its own beauty parlour – the list is endless – the hotel’s staff are experts in pampering and advising on treatments and training.

Early risers If the idea of a sporthotel leaves you feeling a little lost, there is no need to fear as the qualified sports coaches on-site will help you prepare an individual training plan for your stay. Ready waiting for you with your Bircher muesli and fresh fruit – or croissant of course, the breakfast is a pretty special affair – will be your suggested training plan

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Special Theme

Fine Arts & Festivals

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Fine Art & Festivals

Left, top: Concert in Halle in 2012. Photo: Thomas Ziegler Left, bottom: Symphony concert in the Kaisersaal (Emperor's room). Photo: Oliver Lang Right, top: art KARLSRUHE. Photo: Jürgen Rösner Right, bottom: David Garrett. Photo: Uli Weber

Summer time is festival time Imagine yourself sauntering around a baroque castle courtyard. It’s an idyllic, warm summer’s evening and you are listening to fine music while sipping a glass of bubbly with your better half. Tempted? Well, then visiting a music or art festival this summer may be just the thing for you.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI

It’s time to enjoy the finer things in life once again. As the grey sky fades, festival season is approaching. Germany is a hotspot for festivals and all over the country outstanding musical performances are on the agenda, ready to seduce cultureloving locals and visitors alike. The broad range of art and music festivals scheduled over the warmer months ensures that there is something for everyone. Nothing beats an enchanting evening with great music and friends under the stars. The variety is endless, with everything from exquisite small-scale classical music festivals to the giant and somewhat less delicate events such as Nuremberg’s iconic Rock am Ring or even the pretty intense heavy metal festival in the northern town of Wacken.

Visiting a festival is a great opportunity to get closer to the stars on stage and/or celebrate Germany’s great composers from the past. In Halle (Saale), Händel will be the centre of attention in June, while Würzburg pays homage to Mozart from

May to June and in Bad Kissingen superstars like violinist David Garrett or China’s master drummer Li Biao will hit the stage in July. Live performances are always a very special treat and certainly more enjoyable than just listening to an mp3 on a smartphone during your commute. Taking the time to enjoy a live performance with all your senses creates great memories and is also a wonderful way of spending quality time with friends and loved ones. While music pleases the ears, fine art like the pieces exhibited at art KARLSRUHE can be pure eye-candy and those with a passion for the arts are more than welcome to take a peek while collectors peruse with a close eye on certain pieces.

On the following pages we present a few of our top tips for some cultural summer outings, which are well worth a space in your calendar.

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Fine Art & Festivals

Halle an der Saale

Main image: Händel-Haus, musical instruments exhibition.

A journey into Germany’s heart

Right, from top to bottom: Händel House exhibition Halle (Saale) market square with Händel memorial.

Market Church of Our Lady in Halle (Saale).

More than 1,200 years have passed since Halle was first mentioned in 806 AD. Whoever discovers Halle will be fascinated by this city: the special cultural and art history as embodied in the Giebichenstein Castle and the Moritzburg – the oldest and youngest castles along the banks of the Saale, the famous Francke Foundations and the market church. Here, you will find traces of Handel and the Halloren, the early renaissance and the enlightenment, as well as a musician’s paradise.

ances and concerts in the city of Handel’s birth. Every year in June, the world is Halle’s (Saale) guest. At this year’s Handel Festival from 5 to 15 June 2014, there will be great gala concerts with internationally renowned singers and opera performances. Contentwise, the 2014 festival will focus on the 300th anniversary of the coronation of George I. as British King. International artists such as Alan Curtis, Ottavio Dantone, Julia Lezhneva, Giovanni Antonini, Andrea Marcon and Jordi Savall plus ensembles from all over the world invite you to come to Halle (Saale).

TEXT: PATRICIA REESE | TRANSLATION: SONJA IRANI | PHOTOS: THOMAS ZIEGLER

In the heart of old town, a mere 300 metres from the market square, you find the birthplace of the city’s most famous son, the composer Georg Friedrich Händel. Here, he spent his childhood and early youth. The oldest parts of the house date back to the 12th century. Since 1948, it has housed the museum Händel-Haus Halle. Today, the exhibition “Handel – The European” is shown on over 555 square meters split over two floors. Clever displays like a blend of Handel portraits and a walkable miniature Baroque theatre allow the visitor to experience Handel “live”. The adjacent Historical Musical

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Instruments exhibition takes you on an extraordinary foray through the history of musical instruments from the Baroque period to the present.

Just a few steps away from the Händel-Haus stands the Wilhelm-Friedemann-Bach-Haus with the exhibition “Music City Halle”. It illustrates the lives and works of famous composers from Halle spanning five centuries.

Since 1922, the Handel Festival has been fascinating music lovers from all over the world with opera productions, oratorio perform-

www.haendelhaus.de Below: Concert in Halle in 2012

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Fine Art & Festivals

Mozart – trazoM Music mirrored through centuries Trazom is not only Mozart’s name backwards, but also the title of this year’s Mozart Festival in Würzburg. Interestingly, even Wolfgang Amadé himself wrote his name backwards in some of his letters. The festival’s title “Mozart – trazoM: Musik im Spiegel” – music in a mirror – is a journey approaching Mozart’s influence on music and its genres throughout history.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

Despite being more than 200 years old, Mozart’s music is as alive as ever. The Mozartfest Würzburg brings his name and music to life again. Although Mozart ranks as one of the most played composers of all time, it is still a special treat to hear his music at the Würzburg festival for all those who enjoy his compositions.

Situated on the Main River and surrounded by vineyards, this former diocesan town and seat of the prince-bishop offers a beautiful historic setting – and this is despite the fact that Mozart only visited Würzburg once. In September 1790 he wrote in a let-

ter to his wife that he had strengthened himself with a cup of coffee in Würzburg, “a beautiful, magnificent city”. The Imperial Hall was one of the features that Mozart was particularly taken with, and this was the venue for the first Mozart concert in 1921: the birth of today’s festival. Since this inaugural concert, the month of June has been dedicated to the spirit of Mozart.

Every year around 25,000 people enjoy symphony concerts in the Imperial Hall, serenades in the Court Gardens, and music-inspired readings in one of the city’s wine cellars. From 23 May to 29 June 2014

Main image: Evening serenade in the Residence's Hofgarten (courtyard). Photo: Oliver Lang Right, top: Symphony concert in the Kaisersaal (Emperor's room). Photo: Oliver Lang Right, below: Artiste etoile Jörg Widmann.

Photo: Marco Borggreve

internationally known musicians will perform in Würzburg – including soloists, chamber music and renowned orchestras.

The start of the annual Mozartfest is celebrated with a “Day of Mozart”, presenting the public with free concerts in the city centre. This year’s composer, clarinetist and conductor Jörg Widmann will have a big influence on the festival as artiste étoile, playing varying concerts with multifaceted music. He will also head the MozartLabor, a laboratory in which one can experiment with Mozart’s compositions using music as well as digital media or speech.

According to this year’s festival title the concerts present a journey through time and genre, mirroring Mozart’s influence on both classical and modern music. More information about the programme and artists appearing on stage can be found on the website. www.mozartfest.de

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Images: art KARLSRUHE. More than 220 gallery owners showcase at the annual art KARLSRUHE, drawing in 50,000 visitors.

The simple joy of art Even for those who tend to visit solo artist exhibitions, any visit to an art fair is an enriching experience, lending itself to fruitful browsing, according to curator and founder of art KARLSRUHE, Ewald Schrade.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: ART KARLSRUHE / JÜRGEN RÖSNER

With as much variation in budget (with some pieces going for up to two million euros) as in taste (with all mediums represented), a visit to art KARLSRUHE, with over 200 galleries exhibiting, including 160 solo artists, will certainly be rewarding. Regardless of whether you are passionately buying a piece to grace your home, or whether you prefer to buy rationally for financial investment, the artwork will be equally appreciated by vendors, buyers and browsers. Schrade’s number one hint for those making that first exciting step into a collection is to head to the limited edition art and photography in hall one, where the prices are “rather friendly.”

At art KARLSRUHE, the galleries are well prepared. By choosing the artists they want

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to represent, this ensures that all the pieces brought to display at the fair are well-chosen – so in terms of quality and value you cannot go wrong. Since founding the fair 11 years ago, Schrade remains as dedicated as ever to the presentation of remarkable pieces of art.“It’s an important event internationally, but we present art based on quality, rather than nationality. This year I’m most excited about Henri Nannen’s private collection displayed on over 400 square metres and the LightScapes installation by rosalie in cooperation with ZKM.” While painting enjoys a revival in creative cities such as Berlin and Madrid much to Schrade’s delight, he is suitably pleased that it has always been a focus at art KARLSRUHE.“Ever since we began we’ve focused

on painting and sculpture – the wonderful dialogue between 3D art and modern painting – and now that painting is suddenly drawing more attention, it’s great for us.”

Whether you are beginning a collection, already have tens to your name, or just fancy a day of flaneuring around the exhibition centre, art KARLRUHE, under Schrade’s direction, shares “the simple joy of art” with you. www.art-karlsruhe.de

art KARLSRUHE 13 – 16 March 2014 A free “art shuttle” takes you directly between Messe Karlsruhe, ZKM and Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe.

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Fine Art & Festivals

Stars on Bad Kissingen’s summer stage For the 29th time Bad Kissingen in Lower Franconia invites you to a season of high class concerts in the city’s Regentenbau, the town’s neo-baroque landmark. Since 1986 the international music festival Kissinger Sommer – Kissinger summer – attracts well-known artists from all over the world to perform on the Bad Kissingen stage.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN

The concert season begins on June 13 as the chords of the opening concert are played by the orchestra of the national opera Warsaw.

This summer’s partner countries are namely Poland and France. Artist-in-residence and pianist Igor Levit will then be the centre of attention as he plays Beethoven’s Piano Concert No. 3. Igor Levit and the Kissinger festival have worked as influences for each other for more than ten years as Levit has paved his way to the top of the field. In 2004 he won the piano Olympics and gained the Luitpold prize in 2009.

The opening concert will not be Levit’s only appearance on stage: On June 15 he will play a matinee with the Chinese violinist Ning Feng and on June 28 the last three of Beethoven’s sonatas (op. 109, 110. 111) will ring out. Ning Feng will be the second artist-in-residence. This Chinese violinist currently lives in Berlin and will play Paganini’s Concert for Violin No. 1 on July 6.

The festival’s recipe for success is clearly a winner: combining well-known soloists with young talent from Europe, America

and Asia. Star violinist Leonidas Kavakos will make an appearance on stage as well as the Chinese master drummer Li Biao, while the Czech Philharmonic and the Philharmonic Choir Prague will play Haydn’s Creation. On June 27 the world famous conductor Christoph Eschenbach will be on stage with the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. A highlight even for those not typically interested in classical music is the concert with the violin rebel David Garrett on June 29. These and other artists such as pianists Hélène Grimaud, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann, conductor Ivan Fischer and clarinetist Sabine Meyer give Kissinger Sommer the title “festival of big names”.

For those who want to attend more than one concert, the Kissinger Sommer offers two different season cards: one for opera and vocals and one for the piano concerts.

Booking a four concert season card results in a saving of ten percent, and if you book the complete season card with eight concerts you will save 20 per cent. www.kissingersommer.de Top, left: Christoph Eschenbach.

Photo: Eric Brissaud 2013 Top, right: David Garrett.

Photo: Uli Weber Bottom, left: Helene Grimaud.

Photo: Robert Schultze, Mat Hennek Bottom, right: Frank Peter Zimmermann.

Photo: Klaus Rudolph 2013

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Discover Germany | Attraction of the Month | Switzerland

Attraction of the Month Switzerland

Arosa and Lenzerheide The perfect place for a fun-packed winter holiday With 225 kilometres of pistes spread over two valleys with three sun-facing sides, the newly combined regions of Arosa and Lenzerheide are a spectacular winter sport destination.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: BERND KAMMERER / AROSA & LENZERHEIDE TOURISM

Switzerland has a new snow resort dream team and winter sport enthusiasts are already flocking to check out the exciting newly combined ski-regions in Switzerland’s top winter sport destination of Graubünden (Grison). The Hörnli of Arosa is now connected to Lenzerheide’s Urdenflüggli via cable cars combining 10 black, 28 red, 11 blue and 4 yellow pistes for enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders in the Swiss Alps.

Arosa – pure alpine diversity No matter where you go in this region, you are greeted with a smile. Located 1,800 metres above sea level, winter fun is a big thing at this end of the Schanfigg valley. The Arosa

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region caught the attention of summer tourists around 1900, but it was not until the 1950s when the skiing hype kicked off suddenly. Arosa has since grown into a wonderful ski region, offering legendary Swiss hospitality and breath-taking mountain beauty.

Skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails, nordic walking and hiking, sledging as well as a vast range of ice sports activities including curling, ice stock sport, skating and of course ice hockey are available in Arosa. There is something for everyone and a packed event calendar guarantees plenty of entertainment too. Arosa has just hosted Europe’s

biggest annual gay and lesbian winter event, the Gay Skiweek. In January the Ger-

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man squad won the Arosa IceSnowFootball trophy here and on 6-7 March the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup 2014 will take place here. Before travelling check out what is on offer; a torch-lit descent, a Full Moon Party or an Arosa Snow Show with Fireworks may be just what you’re looking for.

When travelling with children, the Arosa JUNIOR Club is a top tip for stressed-out parents. While mum and dad take advantage of the relaxing wellness facilities, the little rascals are well entertained.

Lenzerheide – a hidden gem in the Alps The Lenzerheide mountain resort is often described as a hidden gem. Located at the foot of the Parpaner Rothorn mountain, it would previously have taken a one-day hike to reach Arosa, but the new cable car makes it a quick ride. The picturesque village of Lenzerheide borders the Heidsee Lake and offers a welcoming and cosy holiday atmosphere. While in the summer the region is a biking paradise, equally appreciated by bikers, hikers and golfers alike, the winter months are entirely dedicated to snow fun. Winter sport enthusiasts are looking forward to the Audi FIS Ski World

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Cup Final Lenzerheide (12 to 16 March 2014), where the world’s skiing elite will fight for the coveted trophy. Lenzerheide is a magnificent ski resort, whether you prefer freestyle, freeride, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledging or hiking. The options for fun on the slopes are endless. Insiders recommend a trip to the adventure park Pradaschier just above Churwalden with its huge toboggan run and the authentic Pradaschier mountain restaurant.

Ever wanted to build an igloo or sit around a Swedish fire in the snow at night? Well, your children can! The Globi Kid’s Programme is perfect for little treasures and offers lots of winter fun beyond skiing. Just like in Arosa, children are most welcome here with plenty of Kinderländer (Kid’s countries) such as the Winterland Auarara on site.

Wellness facilities such as the Alps’s largest Hamam, a huge variety of saunas and an abundance of beauty treatments and massages are available in the friendly hotels. Off the pistes, a cultural event calendar is filled with high-calibre performances ranging from theatre to concerts and comedy.

Enjoy legendary Swiss hospitality When visiting the newly connected mountain resorts of Arosa and Lenzerheide one will certainly experience a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Hoteliers of the region work devotedly to fulfil your your desires and local restaurants offer the very best fresh, traditional food such as the famous Swiss fondue. Asked about the ingredients for perfect holiday, Yvonne Wüthrich from the Arosa tourism board recommends: “A day on the piste, a day hiking in the area, a relaxing spa afternoon in one of the great wellness hotels, a cosy sleigh ride through the wintery landscape, and of course a fondue for dinner in one of the wonderful restaurants down in the villages!”

Oh, and if you are wondering about Gigi and Heidi, two names often mentioned by the locals, the answer is easy: both are fictional characters deeply rooted in the local tradition and now symbolising the new alliance: Gigi from Arosa and Lenzer Heidi. www.arosalenzerheide.ch

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Special Theme

Active Learning Switzerland

Time for new skills With the cold weather of winter giving way to the warmth of spring and nature stirring back to life, it is the perfect time to think about something new. Like the annual spring clean in your home at this time, why not spruce up your mind by acquiring a new skill or brushing up on some rusty ones?

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE

This issue we take a look at what Switzerland has to offer in terms of further development. Both academic, social and life skills will benefit from any extra-curricular activities you choose to partake in.

school activities - take it from us, they will thank you when they are standing in a boardroom, poised in front of the projector screen ready to deliver a presentation on which the company’s future hangs.

For many, participating in the annual school musical theatre production and attending drama classes on a weekly basis is the norm.

The confidence that such classes give a young person is unsurpassable. Not only will they learn how to convincingly deliver a speech, build the confidence to take command of the stage, but also how to step out of their comfort zone. While your offspring may whine a little at the enforced after-

Being constantly reminded to strengthen our CVs, aware that a strong curriculum vitae is crucial in order to distinguish ourselves from the masses, can be a little exhausting, like a Justin Bieber song on repeat.

Yet there is more than just a shred of truth in the benefits of having an admirable CV and simple, conventional training just won’t cut it these days. Potential CV-boosters include foreign language skills (not just useful for

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Right, top: Gstaad Campus in the Swiss Alps has special camps for younger, first-time campers.

Right, below & left, top: The fun school. Photo: Frilingue Left, below: Swiss language school Aida. Photo: Aida

holidays), sports and other hobbies (no, this does not include socialising) or perhaps business training courses. Any office would be thrilled to see that a potential future employee has bonus skills in IT, public speaking or leadership. Naturally, certain jobs do require specific skills, but the field of transferable skills is substantial and proving that you possess any number of these will certainly work in your favour.

In the canton of St Gallen it is commendable to observe the efforts of Aida, the school for non-German speaking women and their children. Perhaps not the only essential ingredient for successful integration into a new society, but certainly of high importance is the ability to converse. Navigating the bureaucracy, finding a job and helping your child with their homework will be much easier if your language level towers above satisfactory.

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Active Learning Switzerland

Great summer camps with the Rosey spirit

Main image: Le Rosey Summer Camps return this summer for six different camps.

Right, top: Gstaad Campus in the Swiss Alps has special camps for younger, first-time campers.

Right, below: Lake Geneva Campus provides top quality facilities for use during the camps.

Cultivating a love for languages, outdoor sports and art activities in an international atmosphere have long been the crux of Le Rosey Summer Camps, and 2014 sees the six summer camps return to two exciting locations in the Swiss Alps and on the shores of Lake Geneva.

mosphere and the discovery of the mountains, these camps are great for young firsttimers.” While Lake Geneva Camps will delight older campers from 9 to 16.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: © LE ROSEY

Limited places are available on the two-week Excellence Camp - an experience unlikely to be forgotten: one week trekking in mountainous terrain followed by a week islandhopping around Corsica and the Med, practising offshore navigation on board one of the world’s largest yachts, the Ipharra. A further option is the demanding four-week SAT Prep Camp, especially for those eager to prepare academically for the most prestigious American universities’ entrance exams.

Switzerland as a safe haven, with its stunning scenery and language mix, render it the ideal location for language learning, and naturally summer should contain a taste of fun. Phillipe Neyroud of Le Rosey is quick to clarify that the emphasis is on the famed educational “Rosey Spirit”, wisely staging the French or English lessons in the morning, and the afternoons dedicated to activities.

“We have such a wonderful setting, and our management team have developed a great programme – combining education, sports, arts activities and fun.”

Excitement comes in the form of the 30 different sports – from tennis to via ferrata - and 20 different creative outlets, including photography, painting and music. The school’s newest building, the Paul and

Henri Carnal Hall, opens in June and with its 900-person capacity concert hall will be “focus point for students to gather.”

Instilling values such as self-commitment, the ability to forge positive relationships with new people, and an encouraging attitude to studying, come high on the list of the camps’ objectives.“This is the time and place for international networking in true Rosean spirit, with participants from the five continents.”

Under the watchful, professional eye of the camps’ qualified staff, the children will certainly get a taste of independence. The Gstaad Mountain Camps for ages 8 to 13 are ideally suited to that first tentative stay away from home.“With the family-style at-

With six camps spread over the summer, more active, more academic and more adventurous camps are unlikely to be found. www.roseysummercamps.ch Applications are now open on a firstcome-first-served basis.

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Active Learning Switzerland

The fun school Most teenagers wouldn’t choose to spend their summer holiday in another dull classroom. Yet summer camps somehow enjoy huge popularity. Luckily, fRilingue manages to combine language learning and exciting summer camps into one great experience.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI | PHOTOS: FRILINGUE

Could your child do with brushing up their French, German or English skills? If so, you may want to consider a Swiss summer camp in Estavayer, Schwarzsee or Fribourg organised by fRilingue. From 9 am to 12.30 pm (plus 4 or 6 extra lessons if they opt for the intensive course), students are taught grammar, vocabulary and practical conversation in French, German or English.“What makes fRilingue so special is that our students are taught in groups of only six,”says Philipp Alexander Weber, founder and director of fRilingue, about his innovative concept. “This environment is particularly conducive for students to improve their spoken language skills.”

At fRilingue, learning is playful yet productive.“All our teachers are young; sometimes they are still studying or they have just finished university,” continues Weber.“In any case, we have trained them – not in terms of performance, but in humour! This is why they will fascinate you, surprise you, make you laugh… because a language is best learned with joy! We ensure that we employ

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cheerful and kind-hearted guides, who bring a positive vibe to the camp.”

When the school part of the day is done, there are tons of activities to keep the kids entertained, make new friends and uncover hidden talents. “We offer workshops centred around themes like theatre, media, sport, photography or spraying,” adds Weber. “We also undertake trips to historic towns or sites, beaches, lakes etc. In the evening, we organise discos, karaoke, campfires or sport tournaments.” fRilingue also offers language holidays in England and France, as well as special Swiss summer camps for slightly younger children. At the Indian Camp (7-14 years) and the Adventure Camp (10-15 years), the kids will encounter people from all over the world – an experience that in many cases awakens an interest in foreign languages. While fun for now, this could prove useful in the future. www.frilingue.ch/en

Main image: A big team adventure Left, from top to bottom: Getting to grips with nature.

Celebrating diversity.

Absorbing local ambience.

Learning new skills.

Multiple group activities.

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Active Learning Switzerland

“Educate a woman - and you educate a nation!”

Swiss language school Aida is a unique institute offering over 30 courses specifically for non-German speaking women and their children.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: AIDA

Learning a new language is never easy, but when you live in a foreign country, mastering the language is key to making a home away from home. But putting aside the time to learn a language often represents an even bigger challenge when it has to fit around the specific circumstances of migrant mothers and their children, women with underpaid jobs, or students.

It all started in the 1980s when a group of Swiss women from the social and educational sector became aware of the issue of female illiteracy. They formed a citizens’ initiative, offering the first courses for migrant women from countries without a formal education. “Statistics show that a higher percentage of less literate people are female, which is why our project back then

focused on women,” says Irma Iselin, director of the St. Gallen-based Aida language school for women, which provides tailor-made German language courses to the foreign female community. Today Aida is well established and highly regarded amongst its students. It has become a social meeting point as well as a life changing institution. The initial concept is as successful now as it was decades ago. Aida is eduQuacertified and a credited telc exam centre.

Currently there are over 300 students from more than 60 different countries attending classes.

The course fees depend on personal income and are heavily subsidised to ensure that every woman has the opportunity to learn German, regardless of age, education

level, wealth, nationality or residence status.

The school is financed by local communities, the canton, the federation and donations. Childcare is provided to support mothers who would otherwise be unable to attend. In doing so, it offers an introduction to the German language for migrant children. “Our teaching methods are democratic and we take our students’ needs and requests into account without losing sight of our teaching goal,” explains Iselin. But the courses are not only focused on language, they also explore Swiss culture and daily life, as well as encouraging participation in other social activities.

In the future the school is looking to expand further, says Iselin:“In addition to the classes for female migrants, we hope to develop short-term summer and autumn courses for female visitors who would like to learn German and get to know Switzerland.” www.aidasg.ch

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Discover Germany | Business Profile | Renato Maurizio

Architecture office Renato Maurizio A special blend of nature and architecture Set deep in the mountainous region of the Bergell, an alpine valley in Switzerland on the Italian border, Renato Maurizio's buildings are affected by the surrounding landscape. The use of natural local materials is a prequisite for him to create architecture free from temporary fashions.

TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: RENATO MAURIZIO

Alongside the geographical reference, the relationship between a building‘s interior and exterior is the most important factor in Maurizio's architecture. This allows him to build functional buildings with a high util-

isation value while simultaneously creating culturally meaningful buildings. His unique blend of matching natural sources such as stone and wood with a contemporary and functional use of space have made his

Main image, top: Private homes, Maloja. Above, left: Residential project, Sent. Above, right: Residential project, Capolago

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buildings instantly recognisable. Today, many are famous far beyond the valley, with various publications including a dedicated illustrated book covering his work.

Born and raised in the Bergell valley, Maurizio left to work as an architectural draughtsman in Zurich and, after a few years of studying, became a certified architect in 1974. After travelling and discovering his love for drawing, which to this day still influences his architecture, he returned to the valley to work at an architect‘s office.

In 1981, he set up his own office, and while his contemporary buildings initially challenged the traditional idea of architecture in the mountains, his trademark style was eventually recognised as a qualitative building style, and as one that is set to influence generations to come.

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Discover Germany | Business Profile | Renato Maurizio

Today, Maurizio's architecture office in the village of Maloja near St. Moritz is made up of 14 employees. They are involved in the building projects from start to finish, from project development to project completion, to guarantee a high quality standard is kept to at all times. Although the office takes on public projects such as schools and commercial buildings from time to time, they primarily focus on private projects which fall into three categories: residential buildings using regional materials, renovations and conversions.

Creating new builds using local sources New residential buildings are Maurizio's trademark, and they all have one thing in common: the use of natural, regional materials that are in harmony with the landscape that surrounds them. His own family home, for example, is clad in stone sourced from the Julier Pass, a material that is not only long-lasting and adapted to the local climate and weather, but one that directly reflects the colours and tactile structure of the nature surrounding it. When planning a new build, Maurizio's aim is to create a modern house based on indigenous raw materials such as stone and wood and imitating the shape of a simple, clearcut cube, consistent with the prototype of traditional houses found in the Bergell and Engadin. The precise, self-contained structures harmoniously blend into the landscape of the valleys.

Reviving traditions and adding contemporary structures Renovations, on the other hand, are individually assessed by Maurizio to determine which parts of a structure should be preserved and which parts need to be injected with contemporary style or structures. One example is the renovation of the Boutique Hotel GuardaVal in Scuol, which re-opened in 2009 after eight months of renovation.

The hotel consists of two buildings, one of which dates back to the 17th century, the other to the 19th. The purpose was to return the hotel to its original condition while using old structures in new ways as design elements. While one of the houses was stripped back to create a structural unity be-

tween the rooms, the other building's old structures and building components were used to retain the character of the hotel.

“Each room is different when it comes to quality and energy,“ says Maurizio. “Moving around the Hotel GuardaVal is like going on an excursion“.

Converting old structures for new purposes For conversions, Maurizio takes a very similar approach: retaining traditional building styles while adding new, modern elements.

This can be seen very clearly in the way that two adjoining stables, situated on Castasegna's main street, were converted into a gallery for contemporary art. When the project began, the stables had not been used for six years, and were to be transformed into a space in which alternating exhibitions could take place. The upper floor, originally the threshing floor, almost five metres high, became the exhibition space, with clean, white walls and ceiling. The disused structure was thus transformed into a functional, contemporary space where regional cultural exchange is sure to thrive.

Above: Boutique Hotel GuardaVal in Scuol Below: Galerie Castasegna

www.studiomaurizio.ch

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Discover Germany | Business Profile | Arttesa

Everything starts with a solid foundation Swiss company arttesa develops and realises sustainable, trendy and contemporary interior design concepts, which are as creative as they are unique.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: ARTTESA

With headquarters in Bern and Geneva, arttesa has executed countless interior design projects since 1985 with heart-felt enthusiasm and a great deal of creativity. The arttesa team includes Kathrin Schmied, Andrea Lustenberger, Emmanuelle Fleury, Norma Bertsch and Christoph Erb. Instead of an ordinary office, they meet potential clients in their lovely, almost magical workshop, filled with everything and anything the client’s heart may wish for.

What could be called a sophisticated playground containing building components, materials and much more, creates an inspiring yet hands-on atmosphere that captures clients and designers alike.

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This practical and straightforward method ensures that the client finds a strong consensus with the designers, based on actually handling a choice of different materials right there. Decisions are made after getting a deeper insight into the designer’s ideas, and therefore providing a substantial foundation for creating the final concepts.

Below: Conversion into a holiday home in Albinen (architecture, concept, planning, realisation).

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Discover Germany | Business Profile | Arttesa Main image: Kitchen Maison de maître (concept, planning and realisation).

Having that kind of workshop facility means the creative process can immediately move away from theory towards practice. And because this approach has proven itself to be successful arttesa also maintains a showroom in the form of an elegantly designed flat in one of the most attractive areas of Bern.“Our creative workshop and the showroom flat help us to comprehensively advise and guide our clients using the newest, top quality materials,” explains Schmied, one of the partners. “Last year we expanded our showroom further with a house in the mountains. Two of the flats there function as an extended exhibition while the other can be rented as a holiday home with spa facilities.”

The concept of having these impressive flats as an exciting walk-in portfolio is so far unique to Switzerland and abroad. It shows that the designers at arttesa do not hide behind their sketchbooks, nor do they have to! The innovative combination of materials, the high quality craftsmanship and the numerous individual solutions show that the team absolutely knows what they are doing. No single detail is left to chance and there are no random features. Everything is part of the bigger picture.“Between the four of us we have extensive experience and expertise, as well as enthusiasm and passion for high quality interior design, interior construction and now also architecture. We

Right, from top to bottom: Arttesa atelier and creative workshop in Bern.

Chalet Park & Chalet Park Spa Suite

pay attention to the details from development to realisation. Our concepts are creative and tailored to our client’s needs and possibilities with regards to time, location and cost,” says Schmied.

Careful planning is a priority at arttesa and is made possible with a team containing experts from all relevant fields. Together they offer a complete project management package from start to finish, guaranteeing to meet their deadlines. With decades of experience in the business, arttesa has acquired a strong network of exclusive suppliers and craftsmen who are able to deliver high quality performances and products.

Aware that the devil is in the detail, every component is checked thoroughly before being embedded into their process. The interior design studio works closely with leading European manufacturers so they are able to offer clients the incorporation of the finest materials in the world.

When it comes to consulting clients, transparency is a key word for Schmied:“To successfully develop, plan and implement concepts for space and architecture starts with understanding our clients properly.” She adds: “The vision of our clients functions as the foundation for every project. Our challenge is to create the best and most distinctive object for the client whilst fulfilling all the discussed requirements!” However, it is not all about style and budget. Environmental sustainability and functionality play prominent roles and are taken into account as well.

Below, left: Newly built wellness area (concept, planning, realisation).

Below, right: Renovation of a villa in Geneva (concept, planning, furnishing).

Schmied explains: “A new building, a renovation or interior construction is only perfect when the overall impression, the craftsmanship and functionality match. Regardless of the style, the client has to feel comfortable.” The results are

unique and ready to stand the test of time.

It does not matter at arttesa what scale a project is, as they look forward to solving any problem and tackling different challenges from hotels and villas to renovations and conversions.

Evidently the biggest reward for them is seeing the concepts realised. Creativity and intuition aside, it takes a lot of precision, care and efficiency to actually turn an idea into reality. Schmied says: “The on-going confrontation with new technologies and materials increases our knowledge extensively from project to project. Our team is proud of the excellent collaboration with the clients before, during and after a project is realised. We want to make the experience for our clients as carefree as possible.” www.arttesa.ch www.chalet-park.ch

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Discover Germany | Business | Solicitor Column

A bigger picture TEXT & PHOTO: GREGOR KLEINKNECHT

As of 3 February 2014, we now share yet another experience with many of our clients: merging our business to create something bigger and better. Law firms are, after all, businesses like many others in the service industries. Having experienced big City firm type law for many years, it was refreshing and liberating to start a new law firm back in 2007, blissfully unaware of the impending doom of the deepest and longest recession in living memory lurking just around the corner. Nevertheless a strong team and a sound business model saw our business grow and blossom through the economic downturn into a multiple award winning boutique firm which punched well above its weight in large litigation cases, brand protection, and servicing the arts and cultural heritage sector.

So why change? Being small is beautiful – but also has its limitations. There is no standing still for those who want to thrive and, again, like with any other business, the pressure to expand service offerings at the same time as becoming yet more efficient is relentless. Being bigger requires more resources, a bigger back office, and more shoulders to carry the load. Nowhere is this more evident than in connection with the ever increasing regulatory overkill to which the legal profession is exposed today – I have stopped counting the number of regulatory bodies, all having to jus-

52 | Issue 12 | March 2014

tify their existence by creating more redtape, constant rule changes governing what solicitors do, and forms to fill in. The real measure of compliance with professional ethics and standards is a simple one: successful outcomes for happy clients - and this is the box we tick consistently.

There has been no shortage of merger offers for Klein Solicitors over the years and I very much look forward to joining forces with the suitor to whom we finally succumbed: Hunters Solicitors. It is good yet rare today to find a collegiate law firm which shares our vision and philosophy, steeped in a reassuring 300 years of history and based in the heart of legal London, big enough to deliver and small enough to care.

So farewell Mayfair, this column will from now on come to you from No. 9 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn.

Gregor Kleinknecht LLM MCIArb is a German Rechtsanwalt and English solicitor, and a partner at Hunters Solicitors, a leading law firm in Lincoln’s Inn. Hunters Solicitors, 9 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3QN E-mail: gjk@hunters-solicitors.co.uk www.hunters-solicitors.co.uk

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Discover Germany | Conference of the Month | Germany

Conference of the Month Germany

Successful conferencing in a peaceful oasis

Lakeside splendour at the Seehotel Niedernberg Breathing in the fresh air, guests enjoy stellar views over the glistening lake. The four-star* Seehotel Niedernberg, a quaint and small village that boasts spacious facilities, courteous staff, and professionally equipped seminar rooms, is listed among Germany’s premium conference hotels.

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE | PHOTOS: SEEHOTEL NIEDERNBERG

Only 30 minutes from downtown Frankfurt, Seehotel Niedernberg is located at the edge of the Rhine-Main area, between Odenwald and Spessart, and offers a peaceful setting, culinary treats, and worldclass wellness treatments. In contrast to the bright city lights, the hotel is designed in the style of a regional village nestled on a small lake.

For over ten years, the hotel has hosted numerous conferences, seminars, private receptions and has always managed to charm its guests through its character, service, and lakeside location. “It is a place to collect memories – whether for business or pleasure,” states the hotel management.

Many of the 70 spacious and well-furnished rooms, studios, and suites overlook the lake and the individual houses are built in a cottage style.

The sandy beaches are filled with lounges and parasols, and the large terraces invite guests to sit and enjoy the ambiance. As the

sun sets, guests can recharge their batteries while enjoying their favorite cocktail. The food of the restaurant Rivage is exceptional, offering fresh regional cuisine and Mediterranean specialites. The Orangerie, an elegant winter garden, is the ideal place to indulge in culinary treats and selected beverages.

At Seehotel, guests also find everyting to pamper themselves and re-energize; from Ayurvedic and Aroma-massages, cosmetic applications and treatments, to the indoor and heated outdoor pool, sauna and beach club.

The bright, private spaces allow groups to work uninterrupted and creatively.“Is this a meeting or a recreation? For many, that’s a tough question,” says the hotel management with a smile. www.seehotel-niedernberg.de

Seehotel is among the top addresses for meetings. It is a preferred venue among companies from all over the country, and perfect for corporate incentives or training, meetings, teambuilding or individual coaching. Whether companies choose to work in the classic meeting rooms, the barn or fishing house, they are all well supplied.

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Discover Germany | Business | tolingo

Translations on the click of a button tolingo translation services are available online in 220 language combinations 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Instant quotes, quick turnaround times and high quality results are delivered with a personal touch.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: TOLINGO

In 2008 Hanno von der Decken started an online translation web shop, a small student project which quickly grew into Germany’s second largest online translation provider. Roughly 300 texts are sent to German clients daily.“If only my former English teacher could see me now,”van der Decken says with a smile as he confesses why they set up the company:“It was never particularly about the languages. As students we just wanted to make some money and start a website.“ Today’s client list is an impressive read including the lifestyle products retail chain Butlers and travel giant TUI. Short text messages between two love birds or highly complicated construction manuals for high tech industry giants are all part of the daily business.“Our clients literally grew with the company. Whereas in the beginning we translated love letters or job applications for students, today we mainly deal with high quality corporate communi-

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cation including legal, medical or technical texts. Product descriptions or user manuals are also a big part of our portfolio. At the super complex end we deal with manuals for biogas plants and even Ukrainian planning permissions.”

A pool of 6,000 certified translators, covering more than 54 languages, ensure that every niche is catered for including specific financial, legal, medical, or scientific issues.

Clients appreciate the quick turnaround time of just three hours as well as the efficient quality control process, as every job is checked by a second translator.“You need about 100 translators to cover all the specific areas of just one language combination, ”von der Decken explains.“More than two thirds of our services are completed in six classic language combinations including English, German and French.“ But even the most exotic language combinations can

be dealt with, although things can occasionally be a little tricky. Religious reasons interfered with a project for an Arabic escort service brochure, while in-depth knowhow of coffee roasting was required for a Portuguese job, and for gaming industry clients it is crucial to master certain insider terminology. But rest assured: with tolingo absolutely nothing gets lost in translation! www.tolingo.com

5% discount for Discover Germany readers on all translations. Simply order via e-mail to discover@tolingo.com by 30 April 2014.

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Discover Germany | Business | Tourismusschulen Salzburg

Generating experts in tourism and hospitality The Salzburg Tourism Schools offer a diverse education in the field of tourism and hospitality. Four vocational schools spread across Austria train their pupils to excel in tourism, leisure and hospitality management.

TEXT: JESSICA POMMER | PHOTOS: TOURISMUSSCHULEN SALZBURG

Despite being governed by the Salzburg Economic Chamber, the Salzburg Tourism Schools are a private institution. Each year the roughly 1,500 students enrolled can choose between different degrees, and certain courses will provide students with a university entrance qualification or equivalent. The Salzburg Tourism Schools were founded 65 years ago and have developed into an internationally renowned and revered tourism education facility.

rent practical needs of the international tourism industry. The students are encouraged to set up their own tourism businesses when they have graduated. “One outstanding programme is the ski college of hotel management. Here the students are trained to become professional ski racers and to receive vocational education. Among its graduates are the current skiing world champions Marcel Hirscher and Anna Fenninger,” explains Wörndl.

“Our mission is to provide excellent and practice-oriented training. We support an active learning atmosphere where everyone is involved,”says Leonhard Wörndl, general manager of the Salzburg Tourism Schools.

The management team ensures that the curricula are constantly adapted to the cur-

Each location has its own specific thematic focus. In Bramberg, the focus lies on the subject of sustainability. Students learn to create holidays that save the environment.

The school in Bischofshofen is specialized in culinary art, and on-site top chefs inspire the students. In Klessheim the stu-

Main image: Additional qualifications, such as Young Sommelier or Cheese Expert, are also available Right, top: Wearing school uniforms is compulsory Right, below: Practical experiences in kitchen and service areas are a vital part of the curriculum Bottom: Great national and international career opportunities await the graduates

dents can specialize in city and international tourism, with some lectures and seminars held exclusively in English. Finally, at the fourth location in the spa town Bad Hofgastein, the emphasis is on Alpine and wellness tourism. “Our students receive not only an exceptional education with focus and experience but also benefit from a strong network. Moreover they can experience how theory and practice interact as the study locations are also tourism sites that reflect the challenges of today´s tourism industry,” summarises Leonhard Wörndl. www.ts-salzburg.at

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Discover Germany | Business | Helena Whitmore

A new year, a new tax: non-residents to pay UK capital gains tax on UK residential property

BY HELENA WHITMORE, SENIOR WEALTH STRUCTURING ADVISER, SEB PRIVATE BANKING UK

In the Autumn Statement delivered by Chancellor George Osborne on 5 December 2013, it was announced that with effect from April 2015, non-residents will be liable to pay UK capital gains tax when they dispose of UK residential property at a gain.

The exact scope of the new tax is not yet known, and will be subject to a consultation period before the new rules are introduced.

In the past, UK capital gains tax has generally not applied to non-residents, so people who are not resident in the UK have been able to profit from the UK housing market without being subject to UK tax. This is unusual, as many other countries charge tax on the disposal of property located in the country, irrespective of where the seller happens to be resident.

Of course, someone who is not resident in the UK is likely to be resident somewhere else, and subject to local taxes there, including on assets located outside that country. If the local tax rate on gains is higher in the other country, then the introduction of a charge to tax in the UK may not increase the overall tax payable at all, because the UK tax would normally be creditable against the foreign tax due. On the other hand, if the seller is resident somewhere that does not charge capital gains tax on the UK property, or if the local tax rate is lower than in the UK, then new UK tax will be an additional cost. It remains to be seen if this will cool the UK housing market, or put off foreign buyers from investing in UK property.

Based on the Autumn Statement, it seems that only future gains will be taxable, which

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is likely to mean some form of rebasing probably to the market value as of April 2015.

It also seems that all gains on residential property will be caught, not only gains on high-value properties. Non-residents who already hold UK property may want to review their arrangements before the new rules are introduced.

On a practical level, the new tax charge may also affect people who have lived in the UK, but sell their UK properties after leaving the UK, if the sale does not qualify for principal private residence relief. Anyone who is thinking of leaving should look into the timing of any disposals before going ahead. Unfortunately, leavers may also be Helena Whitmore, senior wealth structuring adviser at SEB Private Banking UK affected by another change to the capital gains rules, because with effect from April lieve that you will be affected by these 2014 the principal private residence exchanges. emption final qualifying period after leavFor more information, email: ing the property will also be restricted from privatebanking@seb.co.uk the final 36 months of ownership to 18 or call 020 7246 4307 months. Consult your tax advisor if you be-

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WWT – World Wide Teaching Private Institute of Education Established in 1996

The specialist • •

•

for tailor made individual language training for business people in leading positions, mainly in commercial and industrial branches, for embassies for private and business customers, qualified for government supported programs

The assignment • •

•

to build up basic knowledge and understanding of the desired language to improve existing knowledge into higher levels up to business training and presentations combined with typical European topics in history, culture and economy

The team consists of highly qualified and experienced trainers holding university degrees.

Mag. Evelin Striegler WWT - World Wide Teaching A-1010 Wien | Kramergasse 3 Österreich | Austria

Phone: 0043-1-7863646

wwt.wien@aon.at www.wwtwien.at www.worldwideteaching.at

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Creative Germany 2014

Ideas and innovation are the most valuable raw materials in society Those who appreciate him and his members refer to it as “the club”. Those who want to anger him confuse him with the ADAC. In fact, the ADC is the acronym for the Art Directors Club für Deutschland e.V. - a club in which more than 600 of the leading creative thinkers have come together. Among its members are renowned designers, journalists, architects, set designers, photographers, illustrators, directors, composers, producers and advertisers.

TEXT & PHOTOS: ART DIRECTORS CLUB (ADC) | TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE

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Main image: Winners at the ADC Awards Show in Hamburg 2013 Images on the left: ADC Exhibition 2013 Dr. Stephan Vogel, President of the ADC

Special Theme

Creative Germany 2014

The ADC is the creative authority of Germany, a network of idealists, united in the belief that ideas and innovation are the most valuable raw materials of a society.The objective of the ADC is to encourage companies and businesses to bring about innovative communication solutions. As the benchmark for creative excellence in communication, the club recognises and praises outstanding communication and supports its rising talent. With its headquarters in Berlin, the club organises competitions, congresses, seminars, lectures and B2B events, as well as publishing a range of publications. The ADC’s events are often arranged in cooperation with many different organisations from industry, politics and business.

The ADC Competition and the ADC Junior Competition are the largest and most important creative competitions in German-speaking regions. The much sought-after and highly coveted ADC Nagel in gold, silver and bronze is awarded at both competitions. Possessing a Nagel, or a Junior Award has already accelerated the careers of many in the creative industry. The jury is comprised of around 400 ADC members, with all sectors represented. The ADC Festival brings the jury together at the annual gathering of those in the creative sector.

The ADC Festival 2014 in Hamburg Between 13 and 17 May 2014, the ADC Festival descends on Hamburg for the second time. 2014 sees last year’s proclaimed Republik Neuland once again open Hamburg’s upper harbour quarter, welcoming both visitors and ideas to participate in the largest gathering of the creative industries in German-speaking regions. The focus of the ADC Festival 2014 is on the process of change within the economy.

With ‘Innovation. Change the game. Change the market’ as the title of the ADC Congress on 15 May, international top speakers from the business and research worlds will discuss how quickly and drastically brands and businesses are affected by new innovation.

The ADC Exhibition, which runs for the duration of the festival, is the biggest showcase of the German-speaking creative sector. All mediums are represented: from advertising and posters to TV adverts, and photography, animation and illustration right through to spatial designs.

ADC golden Nagel

www.adc.de

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Harald Stricker creates modern architecture with timeless chic Harald Stricker stands for the further development of modern architecture. Modernism and modern art have been characterized by the principle of abstraction, a concept that can be transferred to architecture as an aesthetic base frame. With asymmetric and cubic forms as the main characteristics of modern architecture, these too can be found in Stricker’s work.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PROF. STRICKER ARCHITECTURE

Harald Stricker’s work is influenced by the architecture and science of Richard Neutra.

Neutra was one of the most important figures of classic modern architecture and although he was born in Austria, he spent most of his life working in southern California. In the

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1950s Neutra created housing that connected inner and outer spaces and researched how this influenced the happiness and wellbeing of the inhabitants. Humans, he concluded, feel at home in nature and therefore need that connection for their wellbeing.

Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Harald Stricker, Architect BDA. Photo: Annabell Rupprecht

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Main image, left: Contemporary villa, allowing maximum impact from the natural surroundings.

Below, from top to bottom: Sleek kitchen area. Living room with stairway sculpture. Photo: Quirin Leppert Blending the outside with the inside. Photo: Quirin Leppert. Roof terraces and loggias.

Keeping the connection to nature Residential architecture wants people to feel protected inside their homes without losing the relationship to the outside world.

Every room therefore finds its counterpart in additional outside spaces, turning the room into a small garden through open doors, and windows connecting them to green terraces, loggia or atriums. While inside, inhabitants still get a feel for the weather – come sunshine or rain – and the time of the day. Assuming that people need a connection to nature to be happy, this open space architecture gives them the feeling of freedom, of not being trapped in their own homes. Generous room design and clear lines are a supportive addition.

Harald Stricker has realised many housing architecture projects, where cubic forms and open space design find their counterparts in easy-to-manage exterior surfaces in the form of terraces on each of the three floors. Notably the basement is an open space integrating the kitchen, living room and dining room, as floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural lighting.

Career in architecture and academics Harald Stricker can already look back on a long career in architecture: In the 1970s he studied architecture in Bremen and began work as a freelance architect in 1979. From 1981 to 1983 professor Harald Stricker was a faculty member of architectural professor Erich Schneider-Wessling and worked with him on various projects. In 1983 he took on teaching assignments at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste (Academy of the Arts) Munich where he worked until 1997. Later, in 1999, he was appointed professor at the HTWK in Leipzig. Today he is active in both Leipzig and Munich.

Neutra’s discoveries and architectural research has greatly influenced Harald Stricker’s work, which also establishes a connection between nature and home interiors. Stricker creates architecture that does not conform to short-lived temporary fashion but orientates itself on timeless aesthetics and includes the houses’ insides as well as their surroundings.

ning, he became the head construction manager – one of his most prestigious projects.

Constructing the Magdeburg opera house The Magdeburg opera building is one of Stricker’s main projects. Magdeburg is a town in eastern Germany with a long history, and buildings which stretch from the Middle Ages to those typical of former East Germany, the former German Democratic Republic. The cityscape mirrors its varying history. One of the biggest challenges therefore was to consider the surroundings - due to its city centre location, space was limited.

Furthermore the architect had to integrate old building stock. The former Maxim Gorki Theatre had burned down and the remaining structure could only partly be used for the new building. Additionally, the building should be extended according to plans.

Next to the large opera house, Harald Stricker created a studio performance space, orchestra studios, ballet halls, rehearsal rooms and workshops.

Harald Stricker designed the opera house’s publically accessible spaces such as its foyer, café and bar. He made them wide and spacious, and by creating an open gallery, he gave the audience a chance to become part of the famous “see and be seen” game. But while the Magdeburg opera house might be prestigious for Harald Stricker, every single project he works on takes on an equal level of importance. Small houses have as much attention as large ones, and the focuses remains on quality, design and aesthetics. Currently Harald Stricker is working on various housing projects and a substantial boarding house project in Munich. www.prof-stricker.de Below: Opera house Magdeburg, historic facade with a modern porch and auditorium (left). Photos: Oz On

Harald Stricker is an award-winning architect.

In 1991 he was honoured with the first prize in a competition to reconstruct the Magdeburg opera house. Upon win-

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code2design Turning desire into industrial design Interesting and well-designed products with a certain charisma provide as much enjoyment as the company of fascinating people. Recognizing this is part of a design’s quality and a key factor – hard to grasp but essential for the success of a product.

The design studio code2design has long-standing experience in optimising the design process and creating products of outstanding quality.

trends, can design successful products. A designer has to have a vision and an understanding of interdisciplinary industrial design. In short: he has to have a designer personality.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: CODE2DESIGN

Hitting the mark

code2design is an interdisciplinary working team of designers and experts with focus and knowledge. Four senior designers work together with a team of junior designers, freelancers and external experts. Founder Michael Schmidt has been working in the field of industrial design since obtaining his engineering diploma in 1989. Michael Schmidt worked for Mercedes Benz and DesignworkX, where he designed the new logo for Audi. In 1996 he founded his own design studio in Stuttgart.

For Michael Schmidt design is a strategic element for positioning a brand and product

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successfully onto the market. “Design is more than the pure shaping of a product. I have to understand the story, the motivation and the secret wishes behind a product, to find an appropriate and unique approach and inspiration,” explains Schmidt. To understand the client’s personality, the designers at code2design conduct long and extensive talks with their clients to find the product’s natural DNA. The demand for innovation might be the beginning for every design process, but only those who understand the nature of those around and grasp new developments and

Michael Schmidt is sure that people favour products and objects with a certain charisma

Michael Schmidt. Photo: Bernd Kammerer

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Main image: Bathroom Series Icon and Icon XS for Keramag and Twyford Left, top: Handmade, the new series of layon Basins for Falper. Photo: scansione.

Left, middle and below: The Shape bathroom programme gives a bathroom a spa and living room atmosphere.

emotional value that later motivates customers to buy a product. Perfect functionality and intuitive handling are a natural base.

But many other factors have to be taken into consideration. code2design creates design solutions that involve users, create emotions and can be interpreted individually. The products speak to their users, but keep a hidden fascination.

They develop brands strategically. Their aesthetic appearances encode a variety of meanings, but at the core: form follows content.

Photo: Pio Pollo

Hard work does not go unnoticed

as much as they enjoy the company of interesting and fascinating people. This is a hard to grasp quality, but one that makes things more desirable; for products it is the key to success and the way to strengthen a brand. The studio code2design has spent many years optimising its design process to generate this particular quality. The team is convinced: Only with a holistic approach, considering the design task from a 360-degree-perspective, can a designer create the

Handmade, the new series of layon Basins for Falper.

A quick glimpse at the range of products created by code2design is proof of their flexibility and diverse skills. Recently they won an IF award for the design of the Flowsic500, designed for the Sick company that produces intelligent sensors. The Flowsic500 is a high-tech ultrasonic gas meter for the distribution of natural gas.

However, it is not the only award code2design earned recently; for the outdoor kitchen bbqube they were awarded the Interior Innovation Award 2014. The design is reminiscent of a classic kitchen, resting on two wood ticks. Potential buyers can choose between a charcoal and a gas grill and a sink is integrated as well.

Therefore these places have to be attractive and comfortable. To give them an even cosier feeling, the series MeetYou relinquishes mostly from metal and creates closed spaces with ideal acoustics for undisturbed working and talking. Another intelligent solution for offices is the light Sonic with its upholstered ring made from EPS and fabric, a patented combination of materials that absorbs noises where they emerge. The noise-preventing light is a structuring element for offices.

These are just a few example for code2design’s work but they all have one thing in common: they follow the idea that products have to have charisma, satisfy design and functional aspects, as well as inspiring and addressing people. www.code2design.de Below, left: bbqube outdoor kitchen is celebrates outdoor cooking.

Below, right: Flowsic500, high-tech ultrasonic gas meter for SICK. Bottom: Meeting places for communication and retreat in the Open Space Office: MeetYou for Haworth

With Handmade code2design created washbasins with clear lines in a round shape, inspired by the work of the Japanese ceramic artist Taizu Kuruda. The series contains organically-rounded basins, one of them extra high. Other washroom designs are, for example, the guestroom WC series iconXS and the bathroom design Shape that gives a bathroom a spa and living room atmosphere. While the furniture is minimalistic in a cubic form, the washbasins and the bathtub have a rounded and organic shape, giving the series an exciting contrast in itself.

Their diverse skills come to fore once again as you look at their office space designs like the MeetYou meeting space design – meeting spaces for Michael Schmidt are places of communication and human encounters.

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Main image: The portal resembles moving wave crests, view from seaside.

Above, from left to right: Bird's-eye view of the new portal.

Moving wave crests slowly evolving from the dyke.

The UNESCO World Natural Heritage portal, arbitrating Wadden Sea and landscape energy.

Visionary architecture from north-western Germany For architect Ulrich Recker, based in the city of Westerstede in Germany’s northwest, architecture is more than the design of houses and rooms. It creates bonds between people and buildings, cities and landscapes. Architecture is an idea, a vision. And Ulrich Recker transfers visionary drafts into reality.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: ULRICH RECKER ARCHITECTURE

In winter as the waves crash against the shore and dykes, it is only when the tide is out that the Wadden Sea landscape lies open in all its glory. The tourist village of Dangast is situated at the Jadebusen on the border of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site Wadden Sea. On this very spot architect Ulrich Recker wants to create a new outstanding building, the UNESCO World Natural Heritage portal. He has already made the initial sketches as to how this shall look.

Recker’s idea is a building resembling the crest of waves as if frozen on the spot, a form mirroring the natural surroundings of the North Sea region. Waves are turned

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into a building in a therefore unmoving form and shall provide a place to experience the nature of the Wadden Sea in all its facets, as Ulrich Recker explains: “The storms, the heavy rain, soaked-through clothes, but also the sunrise over the horizon.” He plans to integrate the building into a landscape shaped by the dyke, the roof acting as a green park-like area on which people can walk, and as a sledge run for children come snow.

Dykes are essential on the North Sea coastline to protect people from the forces of nature, like the roof on the top of a building does to all those living inside. Recker uses this similarity between both construc-

tions to create a sustainable connection between the existing dyke and his new building – a “building-landscape-dialogue”, as he calls it. “We believe that the shape of a wave is a buildable and sustainable form for a building.”

Ulrich Recker stands for visionary architecture freeing itself from the boundaries of common“juristically determined city planning”. Recker found his personal connection to architecture quite early in life; as a

Team (from left to right): B. Schnieder, T. Saevecke, S. Stalling, U. Recker, K. Uhe, A. Brandt, J. Berlin (not present)

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child he was very fond of arts and crafts and drawing. Later, during his studies he developed an interest in descriptive geometry.

The challenge to not only draw buildings in a geometrically correct manner, but also their construction has always been a driving force for him. During constructions Ulrich Recker seeks “to always be approachable and to give everything to even the smallest of tasks.”

Visionary architecture also enhances the dialogue between landscape and city, and between the city and its buildings, places and courtyards. “In visionary architecture dreams, hopes, ideals and fantasies still exist, as much as illusions and utopia,” says Ulrich Recker. Orientating itself on the needs of human beings, visionary architecture creates spaces where humans can be human again. As the German poet Schiller said, straightforwardness is an achievement of maturity, so too is visionary architecture straightforward, and additionally has an interdisciplinary approach.

Ulrich Recker is proud of all of his many projects. “But it was such a pleasure to see the first housing I ever built, the first remodelled workshop I did and the first church in Augustfehn that I renovated.”His debut work stills mean a lot to him and the renovation of old buildings has always been a major part of his work.“It is a pleasure to connect old buildings with something new, and to preserve old building structures for the future.”

One project embodying the connection between old and new is the Kreuz-Kapelle in Ohrbeck, a chapel at the catholic training

institute Ohrbeck, an educational institution that organises conferences and offers space for retreat.

this chapel is another example of visionary architecture. www.ulrich-recker.de

The plan was to remodel the 80-year-old chapel completely and create a space that captures people’s heart. The first step was to remove old ballast like the ceiling cladding and a wall until the room was reduced to its bare shape. The resulting bleak room gave the opportunity to experience the chapel’s width for the first time in years.

Below: Altar. Window details.

Entering through the side chapel Kreuz-Kapelle Ohrbeck, The New Room

Between November 2009 and March 2010 the chapel was shaped according to the idea of communion, a community of faith. Instead of a classical church array, the room was designed as a place of encounter and is now a sign for a change in Catholic liturgy.

Alter, ambo and tabernacle, created by artist Klaus Simon, were built out of sequoia wood with a natural red colouring that catches the eye of the beholder. The well-known artist Jochen Poensgen created impressive new windows.

These windows also connect those inside with the landscape outdoors, while visitors approaching from afar will see the lights shining through these windows. The result is a dialogue between indoors and outdoors. According to Recker’s ideals,

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elbedesigncrew

Creating brand character The elbedesigncrew’s innovative packaging design company is situated in the northern city of Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city. While Hamburg has a well-deserved reputation as Germany's gateway to the world, it is lesser known as one of the most important media and design hubs in the country.

sumers and ourselves, we are guided by very simple, interpersonally-relevant values at the core of elbedesigncrew. Our strength is our staff, with their forwardthinking team spirit,” Heise explains.

TEXT: JESSICA RIDDER | PHOTOS: ELBEDESIGNCREW

“Based on the river Elbe – the symbol of an inexhaustible source of ideas - we are a punchy, well-coordinated team. We approach our theme Packaging Design with full creativity, imagination and innovation,” says Jens Heise, managing director of elbedesigncrew.

Founded in 1989, elbedesigncrew has 25 years of experience in brand and packaging design, naming, innovation management and corporate design; from initial strategy and idea development right through to production. Their bright and modern office is

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right in the middle of the St. Pauli district, close the port. This buzzy neighborhood, home to the St. Pauli football club, is constantly in motion and offers the crew 100 per cent inspiration. A far cry from its shady past as the infamous red-light district, where the Beatles used to live and play before they became international superstars.

From rookies and professionals “In order to continually achieve outstanding results and inspire our customers, con-

Jens Heise, managing director of elbedesigncrew.

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visual brand management and design concepts for FMCG brands with large product ranges, categories and sub-brands. And they also have a message for the market; elbedesigncrew stands for: Courage!

Uniqueness! Design Quality!

Stunned by choice Given the enormous choice and endless packaging and print alternatives on products, bombarding shoppers as they pass through busy supermarket aisles, it is no easy task to garner attention from potential new customers.

With 24 employees, and experienced project-based freelancers, the team around Heise all follow the same company maxim: dedication and enthusiasm, openness and relevance, empathy and partnership, and trust and realism. “The close teamwork of talented young designers, experienced creative directors, and strategically qualified client directors guarantees the highest reliability in design, organization all throughout the management process.“ And their enthusiasm shines through every aspect of the work. When asked about their biggest project so far, Heise prefers not to comment, saying:“We love the challenge of smaller projects as much as bigger projects, offering the same passion and enthusiasm to every single detail.” The elbedesigncrew house specialty is developing

elbedesigncrew believe that nowadays the only way to impress consumers and clients alike is through good design with a strategic background. Full stop. Packaging has to be modern, stand-alone and unusual enough to make a positive first impression.

“But it does work. Our clients gain new buyers for their products via packaging. If you take a few things into account and above all, get everything right. The market success proves it - even in highly competitive - even supersaturated - markets, it is possible.”Heise elaborates:“After thorough analysis of brand and market, we open up a creative process, during which we draw endless fresh ideas, brainstorming freely.

Then we distill our ideas to reach a distinctly conclusive concept.”elbedesigncrew customers can fully benefit from this creative process.

The clients of elbedesigncrew seem to appreciate the company philosophy and imaginative designs and highly value the competence and know-how in analysis and brand strategy. The client list is lengthy and includes not only German household names such as Ehrmann and Meggle but also international brands like Bayer, Nestlé or Weleda.

Meet at eye level This brings us back to four of the companies principles: empathy and partnership followed by trust and realism. “We meet our clients at eye level, because our intensive marketing experience accurately detects the situation of our customers when it comes to answering strategy or design questions.” Heise points out: “We strive to bring the business goals of our clients in line with the product wishes of their customers. We always keep our promises.”

Their goal is quality growth, ideally a design office in Sydney.“To me, Hamburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With an office in Sydney, we could work round the clock and I would only be on the sunny side”, says Heise with a twinkle in his eye.

“If a couple of customers from down under are looking for a great design agency, we would start there immediately.”

Heise is keeping quiet about current projects to respect clients’ confidentiality. Some exciting news he is willing to share is that 2014 is a very special year for the company, as they will celebrate their 25th anniversary in the design business and he concludes: “Work hard. Play hard. The elbedesigncrew will celebrate accordingly.” www.elbedesigncrew.de

Crew

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The simple truth about branding

Main image: Rivia, global innovation and brand consultancy Above: Rivia stationary. Photo: Soul Art

The strategic design studio substance® identity help to innovate brands and businesses with a blend of creative verve and insightful thinking. The studio truly lives up to its name by giving its clients what they need most: Substance!

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: SUBSTANCE®

Andreas B. Wilhelm and Stefan Pannenbecker, both graduates of the prestigious Art Centre College of Design, founded substance® in 2005. Today, Wilhelm leads the passionate team at substance® on his own, as Pannenbecker is now the Global Head of Design at Nokia.

experience to memory.” Wilhelm explains that they see a brand as a promise that sets expectations and builds an intangible yet

pervasive bond between customers and companies. This promise is then tested and verified by the customer's experience before

Based in Cologne and Berlin, substance® offers a variety of services for branding, marketing and corporate design. The studio’s heartfelt mission is to find creative solutions for any design challenge presented by a company or product.

Founder Andreas B. Wilhelm says: “Regardless of their complexity, we believe brands go by a simple rule: from promise to

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GIBG stationary selection. Photo: emarto

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it emulsifies into long-lasting memory and affection. "To be successful, brands need to deliver on their promises," Wilhelm adds.

"That's why we serve our clients from brand strategy (promise) to brand expression (experience) to brand guardianship (memory)."

This process is simple and comprehensible for clients, which is very important because it then allows them to work closely with the creatives at substance®. This way they can understand a brand in depth, analyse existing problems and discover new solutions and opportunities, whether it is for completely new brands or for the further development of more established ones. This method has proven to not only fulfil but also exceed expectations.“To us, discovering hidden potential requires both insight and intuition. That is why we encourage clients to engage with our creative process right from the start,”Jeanette Renard, senior creative at substance® elaborates.“For me the most fascinating part of the work is when we have reached a consensus and can creatively transform these strategic foundations. Finally, when all bits and pieces fall into place and suddenly present a coherent overall picture there is always a huge“wow” effect for us, the clients as well as their customers. That is the reward for everyone involved!”

It should come as no surprise that substance® creatives have an extensive portfolio covering a vast range of fantastic work for a variety of different companies including small start-ups as well as renowned international companies such as Henkel, Hewlett Packard, Compaq, Samsung and Kodak, to name but a few.“We value clients that comprehend branding as an integral driver of their business strategy, ones that understand design as a prerequisite for entrepreneurship instead of an extravaganza.

Clients hire us because they value straight contact and a vivid dialogue with designers,” says Wilhelm.

One of their recent large-scale projects was the establishment of Rivia, a new global innovation and brand consultancy, cofounded by Wilhelm and a group of seasoned partners. substance® helped develop

the new brand completely from scratch.

With headquarters in the U.S. Rivia is a sole consulting company where substance® functions as a global design department. Together they have already completed projects for Cigna, Red Bull and the World Bank Group. With the latter substance® worked on a group brand strategy, brand architecture and the visual identity for a new unit.

Another very different and comparatively small project worth mentioning is the rebranding of the open channel Berlin, which gives everyone the opportunity to create media content and professionally broadcast it through TV, radio or the web. It is a great platform for collaborations, exchanges and creativity. substance® renamed the channel Alex Berlin and gave it a complete makeover.

The brand Alex Berlin keeps evolving and Wilhelm says: “It is amazing to see how the brand has developed and what potential it has. That shows us that the brand is genuinely working, even without our help.”

Long-lasting relationships with companies such as Telefonica O2 (Germany), where substance® is responsible for the entire packaging design, only go to show the integral, and substantial, position that the design studio has for its clients. In this instance, the bond with Telefonica O2 was established over a decade ago and has become a special token of loyalty for Wilhelm.

Other interesting projects include the rebranding of the Swiss organic pioneer Biotta, for whom the design studio took over the entire branding activity two years ago, or the rebranding of the prestigious 100-year old brand Kneipp.

It is hard, if not impossible to say which project the team at substance® is actually most proud of. With a warm smile Wilhelm admits: “Frankly we are a little bit proud of almost all our projects.” www.substance-id.com www.rivia.com Right, from top to bottom: CST logo, Kuala Lumpur Alex, Berlin Telefonica O2, Winter Editions Spheros, Kortrijk fair. Photo: Michael Reitz Biotta, Swiss organic products

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Forum Mittelrhein and Kulturbau Koblenz

A Dutch-German success story Benthem Crouwel combines the best of both worlds For over 30 years Benthem Crouwel has been shaping the urban landscape across the Netherlands to an unprecedented extent. With the addition of a subsidiary in Germany in 2005, the Dutch giant conquered the hearts of its next-door neighbours.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: BENTHEM CROUWEL ©JANNES LINDERS & JENS KIRCHNER Benthem Crouwel Partners from top to bottom & left to right: Marcel Blom, Marten Wassmann, Markus Sporer, Joost Vos, Mels Crouwel, Jan Benthem. Photo: Koos Breukel

Six partners and more than 50 industry experts complete the international team responsible for some of Europe’s most magnificent structures such as bridges, cultural centres, educational facilities, residential projects, museums, public buildings, transport related premises and work spaces. One of the company’s prime projects is Schiphol Airport Amsterdam. Benthem Crouwel started out on a small scale in the 1980s and literally grew with the airport. Today, Schiphol Airport is almost a city of its own,

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comprising terminals, lounges, cargo buildings, the control tower and the massive World Trade Centre – most of it created by Benthem Crouwel.

“Good architecture begins with clear thinking, and better solutions come from digging deeper. Which is why we like clients who ask questions and have opinions of their own.

We are not after sensation and extravagance, but instead we seek the core of the matter.

This, in our experience, is how to achieve de-

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Right: Rotterdam Central Station Bottom: Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

signs that steer clear of the obvious. Creativity thrives in a climate of orderliness and rationality,”the company philosophy states.

The secret of success is simple.“As a DutchGerman office we try to blend the best of both worlds: unconventional ideas and concepts as well as high quality planning and construction. We take a pragmatic, solution-orientated approach, with the client and the project as the focal point,”explains Markus Sporer, Benthem Crouwel Partner and Managing Director of the German subsidiary.

The Five Archetypes The Five Archetypes are a selection of current projects, paying homage to the industrialisation era. Five building types typical of the 19th century: a museum, a concert hall, a warehouse, a department store and a railway station, have been designed according to modern requirements in terms of functionality, sustainability and aesthetics.

None of the five projects showcased is older than 18 months. The Five Archtypes mirror the wide company portfolio as every single one is unique in its own way. With the Five Archetypes, Benthem Crouwel demonstrate their expertise by adapting to modern demands and prove their capability to visionalise the future. All five projects are currently being showcased in the Architektur Galerie Berlin: The Benthem Crouwel Five archetypes for a changing world exhibition opened on 17 January 2014 and runs until 1 March 2014.

named ‘the Bathtub’. The contrast it creates against the original building at the rear offers the beholder an impressive aesthetic, blending the old and the new, while inside interactivity and modern museum visitor behaviour has been taken into consideration during the planning progress.

Their most recent interpretation of a concert hall is the Ziggo Dome multi-purpose indoor arena in Amsterdam, offering space for up to 17,000 people. The striking façade

features approximately 840,000 LED lights spread over 10,000 square metres and literally brings the inside out, as events are announced via what appears to be a huge screen on the structure’s surface. Inside, 30 exit routes ensure that the premises can be

The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, the museum for modern art, contemporary art and design in the Netherland’s capital, just got a new extension from the Benthem Crouwel team. 26,500 square metres were constructed between 2007 and 2012.

Passers-by are stunned by the smooth, white reinforced fibre façade of the building its volume floating above the public space, nick-

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Ziggo Dome

building above the first two floors’ contemporary glass façade. evacuated within three minutes in case of emergency. Flexible walls can be adjusted to meet various needs and soundproof materials ensure that no noise escapes and disturb neighbouring parties.

A warehouse it is, but certainly one befitting of holding goods of the 21st century.

Inside the AM3 Datacenter, a massive office space and data centre construction in Amsterdam’s Science Park, 150 different networks are stored. The AM3 is one of Europe’s largest data centres. The immense heat volume produced by the servers inside is converted using the latest thermal technologies to maximise sustainability and eco-friendliness to an unprecedented amount and it qualifies as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building.

Buzzing railway stations evolved with the emergence of indutrialisation and one would think not much has changed. In cooperation with Meyer en Van Schooten Architecten and West 8, Benthem Crouwel took the design of modern transport premises to new heights. The Rotterdam Central Station is one of Europe’s most significant railway hubs, featuring a high-speed rail system (HSL). Impressive glass roof constructions span more than 250 metres above the tracks and the interior, designed to be a social meeting point, has a positive and contemporary ambience.

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The last of the five Archetypes, a German project, is the Forum Mittelrhein in Koblenz. The building is part of an urban intervention consisting of three elements: the new Zentralplatz, a culture building which houses the library and the Mittelrhein Museum as well as the Tourist Info and the shopping mall. The ensemble offers a new quality to public spaces at this location. A high-tech façade made of approximately 2,900 identical, three-dimensional aluminum elements, painted in three different shades of green, deliver the image of natural vine leaf plants, which scale the AM3 Datacentre, Amsterdam

Awards seem secondary to Sporer. The Berlin Art Award, the Wibautprijs from the City of Amsterdam and the BNA Kubus for the contribution to the infrastructural architecture in the Netherlands are just a few to be named. Asked what he is most proud of, Sporer simply confesses: “If the client and the user of our projects are satisfied, then recommend us or commission us a new project.” www.benthemcrouwel.de

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Strategic sounds made in Germany Main image: The Sound of Citrus Top: Der Berg ruf (the mountain call), sound concept for the regional brand Tyrol created by audity Above: Swiss Airlines - one of audity's Corporate Sounds clients

The agency, based in Konstanz, Germany, has already helped dozens of businesses to create that memorable tune, setting them apart from the competition. The two main fields are defined as Whereas Audio Branding, which concentrates on creating an acoustic identity of the brand and Audio Interaction, which develops functional sounds for items that we use every day, such as household appliances, electronic devices or cars.

“Aside from our high standards regarding sound aesthetics, we see ourselves as providers of impulses, and sound strategists with a pronounced sense of the functional context of where a specific sound is implied,”says Rainer Hirt when asked how Audity differs.“Furthermore, we have a particular interest in scientific research. This allows us to supply our clients with sound solutions that are scientifically proven as well as innovative.”

We are constantly surrounded by a flood of tones, some of which only our subconsciousness notices. In the business world though, a special sound can make all the difference. This is where the experts from Audity come in.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI | PHOTOS: AUDITY

This strategy becomes evident in the citrus study, a project Audity was commission by flavour manufacturer Symrise. “Our task was to find out if different taste impressions could be transformed into sounds,” remembers Hirt.“The assumption was that there is a wired network of senses within the human brain – so-called intermodal analogies. That’s why we speak, for example, of a round wine. We use optical features to describe tastes. In our study, we discovered several sound parameters that can indeed be associated with the taste of citrus.

The project was rewarded by the initiative ‘Germany – Land of Ideas’ due to its high degree of innovation.”

Germany’ may originate from the goods industry, but it can surely be applied to our history of music production, too,” suggests Hirt.“Just think of such big names as Bach, Beethoven or Brahms. So why not try and import a German sound design?” www.audity-agentur.com/en Rainer Hirt, audity co-founder & member of the red-dot-jury (Sound Design category). Photo: Red Dot Design Award

Currently providing internationally recognized brands like Tirol (Tyrol) or SWISS International Airlines with sound solutions, Audity is keen to expand its business to new horizons. “The quality label ‘Made in

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Investor related planning and building with high aspirations For about 15 years the architects at willwersch architekten have dedicated their work to office- and residential building projects, working closely with real estate developers and investors. Uniting sustainable planning, which in turn ensures a reduction in expenses, with high quality architecture is their main focus.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: WILLWERSCH

For Stefan Willwersch and his colleagues, architecture begins with a thorough planning process: a profile of future users is included, as is an analysis of the budget and a plan for the intended aesthetics. Additionally, each project has to consider an urban building context.

contemporary way is the inspiration for the architect’s work. While willwersch architekten do construct new buildings according to this context and rules, they also work on converting old buildings and renovating listed buildings.

Sustainable and aesthetic architecture

When considering an urban building context, architects have to include more than one aspect, for example the topography of the location in which the building is intended to be constructed. Interpreting the context and the use of local materials in a

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In this process sustainability is a key word explains Stefan Willwersch: “This means a project has to stick to the planned budget but should contain aesthetic characteristics as well. Functionality – according to the demands of rental as well as owner-occupied

Main image: Rosenberghöfe, apartment buildings in Stuttgart

flats – advertising effectiveness, profitability and its own identity are part of this sustainability.” Considering these factors creates an additional value for builders and is therefore vital for modern housing architecture.

Formal aspects play as an important role as “functional, contextual, economic and technical requirements.”And as Willwersch says: “That is the foundation of our work.”

Architecture starts with the planning process, and for the architects at willwersch architekten this includes not only creating a draft, but also preparing assessments and plans for conducting the official licensing of buildings as well as the planning of details.

Often enough, this means taking part in competitions.

The architectural office around Stefan Willwersch has long-term experience in con-

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Creative Germany 2014 Below, from top to bottom: Pauline, office building in Stuttgart Rosenberghöfe, office building in Stuttgart Rosenberghöfe, apartment buildings in Stuttgart Campo Novo, student halls in Freiburg

structing commercial properties and multilevel housing. Stefan Willwersch himself was born in Stuttgart and studied architecture at the Stuttgart Polytechnic University. He was employed as an architect before he opened his own architectural office in 1997. In 2000 he was assigned to the Royal Institute of British Architects, a professional institution for architects, which was founded in 1834 and has around 40,000 members worldwide.

The long term experience of willwersch architekten has left traces and resulted in a wide range of ideas and knowledge of architecture, design and planning. It enables them to find solutions for problems that may occur during complex building processes. Finding swift and serious solutions oftens means a saving: reducing the costs such unpredictable problems might otherwise cause.“The conditions for planning and architecture are becoming more and more complex,” says Stefan Willwersch,“ and finding easy and plausible solutions is therefore an essential part of our work.”

all its forms. A lack of information is therefore avoided.

Situated in Stuttgart the architectural office designed the new Rosenberghöfe, which combines an office building and 150 new flats. Varying materials guarantee that the new buildings integrate well into the surrounding quarter, combining glass fronts and lightly-coloured brickwalls. In Böblingen/Sindelfingen Willwersch won a competition to design new accommodation on an old airfield. The architect’s work also includes a shopping centre in Munich and other housing projects in southern Germany. Looking at their work, you will be struck by the clear lines, geometrical forms and big window fronts that catch your eye.

Clients hold not only the budget-oriented knowledge of the office in high regard, but also the builder-friendly experience in planning which also includes a strong relationship with the necessary committees in the principalities. Communication and experience are the foundation for the success Stefan Willwersch and his colleagues have achieved as an architectural office and acts as a boost for future projects. www.willwersch.de Below, left: Leonardo-da-Vinci-Club, student halls in Stuttgart Below, right: Böblingen Flugfeld (airfield), office building Bottom: Waldenbuch, office and apartment building

Interdisciplinary work approaches and communication are key Depending on the workload, there are 15 to 20 architects currently working for Stefan Willwersch’s architectural office, working together in various teams on different projects. Open-plan offices guarantee strong and constant communication between team members and takes the form of an interdisciplinary work approach. This close proximity ensures not only an exchange of knowledge but also that every team member is kept up to date with the latest expert knowledge on architecture and building in

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Top, left: Solar energy retainer unit for Phono Solar China. Top, right: Durchlauferhitzer (flow-type calorifier) XG Stiebel Eltron Asia Ltd Thailand

The pull of German design Producing award-winning, cutting-edge product design solutions requires knowledge and understanding of a product’s potential, and goes hand in hand with the ability to tackle its potential complications. Achieving reliability, usability and a high aesthetic form is a challenge savoured by Schumanndesign, a strategic design consultancy and industrial and product design company based in Münster.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: SCHUMANNDESIGN

Asked where his motivation for constant innovation springs from, Dirk Schumann, who founded Schumanndesign in 1992, does not hesitate before replying: “From a curiosity for new technology, global social developments, and an interest in the sciences.” This curiosity has led his firm to the pinnacle of classic industrial and product design, conceiving projects that have achieved worldwide recognition, and earned the company numerous design awards including multiple Red Dot Awards/Best of the Best, IF-Awards and the Gold Prize awarded by Minister of International Trade and Industry Prize in Osaka.

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Dealing with the hurdles that arise during a project’s conception can be perplexing but it is partly due to the vast experience held by Schumann, with over 30 years of experience in the field of design, ensuring that his projects are followed through to completion, entering the market in an optimal state. Close cooperation and constant consultation with the client is another reason behind the success of the projects.

Schumann explains the process: “Our strengths come from extensive experience in various process technologies, grasping market strategies and possessing the ability to convert my experience into innova-

tion solutions which best suit my client, and provide the user with the highest possible usability and pleasure of use.”

With a design philosophy that values ecology and economy, and logic and clarity, without overlooking feasibility, SchuDirk Schumann Company founder

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manndesign is active in multiple branches, amongst others strategic design concepts, product design for investment goods, sanitary engineering and medical goods, communications technology research and metrology. “We take on projects wherever we see a challenge and the potential for innovation and creativity; we can create synergy between the branches we work in,” says Schumann with a nod of his head.

Drawing on an intimate team with Schumann himself at the helm of each project, he consults experts from specific fields and works in close proximity to the client’s own project managers and engineers.

One of Schumann’s most significant creations is a family of sanitation and heating units devised and developed together for Stiebel Eltron, the world leading manufacturer of green heating technologies. The collection is a prime example of design that is elegant and timeless yet functional. The cooperation with Stiebel Eltron goes back many years and includes hand driers, heating units and shower panels. The individual products have received numerous accolades since their conception, including, but not limited to, the 2005 Red Dot Award for the instantaneous water heater and the highly competitive and sought-after 2012 ddc design award.

Unveiled at Intersolar in Munich in 2012, Phono Solar’s Phonocube Storage System is another collaboration of which Schumann is understandably proud. A sleek, minimalist energy storage unit, billed as “an easy-to-install energy storage and inverter solution that is capable of intelligently storing and distributing electricity produced from a solar PV system.” Both functional and environmentally-friendly, the Enercube embodies the philosophy of Schumanndesign.

In the future Schumanndesign plan to work more on a global scale, building equally as strong relationships with foreign clients as they have with their German clients. Their client base already includes a number of Italian, Chinese and Indian firms to name but a few. Schumann explains the pull of international cooperation: “My work enables me to combine my two passions: design and travel. I’m particularly interested in specialist markets and the direction they choose on the global market.” Does Schumann consider his work to have been enriched by such extensive travel?“Certainly.

The cultural aspects, and of course the human experiences and the discovery of other people’s perspectives, gives me insight which I can incorporate into my work.”

German design has a worldwide reputation for being amongst the highest in the world, and this reputation travels with Schumann.

For Stiebel Eltron he designed a special appliance for the Asian market, which was designed specifically to meet German standards – such is the pull of the German design aesthetics. Schumann muses on this desire for German design as he explains how the Italian company Immergas, with whom he has worked for almost two decades, consciously choose German style for its quality.

Schumann loves to travel, and since 2006 has annually appeared in the jury of the Red Dot Award. An honour for him as it signifies his relevance in the design world, guarantees his good taste, and also provides a further chance for travel. www.schumanndesign.de

From left to right: Wind turbine for Nordwind Electronic hand dryer for Stiebel Eltron Water heater for Stiebel Eltron.

Bottom, from left to right: Electronic plumbing system for Schell Microscope Magnus Olympus India Logistics system for an Italian client

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Spatial communication agency Atelier Markgraph Experience fascinating communication Atelier Markgraph has been promoting brands and staging difficult subjects in a new light since 1986. Translating clients' visions into comprehensive and fascinating experiences for thousands of visitors, set the limits for modern spatial communication.

TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: ATELIER MARKGRAPH

Since Meinhard Hutschenreuther, Roland Lambrette and Rolf Engel founded Atelier Markgraph in Frankfurt am Main, their innovative concepts have helped change the perception of brands and the use of space as a medium. Their three-dimensional staging of David Bowie's China Girl and Jonathan Demme's Talking Heads concert documentary in the new Galeria at Messe Frankfurt was their first major breakthrough, seeing more than four times the amount of visitors expected.

Ever since, the team, which now includes Lars Uwe Bleher and Stefan Weil, have proven their continuing ability to stage multidimensional experiences that are unbiased, challenging, entertaining and meaningful. The key to their success, says Stefan Weil, lies in their well-founded approach, summarised in their maxim “Understand. Translate. Fascinate.”After investigating the client's needs and expectations, they are translated interdisciplinarily using architecture, graphics, film, interaction and more.“The result is one comprehensive picture, one special event that makes sparks fly and that serves as a communicative introduction to the subject,” says Weil.

From top to bottom: Metronic 2013, Gallery Atelier Markgraph, Frankfurt Viessmann ISH 2013. Photo: Jörg Hempel, Aachen Mercedes-Benz IAA 2013. Photo: Kristof Lemp, Darmstadt

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This approach has lead to various projects for innovative companies such as Viessmann, a thermal engineering company and pioneer in the field of alternative energies, and Medtronic, the inventors of the mobile pacemaker. Smaller projects for traditional family companies and numerous exhibitions are proof of the versatility of Atelier Markgraph.

Recent highlights include last years's exhibition at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt entitled “Fascination Mercedes”, incorporating 8,000 square metres in a listed building, transformed into a three storey space. On the centre stage, moving cars, media feeds and specially choreographed LED-lighting merged into a holistic spectacle.

The exhibition “Heimat/Front“ for the Institute of Local History in Frankfurt is a reminder of the destruction and suffering caused by the Nazi regime and the air raids in World War II. It builds an analytical link between the interior and exterior destruction in Frankfurt. Three stages, linked via an architectural structure forming a swastika labyrinth, help the visitor experience social conditions before, during and after the war.

No doubt Atelier Markgraph's all-encompassing approach to presenting distinguished brands and special subjects will fascinate many more visitors in the years to come. www.markgraph.de Below: Heimatfront. Photo: Kristof Lemp, Darmstadt

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Left: ThyssenKrupp Quartier, Essen

hw.design Contemporary communication to connect brands and people Authenticity is the spark of any successful design. This notion is exemplified by the Munich-based design and creative agency hw.design with their clear vision of authentic and holistic corporate design solutions. The firm balances aesthetics and communication, committed to achieving exceptional results – both in terms of creativity and quality.

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE | PHOTOS: HW.DESIGN

Their business philosophy of shaping thoughts, information and products through contemporary design transcends to their services. From initial market analysis to brand definition, through to developing integrated corporate communication, crossmedia implementation, and publications, clients can expect a consistent performance, an eye for detail and high quality standards that forge a strong corporate identity.

The work of the company’s experienced, interdisciplinary design teams has been repeatedly awarded with international design awards.“What makes us special is our integrated approach: whether print, digital or 3D solutions – the overarching focus and understanding of the brand defines our actions,” says the company. Sophisticated examples of

recent design projects include information graphics, corporate reports, and the design of trade fairs and exhibition spaces.

Founded in 1996, the firm is led by CEO and co-founder Frank Wagner and as of 2012, Managing Director Benjamin Klöck.

Centrally located in the beautiful Munich Maxvorstadt, the office spaces are in close proximity to the English Garden and the Pinakothek museums.“We understand our work as a synthesis of strategy and creativity,” states the company.

Middle: Munksjö Paper, trade fair presence. Interzum 2013 Right: Siemens information graphics

The majority of current high-level customers are represented on the German stock exchange, Dax-30 range, and include BMW Group, Siemens AG, Deutsche Bank AG, and ThyssenKrupp AG. Since 1999, the agency has also completed regular corporate architectural projects and has been working on designs for fairs and exhibition projects, for instance in Shanghai, Tokyo and Valencia.

For the future, the firm is optimistic and sees further growth potential:“We aim to be the most sought-after agency for corporate branding and creative, strategic corporate communications. We are on a good path.” www.hwdesign.de

BMW annual report

Many long-term clients, hailing from a variety of industry sectors, such as technology, energy, automotive and corporate communications, all profit from the firm’s high level of professional excellence and creativity.

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D’art: Space Designers How many spaces have you passed through already today? How many do you remember? Modern life sees us constantly passing through countless spaces, some of which can really change us. Meet D’art, Neuss’ space designers, who challenge our perceptions of space.

TEXT: PHIL GALE | PHOTOS: D’ART

“More than 20 years, 50 heads, 600 square metres, 10 disciplines, 2,000 projects. And we go on and on,” begins Freddy Justen, one of four managing directors at awardwinning D’art Design Gruppe, as he explains the story of his esteemed company.

For 20 years they have been working enthusiastically with their clients to produce spaces that reflect companies’ brands, whilst fulfilling their needs.

What makes a space work, what makes a space memorable, and how can a space reflect a company and their brand? These are questions that D’art set out to answer on a day-to-day basis. “As architectural design-

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ers our aim is to give the brand a face, whether this is for a shop, trade fair or exhibition. We work to get into the company, find out what their core principles are and then create ‘a spatial brand identity’ if you will,” expands Inge Brueck-Seynstahl, Director Corporate Communications at D’art.

“The design process for our team is a long one: we start by really getting to know our clients, finding out what makes them tick and also the core principles of their brand, we call it brand empathy. It is similar to how a psychologist works closely with their clients. Then our team goes off to the ideas phase and works up to the finished product. All the while we are in constant contact

with our clients, making sure we are conveying the message they want.”

This close relationship with clients is hugely important to D’art. Brueck-Seynstahl continues: “One of the keys to our company is making sure that our clients get a brand architecture that feels like a second skin. A close personal point of contact is absolutely necessary for this and means that we build a strong relationship with our clients.”One of D’art’s key clients, the sporting goods

From left to right: Jochen Höffler, Guido Mamczur, Freddy Justen, Dieter Wolff

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Main image & below: Schueco, BAU 2013

designs, Brueck-Seynstahl elaborates on this: “Some may think that we have been toning our design so that we get these awards but this is far from the truth. It is impossible to actually do this. We have just stuck to our normal design process and worked closely with our clients. These awards have come as a result of this. For us it is great to get recognition for our hard work. For our clients it is also really good.

Through our designs, using all of the materials available to us, from materials, lights, colour, right through to multimedia, we give our clients’ brands a face. Many of our clients are very design driven, because their brand image is their identity, so when they get the award it is huge for them too.”

giant adidas, has been working with them for 20 years.

Recently D’art opened a new office in Seoul.

While originally not a long-term plan of the company, they are now finding that this new office is helping the business. “We had no long-term plans to open an office in Seoul, but when one of our employees decided to move back there, we decided to try the idea of a branch office, there. Asia is a market that is growing rapidly and one in which a lot of large, international clients have bases. For us it is an interesting new step, combining our rich and renowned German design with our man on the ground in Seoul. Even though the majority of the businesses out there are very hierarchical, this office makes sure that we have direct face-to-face contact, something that is key to our design process and what we believe builds long-term relationships with our customers,” BrueckSeynstahl explains.

For over 20 years D’art has made numerous memorable spaces for companies such as adidas, Parador, PHILIPS, Electrolux and many, many more. The list is long and a reflection of the cutting-edge designs that the company have created. “Each of our clients presents a new challenge, but also a unique end-product, something that we all want to be proud of.” Brueck-Seynstahl concludes.

Giving something intangible like a brand a face is no mean feat, but D’art is doing just that. Working closely with their clients, getting to the core of their business, they are using all of the skills and mediums at their disposal, resulting in the creation of award-winning de-

signs. So what makes a space memorable?

D’art knows all too well and is working devotedly to make sure that their clients end up with spaces that are unforgettable. www.d-art-design.de/en Top: adidas popup stores Above: Parador, Domotex 2012 Bottom: Electrolux AEG, IFA 2013

For any company, recognition for their hard work is a triumph. Recently D’art has received numerous awards for their

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Creating new space for health Main image: Ruhrlandklinik in Essen, exterior.

Above: Medical facilities Ruhrlandklinik Essen, Bronchology.

Plischke Lühring Architekten are specialists in health care architecture with projects across Germany.

Photos: Kilian C. Schulte TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD | PHOTOS: PLISCHKE LÜHRING ARCHITEKTEN

At the centre of Plischke Lühring Architekten's work are the people. For more than 30 years PL has worked in the field of health care architecture and design, which comprises planning and building space for patients that need medical treatment or therapy. Their goal is set on creating a healing atmosphere for patients and an efficient workplace for doctors and staff in the health sector, thus “creating new space for health”. The architecture firm is led by Armin Plischke and Norbert Lühring and employs about 50 highly experienced staff.

The head office is situated in Aachen, western Germany.

Over the last three decades PL has worked on about 60 different hospital projects. Some of them were new builds, planned and designed by PL from scratch, other projects involved reconstruction work while the hos-

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pital was still in operation - a demanding task which requires all of PL's experience and skills to ensure that the hospital's work is efficiently maintained. Communication is a key factor in their work, as can be seen in the rebuilding of the Ruhrlandklinik Essen, in western Germany. “We worked intensely with a highly qualified team of doctors in the field of pulmonology and were able to create two extremely high-performance treatment sections, a bronchology with a glass operating theatre and a weaning-station where patients learn to breathe independently again,” explains PL. “We are also very proud of the implemented colour and material scheme that helps to create a healing environment.”

PL are also very skilled when it comes to dealing with tasks that require specialist knowledge, such as work on forensic psy-

chiatry buildings. Besides incorporating all the relevant factors for health care architecture such as organisation, finances and creativity, this type of project also demands that the highest possible standard of treatment for the patients is maintained whilst guaranteeing maximum security for the general public. Giving attention to all parties involved to create new spaces for healththat is what PL's work is focused on. www.pl-architekten.de

Founders Norbert Lühring and Armin Plischke

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Anticlockwise, from left: Connect Wiesbaden HessenChemie Wiesbaden Infobox Wiesbaden New built Loft Frankfurt

Building for the future Planning in the light of sustainability g.s. architektur are a young, energetic planning office. Their buildings, whether residential, industrial or educational institutions, are sustainable and fit for the future.

The Infobox Wiesbaden, built as an information centre for the housing association GWW, is one of these projects. It is an experimental build that features a simple wooden structure finished in a breathable polyurethane lacquer. This unique, seamless facade was awarded the DesignPlus label and the acknowledgement of the German prize in wood construction.

TEXT: JULIKA HĂœTHER | PHOTOS: G.S. ARCHITEKTUR

Founded by Christoph Grabowski and Jan Spork in March 2005 in both Wiesbaden and Frankenberg, northern Hesse, simultaneously, g.s. architektur have grown into an office of 12 employees and architects. While the first projects were residential and industrial buildings in the vicinity of these locations, both their field of work and the geographical scope of the building sites have expanded, and now they are mainly found between Kassel and Stuttgart.

As a classical planning office, g.s. architektur have tackled projects from villas to housing complexes, offices to educational centres and as well as city planning. Many of their projects have been new builds. They also upgrade listed buildings, add storeys

and extensions, renovate and revitalise worn-out structures. "We see ourselves as all-rounders," says founder Jan Spork. Their current focal points are residential buildings, and educational institutions such as children’s nurseries and schools, as well as offices and pharmaceutical production plants.

To keep up with the current trends, both Grabowski and Spork regularly accept lectureships at the university Hochschule Rhein-Main. "Our main objective is to develop energy-effective builds, as we consider it important not only to meet Germany's high standards, but to plan projects that are fit for the future with regards to sustainability," Spork says.

Another project that highlights g.s. architektur's strengths is the office complex "HessenChemie" in Wiesbaden. It is an innovative open-plan office with super heatinsulating building components that enabled the team to beat the specifications of the energy conservation regulations by roughly 90 per cent. An acrylic glass mineral, the development of which was supported by g.s. architektur, was used here as a facade for the first time in Germany. g.s. architektur currently have many projects all over Germany in the works and are sure to continue with interesting and challenging projects in the future. www.gs-architektur.de

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Main image: Residential project in Weinheim

Architecture for all senses Wannenmacher + Möller make it happen Founded in 1955, award-winning architects Wannenmacher + Möller Ltd have grown continuously and become one of the largest architectural firms in the German region of Eastern Westphalia. A strong reputation for reliability, excellent project management and innovative design have gained them many returning clients over the years.

architectural, functional, ecological and economical issues. Apart from the planning and the on-site management of the building project, Wannenmacher + Möller offer to take over all aspects of the project management for their customers.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: WANNENMACHER + MÖLLER

When Gregor Wannenmacher started his architectural office 55 years ago, his field of expertise lay primarily in the realization of commercial and industrial buildings. Today, the Bielefeld-based office, with 30 employees, is run by second-generation Andreas Wannenmacher and Hans-Heinrich Möller.

Like Gregor, they are still experts in constructing and designing warehouses and factory outlets. However, by participating successfully in architectural competitions and thus getting new commissions throughout Europe, the architects have developed a versatile project portfolio ranging from public and residential buildings, office and retail facilities to interior design.

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Long-term customer relationships speak of mutual trust “With most of our clients we cooperate for decades. We are deeply rooted in the Eastern Westphalia region but we have the expert knowledge and resources to implement international projects too. Our long-term customers trusted us with the construction and realization of buildings in China, in Russia and USA,” explains Andreas Wannenmacher. Wannenmacher + Möller are constantly striving to create functional, sustainable and energy efficient solutions for their customers. At the heart of their services is the generation of detailed design solutions integrating all urban,

Their key to success: clever energy management and sophisticated design Energy saving is a great challenge. German architecture is famous for its high energy and climate standards. Wannenmacher + Möller use innovative concepts to reduce the transmission losses and energy con-

Industrial building in Werther (Westphalia)

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sumption in an efficient yet aesthetic way.

When constructing a new building, the planning of regenerative energy production by utilizing photovoltaic, solar thermal and geothermal technologies is regarded as a matter of course.

Wannenmacher + Möller are deeply aware of the responsibility architects have when creating new buildings. They take great care to fulfill what Andreas Wannenmacher calls their “social responsibility”: “We aim not only to satisfy the clients’ wishes. It is important for us that the building has an architectural quality for the surrounding area and that it improves the place where it is built.”The awards received from the Association of German Architects BDA testify that Wannenmacher + Möller execute this ambitious philosophy tremendously well.

Award-winning projects: the double sports hall in Bielefeld-Ubbedissen and the Möllmann residence In 2010, the architects from Bielefeld received the BDA Award Ostwestfalen Lippe for their excellent construction of a double sports hall for a primary school. Designed to appear as a plain glass cube from the outside, inside the building a well-proportioned and balanced staircase leads the visitor onto the upper floor into a remarkable walkway.

It separates the changing rooms from the hall and surprisingly serves as a gallery for spectators as well. At the ends of the gallery two large windows provide a view of the rural surroundings. The jury explains what made Wannenmacher + Möller’s sports hall the winning formula:“Here, architecture and design are combined to form an appropriate and exciting unity. The construction and the use of material are carried out to the very last detail with maximum precision. This project is an important contribution to the development of architecture.”

Another example of Wannenmacher + Möller’s unusual work is the Möllmann residence, a detached family house outside Bielefeld. It earned the architects a recognition from the BDA in 2007. Although on the outside the house includes formal references to regional traditions, the character of its interior is consistently modern. The architects limited the use of materials and colours to just a few, like Italian sandstone, white plaster, wood and glass, thus creating a soothing calmness of the rooms.

“People are in the focus of all our planning and that is why we pay special attention to the room quality,” explains Andreas Wannenmacher. “Rooms are supposed to radiate an atmosphere which benefits the wellbeing of the people in it, whether they live or work in that place. The choice of colours

Above: Möllmann residence

and materials and the room shape should be pleasant to all senses. Only then is the optimal living comfort guaranteed.”

This year Wannenmacher + Möller will exhibit at the Biennale de Architetura 2014 in Venice for the first time. www.wannenmacher-moeller.de

From lef to right: Schüco Technology Centre in Bielefeld. Conference room, Schüco Technology Centre in Bielefeld. Multifunctional sports hall in Bielefeld.

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Creative Germany 2014

Jäger & Jäger

Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation. Corporate Design, Key Visual/imagery

European design agency of the year “A company is far more than an abstract notion,” begins Regina Jäger, one half of jäger & jäger, “they are comprised of people, and these people want to reach their target market, who are also humans.” Bridging the gap between these entities is where jäger & jäger come in.

proved that creative communication is more effective and costs less, “so success is a result of creativity, not budget,” she rounds off triumphantly.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: DIEGO CERVO/ISTOCK/BONTEMPO OHG/U.A

How do jäger & jäger see their future?

Constant, rapid technological developments ensure that their work never gets boring, says Regina, and the pair see themselves as trend-setters, “mentally positioned in the future.”

The company, founded in 1998 by Olaf and Regina Jäger are certainly doing something right: over 100 international awards in the last five years, and the stand-out winner of the 2013 European Design Agency of the Year. As far as awards go, this agency has them in abundance. So what is the secret behind their success?

“The unerring intensity with which we take on a project. The constant questioning and search for improvement, the knowledge that whatever we do this time can be improved upon next time,” says Regina fervently.

Long-term projects in which jäger & jäger are involved in from the get-go are the ones which they are most proud of, “being involved in the decision-making process and helping to shape the direction” gives them unsurmountable satisfaction, and continued collaboration allows for them to develop and enhance the communication strategies over and over again, hence their motto “the best is yet to come.”

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Not content purely designing 2D brand and corporate communication, their portfolio is also testament to their artistic innovation, which has seen them tackle permanent exhibition spaces and museums.

This leap into conceptually designing a space poses new challenges for the whole team, and naturally they thrive on change, considering it “an exciting aspect of our profession.”

Knowing that a company has exceeded its communication aims is proof of a successful project, and jäger & jäger’s back catalogue is a veritable gold mine of well thought-out, efficient, surprising at times, entertaining and ambitious projects.

“Trends come and go; we have to distinwww.jaegerundjaeger.de guish whether they represent a significant or a brief change in the tide. Design needs to account for both – on the surface it must be current, while its core must be timeless.”

Regina lays out some recent research Left: Shop Systems. Project sketch book. Right: RBB. Branding Ultraschall Berlin which has

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Creative Germany 2014

Main image: Pavilion villa in Bavaria, southern aspect. Photo: Werner Huthmacher Above: Pavilion villa in Bavaria, salon foyer.

Photo: Roland Halbe

Modern architecture inspired by the principles of Italian Renaissance Weber + Hummel turn clients into friends with their two decades of experience and the philosophical approach they bring to their work.

TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD | PHOTOS: WEBER+HUMMEL

Useful, durable and beautiful: the three primarily principles that guided the famous 16th century Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio when creating his magnificent architecture that still inspires people today. These principles are also the guidelines for the work of his spiritual successors Weber + Hummel, architects in Stuttgart, southern Germany. “We are not interested in 'architectural fireworks' or short-lived gags,” explains Günter Weber, one of the two partners of the architecture firm. “Besides the place and the function, which are decisive factors for our design, especially important to our work is also the correlation between inside and outside and the rooms' choreography.”

Founded in 1991 by Günter Weber and Joachim Hummel, the architecture firm sees itself as an “architecture manufacturer” offering a broad spectrum of services within a holistic approach to the planning and build-

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ing process, taking pride in completing each project by “handing over the house keys.”

Weber + Hummel has experience in working on projects in different areas such as living, health, the catering and retail industry, banks and insurance buildings, as well as public buildings. “We have grown very fond of a lot of our projects over the years,” explains Günter,“and we are happy to have made friends with some of our former clients and now visit their homes - which we helped plan and build - as guests.”

One particular project Weber + Hummel are very proud of is the pavilion villa in Bavaria. “We were able to accompany the project from the initial draft up to the interior design and were thus able implement our ideas of a holistic planning process.”

While Weber + Hummel mainly work in southern Germany, it looks as if Palladio's principles may be brought as far as the Indian Ocean. Last year, Weber + Hummel received an inquiry about the planning of a villa on the island of La Réunion and would be very excited if this project came about. www.weber-hummel.de Below, left: Residential project. Leben auf der Donauinsel, Neu-Ulm. Below, right: Villa in the Saarland, northern aspect.

Discover Germany | Culture | Germany divided at the British Museum

Partisan (‘Partisan’), 1965, Georg Baselitz (b.1938), yellow ochre gouache, grey wash, charcoal, graphite, white and pink pastel on paper. Presented to the British Museum by Count Christian Duerckheim. Reproduced by permission of the artist. © Georg Baselitz

Fliegender Adler (‘Flying Eagle’), 1977, Georg Baselitz (b.1938), Linocut additions in grey, red and yellow oil paint on paper. Presented to the British Museum by Count Christian Duerckheim. Reproduced by permission of the artist. © Georg Baselitz

MONUMENT – dithyrambisch (‘MONUMENT – dithyrambic’), 1976, Markus Lüpertz (b.1941), gouache, ink and oil pastel on brown packing paper. Presented to the British Museum by Count Christian Duerckheim. © Markus Lüpertz/DACS 2013

Germany divided at the British Museum An extraordinary collection of modern German drawings The British Museum is delighted to announce a very generous gift of 34 important works on paper by 20th-century German artists to the collection. The works have been given by Count Christian Duerckheim who holds one of the world’s finest private collections of contemporary German and English art.

The British Museum, Great Court

TEXT & PHOTOS: THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Count Duerckheim has presented the Museum with key works by Georg Baselitz, Markus Lüpertz, Blinky Palermo, A.R. Penck, Sigmar Polke and Gerhard Richter.The gift, plus an additional loan of around 60 prints and drawings from the Duerckheim collection, are on display at the British Museum from 6 February to 31 August 2014.

important examples by Richter, including his Pin-up and Installation drawings, the characteristic Ice Age meets cybernetics stick-figures of Penck, as well as sculptural drawings by Lüpertz and Palermo, and a drawing and sketchbook by Polke satirizing the ‘economic miracle’ of post-war reconstruction in West Germany.

The gift includes a group of eleven drawings by Baselitz from 1960 to the late 1970s, together with prints from the same period.

They cover the principal phases of his career from the Pandemonium drawings of the early 1960s, the development of his ironic‘Heroes’in the mid-1960s, the subsequent fracturing of his motifs to the eventual inversion of the motif from the late 1960s. While the seventeen works by Baselitz form half of the gift, there are also

The donation completely transforms the Museum’s holdings of German post-war graphic art. Prior to this the Museum had only one drawing by Baselitz, for example, and no drawings by any of the other artists in the gift, with the exception of Richter.

The gift is an important milestone in the Museum’s collection of German graphic art and enables the story of post-war German art to be told.

Germany divided: BASELITZ AND HIS GENERATION From the Duerckheim collection 6 February – 31 August 2014 Room 90, The British Museum, London Opening hours: 10.00 - 17.30 Saturday to Thursday 10.00 - 20.30 Fridays

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Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier

Build bold and don’t bother For anyone who thinks Germans belong to a very conventional and traditional nation (some do), think again. Take architecture, for example. While it took Zaha Hadid a long time to get anything built in the UK (or anywhere else for that matter), despite being based in London, Germany embraced her vision early on.

TEXT: BARBARA GEIER

In 1993, the Vitra Fire Station in Weil am Rhein, commissioned by Vitra chairman Rolf Fehlbaum, formed her breakthrough moment. Until then, none of her designs had actually been built. Too futuristic, too cutting-edge, too bold, too radical? Well, not for Germans, apparently.

There’s more of Hadid to be found in Germany, such as the Phaeno Science Center in Wolfsburg or the BMW Central Building in Leipzig. And she is not the only architect to find very fertile grounds on German soil.

The country is something of a playground for the world’s best architects, in particular when it comes to museums. Which pays, since many of the buildings drawn up by the likes of Frank Gehry or Daniel Libeskind have become as much of an attraction as the content displayed in them. Clever, isn’t it? Especially because some of them are in towns that rank among the country’s lesser known destinations.

A few years ago, for example, a Museum and Architecture Route was established that takes design buffs on a road trip past six museums in Osnabrück (ever heard of

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it?), Bielefeld (best known for an iconic conspiracy theory that it doesn’t really exist, more about that another time), Herford (another question mark, probably), Berlin (ok, had to be on the list), and Wolfsburg (hooray, we know that one, home of Volkswagen). In this line-up, the FelixNussbaum-Haus (Daniel Libeskind), Kunsthalle Bielefeld (Philip Johnson), MARTa Herford (Frank Gehry), Jewish Museum Berlin (Daniel Libeskind), the annex to the Historical Museum Berlin (I. M. Pei) and Phaeno Science Centre are all spectacular eye-catchers, one way or the other and like it or not. Be it the spacecraft-esque Phaeno building or the contemporary art museum MARTa which looks like something, well, dropped from outer space, too, if you’re keen on seeing something unlike anything else, you’ll know where to go now. And if anyone is after a lesson out of all this, it could perhaps be: be bold, build stuff and don’t be too bothered about what other people think.

Barbara Geier is a London-based freelance writer, translator and communications consultant. She is also the face behind ww.germanyiswunderbar.com, a German travel and tourism guide and blog that was set up together with UK travel writer Andrew Eames in 2010.

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