Volume 6. Issue 10. October 2012 Rs. 25/-
THE
INSIDE TRACK CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in
Cover Story
I
n today’s hectic world where people yearn for serenity and simplicity, Axor and Philippe Starck are revolutionising the use of the vital element water. They have focused on the basics, elementary forms, a clear function and a simple effect. The result is a timeless bathroom collection that will never go out of fashion. The essence of this new bathroom
Designer Philippe Starck
collection is contained in its organic minimalist design and a highly sensual water experience. The name Axor Starck Organic stands not only for the collection’s design and responsible use of water and energy but also points to its sustainable aspects.
Hansgrohe’s ‘Organic’ Winner
The Axor Starck Organic collection by Hansgrohe combines the harmony of head and heart with a unique way of handling water responsibly. The Axor Starck Organic collection, launched by German major Hansgrohe is extremely versatile and blends in harmoniously in different bathroom environments. The combination of organically shaped and geometric elements goes really well in a sensual bathroom; it matches excerpts from the natural world and combines intelligent functions and ecological value. The collection consists of more than 40 products, covering all areas of the bathroom. The range is also complemented with a wide range of accessories. Philippe Starck has concentrated solely on the essential when it comes to the design. Thus, the mixers are stripped of anything unnecessary; the handles visually blend in with the mixer bodies and are ergonomically shaped. continued on page 2
Dr. Nicholas Matten, Sales Director Western Asia, Japan & Oceania, Hansgrohe
Dr. Nicholas Matten, Sales Director of Hansgrohe India, shares his views on the Axor Starck collection in an exclusive interview with The Inside Track. It has been almost 20 years since Hansgrohe first collaborated with Phillipe Starck, can you tell us more about this unique partnership?
The organic-minimal design gives the collection an exciting, powerful and sculptural immediacy
When Axor introduced the first products designed by Starck in 1994, the initial market
responses were mixed. Nobody imagined that the collections would have such a positive response for over more than two decades. I believe it is Starck’s ability to continue to think the unthinkable and challenge our engineers when creating new products. The approach is not to design around what is available but to create what is needed as a result of the design. This requires vision, a special spirit on all sides, a great understanding of and for each other - and courage and willingness to take risks. Companies without the necessar y engineering and manufacturing skills and companies only focussed on short-term results could never had built the same relationship as the one between Philippe Starck and Hansgrohe. The Axor Starck Organic collection was an outcome of three years of development, what makes this collection so special? First of all, the design is something very special, the power of nature captured in a sculptured product with absolute precision that impresses. And, if you take a close look at the history of the Axor Starck designs, you can find the heritage of the first mixer series in the latest collection, continued on page 24