Inspired by Bauhaus, realized by Metallbude
Bärbel Franz is a space developer and designer. However, her real passion is furniture design. With the hanging console SION, a design of hers is now included in the range of
Bärbel, you started studying interior architecture at the age of 47, successfully completed it at 51, and most recently at 53 – also successfully – participated in our Design Contest. Where does the passion for this subject come from?
"I've always had a knack for design.Even as a child, I was very creative, painted a lot, and spent a lot of time in my grandfather's carpentry workshop. However, I chose a different professional path and studied teaching after graduating from high school. At some point, I started painting and painted very intensively for ten years and also exhibited - mainly larger formats, acrylic on canvas. The topic of interior design and furnishing was always present and had interested me for a long time. The idea of doing it professionally came up when we slightly remodeled and redesigned our house. By nature, I am the type of person who dislikes doing things by halves and prefers to tackle things properly."Therefore, six years ago I decided to give my dream a solid foundation by studying, in order to also get to know the basics of architecture and design"
With your submitted design, the SION hanging console, you have won the competition as the first place. The shelf joins the existing range of
"At the moment there are many styles. From individual style mix, touched by Boho or Retro, to Minimalism. I believe that a clear, reduced design fits into any room and any style and can be excellently combined with everything.Beauty often lies in simplicity, and a clear form speaks for itself and doesn't need much to make an impact. I think that SION, with its simplicity, is a timeless piece of furniture. Especially through the use of metal, the console can be made very delicate, giving it a floating lightness that is unobtrusive and fits in anywhere."
We imagine the year 2050 and make a prediction: What importance will designer furniture have in the industry? What about in living and human life? What requirements will furniture need to meet?
"Sustainability is of course a big topic right now. Especially whenever something is produced and bought. Resources must be conserved so that the Earth can continue to function.The trend of 'always more, always cheaper' simply no longer fits the times. A piece of furniture must be durable. For this, it is important that it has a certain quality and functionality, ideally even ergonomic. Then you can and want to use it longer. This can be seen, for example, in the classics from the 1950s or even those from the Bauhaus era. These pieces of furniture are still current and are being produced. Even the designers back then worked on the principle that good design must be combined with quality and functionality. And from this, heirlooms are even created eventually."
