Discover Germany, Issue 117, May 2024

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THE MAGAZINE PROMOTING GERMANY, SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA THE MAGAZINE PROMOTING GERMANY, SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA Issue 117 | May 2024 PLUS FOCUS ON DESIGN AND INNOVATION SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS BUSINESS COACHING AND TRAINING DESIGN, CULTURE, TRAVEL & MORE TOP AUTHENTIC TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN THE MOUNTAINS A BOUNDLESS MUSIC EXPERIENCE HAMBURG’S ELBPHILHARMONIE
MONKEYWAY is a Munich based consulting agency with the expertise to lead, deliver and support real-time 3D projects like online configurators and virtual immersive experiences. monkeyway.com CONSULTING STREAMING & SUPPORT OF CLOUD BASED 3D APPLICATIONS

Dear Reader,

Have you ever been to Hamburg? If you have, chances are that you’ve seen the impressive Elbphilharmonie building. In the flow of the Elbe and surrounded on three sides by water, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg is a centre of attraction for all who live in Hamburg as well as for visitors from all over the world. The spectacular landmark houses two concert halls, a large music education area, a range of places to eat and drink, a hotel and a public Plaza, which offers visitors an unparalleled panoramic view over the entire city. In our cover story, we take a closer look at the build, the architecture, and what makes listening to music here so very special. After reading it, Hamburg will surely be on your travel list.

Other topics covered in our latest issue are an interview with Austrian-Australian actress Jana McKinnon, a closer look at authentic travel experiences in the mountains, and Germany’s track record when it comes to renewable energies. In late 2023, for the

first time ever, renewable energy sources covered the majority of electricity consumption in Germany. We find out what this means for the country’s future.

Other topics covered are top hotels, great events not to be missed in May, business coaches and seminars, top franchise companies, a special focus on design, innovation and progress, as well as sustainable energy systems.

Sit back, relax and thanks for reading!

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 3
50 Editor’s Note  | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria

Contents

MAY 2024

COVER FEATURE

64 ELBPHILHARMONIE HAMBURG: SPECTACULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR A BOUNDLESS MUSIC EXPERIENCE

In the flow of the Elbe and surrounded on three sides by water, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg is a centre of attraction for visitors from all over the world. Since its opening, it has become a spectacular landmark, offering unprecedented music experiences and unparalleled views.

SPECIAL THEMES

14 A SPECIAL FOCUS ON DESIGN, INNOVATION AND PROGRESS

For some more lifestyle and design inspiration for the new year, read this special theme and meet some inspiring companies and their products.

84 SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

As we look towards the future, sustainability becomes increasingly important. Many companies have already dedicated their doings to the sustainable energy sector and environmental causes. We present some of them on the following pages.

86 TOP FRANCHISE COMPANIES

The franchise sector is booming. Let’s take a closer look at the top franchise companies within the DACH region and see how they work.

90 BUSINESS COACHING, TRAINING AND SEMINARS

Looking to take your business or your personal skills to the next level? Choosing one of these coaching or consulting experts might just do the trick.

FEATURES

50 TOP SWISS WATCH BRANDS

Swiss watches have been on the international market since the Renaissance era. Travel writer Cornelia Brelowski finds out more.

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64

55 AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES IN THE MOUNTAINS

Deepening one's knowledge of the culture, traditions and customs of the holiday destination will add value, enrichment, and emotions to one’s travel experience. In Alta Badia, in the heart of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, traditions are still lived every day. With the help of local ambassadors, visitors can experience authentic experiences in the area – just like a local.

60 “IT IS SUCH A MASSIVE COMMUNAL EFFORT TO MAKE MOVIES”

Having been brought up between Australia and Austria, actress Jana McKinnon has recently played the lead role in Helena Hufnagel’s Silver which was released on Prime Video. Here, she talks about the meaning of home, her latest projects, and more.

70 TOP HOTEL

Unique scenery, breathtaking hills and an exceptional location: Guests at the luxury. Resort Collina d’Oro can look forward to all this – and much more.

80 ON TRACK TO A BETTER FUTURE

In late 2023, for the first time ever, renewable energy sources covered the majority of electricity consumption in Germany. What does it mean for the country’s future?

REGULARS & COLUMNS

8 DEDICATED TO DESIGN

Whether you are searching for trendy interior items or unique fashion pieces, be sure to take a look at our Design section.

54 WINE COLUMN

This month, the managing director of The WineBarn, a multi-award-winning wine merchant, runs us through their Annual Portfolio Tastings in Oxford and Cambridge.

64 TRAVEL

Hotels, destinations and things to do – our Travel section gives you some much-needed travel inspiration.

74 BUSINESS

From architects to real estate partners, our business section takes a closer look at businesses from across the DACH region.

94 CULTURE CALENDAR

Discover Germany, Austria & Switzerland’s Culture Calendar is your perfect guide to what not to miss in May.

97 SECRET BERLIN COLUMN

This month, long-term Berlin resident Cornelia Brelowski writes about the famous Mauerpark.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 5 Contents  | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
55

Fashion Finds

Since 2009, the Austrian designer Lena Hoschek has combined traditional styles with contemporary takes. A closeness to nature, a sense of home and the highest quality form the cornerstones of the collections. A romantic walk through Mediterranean landscapes probably best describes the Lena Hoschek Tradition Spring/Summer Collection of 2024. Faded, antique frescoes and delicate meadow flowers served as a source of inspiration and allow the traditional costume line to bloom in soft pastel colours.

EDITOR’S PICKS I PRESS IMAGES BY AIDA

Magnificent floral prints are always in style and give every piece of clothing an airy, light summer freshness. The ‘Elouise’ midi corset dress’s print reminds us of whimsical wildflowers and warm summer nights. £655. www.lenahoschek.com

If you need a dirndl blouse, make it the ‘St. Gilgen’ model. Its timeless silhouette goes as much with a dirndl as with a pair of high-rise jeans. In short: A high-quality staple not to be missed from your wardrobe. £300. www.lenahoschek.com

A playful, yet chic item from Lena Hoschek’s latest collection is the 'Gretl’ dress. Playful ribbon decorations, small flowers, and a fresh green colour make it the perfect summer companion and an epitome of playfulness and tradition. £506. www.lenahoschek.com

Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Design  | Fashion Finds

This corset-skirt mix combines a robust linen bodice with a soft cotton skirt – a harmonious combination perfect for summer. Corset ‘Josephine’ £386, maxi skirt ‘Maeve’ £480. www.lenahoschek.com

For those summer nights that are slightly cooler, wrap the traditional ‘Franz Josef’ jacket around you. It will keep you warm and, with its super feminine cut, looks absolutely beautiful. £334. www.lenahoschek.com

If you’re looking for a somewhat more traditional fit, choose one of Lena Hoschek’s gorgeous dirndl dresses. The ‘Augusta’ dirndl sports a fresh floral print with fresh green and rose colours. From £986. www.lenahoschek.com

Fashion Finds |  Design | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria

Dedicated to Design

Do you want to create the perfect cosy inviting home that radiates timeless charm? Look no further. Here, we have compiled some great heritage-style interior items that will help bring the ‘Heritage Style’ interior trend to life. Add some carefully selected antiques and your home will transform into a cosy haven of peace and style.

EDITOR’S PICKS I PHOTO: PRESS LOFT

The good old days are returning to you with the Heritage series by Retrobad. Here, their stylish double wash basin is combined with a timeless black and white colour scheme. Wash basin £1,160. www.retrobad-shop.de

The Sanja stripe linen armchair makes an elegant addition to any living space. The striped design is both subtle and timeless and the chair’s curved tub shape makes it exceptionally comfortable. £895. www.nkuku.com

Looking for a loveseat that stands out? Ercol’s Heritage Loveseat is a great choice. It comes upholstered and in a timeless black colour. £644. www.ercol.com

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This vintage majolica jug is a wonderful blush apple with a branch forming the handle and leaves the spout. A pretty pink apple blossom sits on the handle and the whole jug is beautifully hand-decorated. £64.99. www.vintagepieces.co.uk

meets artistic originality. Handcrafted from

the enduring allure of

£34 for one plate. www.katiefischer.de

Lighten up your space with this timeless and chic antler eight-light pendant which is handpainted in a highland rustic finish with bronze metalwork. Made to order and supplied fully assembled on an out of gauge pallet. £1,299 www.cotterellandco.com

different

www.katiefischer.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 9 Design | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Enhance your interior with this sculptural black marble bowl by German home décor brand Katie Fischer. It is available in two sizes – 15cm and 20cm. From £103. Timeless elegance ceramic, these plates from Katie Fischer’s Rinka Collection are a testament to Japanese craftsmanship.

TRAVELLING MADE EASY WITH TRAVELITE

An important aspect of travelling is the right luggage. And that means not just size or design, but also quality, functionality and durability.

travelite celebrates an anniversary! Ownermanaged and family-run in the fourth generation, the well-established Hamburg-based company has been designing high-quality luggage solutions for 75 years.

“Travelling is not only about reaching your destination, but also about the journey itself,” says Marketing Director Oliver Gruber. “With our products, holiday makers and business travellers can enjoy their planned adventures with peace of mind, as our products are not only very light, but also functional and durable.”

The travelite range includes a wide selection of suitcases, travel bags and backpacks that have been developed with great attention to detail and with the needs of travellers in mind. The focus is not only on functionality and style, but also on sustainability and, above all, the quality of the products, as Gruber points out: “Our product range is distinguished by its reliability and durability - two features that we also guarantee by designing our products for maximum repairability. We

keep a large number of spare parts in stock so that in the event of damage we have a high probability of being able to repair the product in question. This also contributes to customer satisfaction and the sustainability of our products.”

Product lines such as the Next-series launched in 2020, are representative of the travelite brand. The aluminium suitcases not only impress with their elegant appearance, but also with the typical travelite quality: The use of high-quality aluminium reliably pro-

tects the contents of the suitcase while also making it a real eye-catcher.

Large, manoeuvrable wheels ensure easy handling and the TSA combination lock keeps the suitcases securely locked. The functional interior organisation of Next-suitcases makes packing easier and keeps contents safe.

And there is another important argument in favour of Next: “Thanks to the fair prices of our Next suitcases, we take aluminium case out of the premium segment and make the design affordable for all,” says Gruber.

“The series also scores with a practical extra: One of Next’s S-cases is the world's first aluminium model with a soft front pocket. Made from an elegant, robust fabric, it features a zip and two slip pockets as well as two well-padded compartments, e.g. for a laptop or tablet,” concludes the marketing manager.

With innovations like this, travelite is making travelling easier than ever!

www.travelite.com/en

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TEXT: SILKE HENKELE  I PHOTOS: © FLORIAN BISON 2024

TRAVELITE ERLEICHTERT DAS REISEN

Ein wichtiger Aspekt beim Reisen ist das richtige Gepäck. Hier kommt es nicht nur auf die richtige Größe oder das Aussehen an, sondern auch auf die Qualität, Funktionalität und Robustheit.

travelite feiert Firmenjubiläum! Seit mittlerweile 75 Jahren entwirft das in vierter Generation inhabergeführte Hamburger Traditionsunternehmen hochwertige Gepäcklösungen.

„Beim Reisen geht es nicht nur darum, sein Ziel zu erreichen, sondern auch um die Reise selbst”, weiß Marketingleitung Oliver Gruber. „Mit unseren Produkten können Urlauber und Geschäftsreisende ihre geplanten Abenteuer unbeschwert genießen, da unsere Produkte nicht nur besonders leicht, sondern auch funktional und langlebig sind.”

Das Sortiment von travelite umfasst eine breite Auswahl an Koffern, Reisetaschen und Rucksäcken, die mit viel Liebe zum Detail und mit Blick auf die Bedürfnisse von Reisenden entwickelt wurden. Dabei stehen nicht nur Funktionalität und Stil, sondern auch Nachhaltigkeit und, allem voran, die Qualität der Produkte im Vordergrund, wie Gruber hervorhebt: „Unser Sortiment besticht durch Zuverlässigkeit und Langlebigkeit - zwei Punkte, die wir auch dadurch gewährleisten, dass wir unsere Produkte auf maximale Reparierbarkeit auslegen. Viele Ersatzteile haben wir auf Lager, so

dass wir im Falle eines Schadens mit einer hohen Wahrscheinlichkeit das jeweilige Produkt reparieren können. Auch das ist ein Beitrag zur Zufriedenheit unserer Kunden und zur Nachhaltigkeit unserer Produkte.”

Produktlinien wie die 2020 eingeführte Serie Next stehen stellvertretend für travelite. Die Aluminiumkoffer bestechen nicht nur durch ihr elegantes Aussehen, sondern auch durch die für travelite typische Qualität: Die Verwendung hochwertigen Aluminiums schützt den Kofferinhalt zuverlässig und macht ihn zudem zu einem echten Hingucker.

Große, wendige Rollen garantieren das leichte Handling der Koffer, das TSA-Kombinationsschloss verschließt ihn sicher. Die funktionale Inneneinteilung der Next-Koffer erleichtert das Packen und fixiert den Inhalt.

Und noch ein wichtiges Argument spricht für Next: „Mit den fairen Preisen unserer NextKoffer holen wir den Aluminiumkoffer aus dem Premiumsegment, und machen das Design für alle erschwinglich”, unterstreicht Gruber. „Zusätzlich punktet die Serie mit einem prak-

tischen Extra: einer der S-Koffer der Next-Reihe ist weltweit das erste Alumodell mit einer weichen Vortasche. In dieser Vortasche aus elegantem, robusten Gewebestoff befinden sich neben einem Reißverschlussfach und zwei Stecktaschen auch zwei gut gepolsterte Fächer, zum Beispiel für ein Laptop oder Tablet”, schließt der Marketingleiter.

Und wieder einmal macht travelite mit Innovationen wie dieser das Reisen so einfach wie nie!

www.travelite.com/de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 11 travelite  |  Design | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria

NATURE LOVE:

AUS LIEBE ZU GESUNDEM LEBEN

Gesund leben heißt längst nicht mehr nur, sich viel und ausreichend zu bewegen. Eine ausgewogene und gesunde Ernährung gehört heute ganz selbstverständlich zu einem gesunden Lifestyle.

Nachdem Frank Spiegel mit den Folgen eines Nährstoffmangels zu kämpfen hatte, wollte er seine Ernährung umstellen. Als er sich auf dem Markt für Nahrungsergänzungsmittel umsah, stellte er jedoch schnell fest, dass es äußerst schwierig war, ein natürliches Nahrungsergänzungsmittel ohne unnötige Zusatzstoffe wie Aromen oder Trennmittel zu finden. Solchermaßen ernüchtert, beschloss er, selbst aktiv zu werden. Er begann zu recherchieren, arbeitete sich in das Thema ein und gründete im Jahr 2016 mit Nature Love eine Marke für hochwertige, bioverfügbare und natürliche Nahrungsergänzungsmittel für einen bewussten und gesunden Lebensstil.

Wo steht Nature Love heute?

DIE KRAFT DER NATÜRLICHKEIT

„Die Kraft unserer Produkte liegt in der Kraft der Natur – darauf sind wir stolz”, betont Communications Director Nicola Hannappel. „Mit

unserem Leitgedanken ‚Liebe die Kraft der Natürlichkeit’ verfolgen wir mit Nature Love einen Ansatz, der auf dem Markt der Nahrungsergänzungsmittel ein absolutes Novum ist. Wo andere Hersteller unnötige, unnatürliche Zusatzstoffe verwenden, setzen wir ganz auf die Kraft der Natur. Vitamine, Mineralstoffe, Pflanzenextrakte, bei Nature Love ist alles so natürlich wie möglich. Am liebsten verwenden wir pflanzliche Inhaltsstoffe aus biologischem Anbau. Je mehr Natur, desto besser!”

Dieser Anspruch überzeugt Millionen zufriedener Kund:innen, denn mittlerweile kennt jede/r vierte Deutsche die Lifestylemarke Nature Love. Mit ihrem Fokus auf Natürlichkeit trifft Nature Love den Nerv derer, die einen aktiven, gesunden und bewussten Lebensstil pflegen - und schafft es so, nicht nur die Zielgruppe zu mobilisieren, die sich ohnehin für Nahrungsergänzungsmittel interessiert, sondern auch die Generation, die sich bisher eher weniger für das Thema begeistern konnte.

Ein weiterer Aspekt, der die Produkte von Nature Love auszeichnet, ist ihre Qualität. „Wir haben einen sehr hohen Qualitätsanspruch an unsere Produkte”, bestätigt Hannappel. „Wir lassen jeden neuen Rohstoff und jede einzelne Charge von einem unabhängigen deutschen Labor prüfen. Eine absolute Seltenheit im Bereich der Nahrungsergänzungsmittel. Für uns und unseren Anspruch, nur beste Qualität zu liefern, aber unerlässlich und selbstverständlich.”

Zahlreiche Auszeichnungen, zum Beispiel vom Verbraucherportal vergleich.org oder

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TEXT: SILKE HENKELE | PHOTOS: NATSANA GMBH

der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Verbraucherstudien, unterstreichen die hervorragende Qualität der Produkte von Nature Love. Zudem wurden die Produkte Bio Ashwagandha und Bio Bittertropfen gerade von der Zeitschrift Brigitte zu den Testsiegern eines groß angelegten Tests über Nahrungsergänzungsmittel gekürt.

SOZIALE VERANTWORTUNG UND NACHHALTIGKEIT

Bei der Auswahl der Rohstoffe überlässt Nature Love nichts dem Zufall. „Die Qualität unserer Produkte steht immer im Mittelpunkt! Wenn wir den besten Rohstoff für ein Produkt gefunden haben, versuchen wir, diesen aus heimischer Produktion zu beziehen. So stammt das Vitamin C in unseren Produkten beispielsweise aus heimischen Hagebutten. Andere Rohstoffe hingegen sind auf dem heimischen oder europäischen Markt nicht erhältlich oder entsprechen nicht unseren hohen Qualitätsstandards. Das Pulver der Macaknolle beziehen wir beispielsweise aus Peru, das Acerolapulver aus Brasilien.”

Lange Wege bleiben also auch bei Nature Love nicht aus. Wie löst Nature Love diesen scheinbaren Widerspruch zwischen Nachhaltigkeitsanspruch und Rohstoffen mit langen Lieferwegen? „Das Thema Nachhaltigkeit bedeutet für uns nicht nur Umweltschutz, sondern wird von uns viel weiter und vor allem ganzheitlich interpretiert. Nachhaltigkeit beinhaltet für uns auch unsere eigene soziale Verantwortung und damit das Wohlergehen aller Beteiligten. Dabei orientieren wir uns an den Kriterien des ZNU für eine nachhal-

tige Unternehmensführung. So sind unsere Produkte und Prozesse nicht nur umwelt-, sondern auch sozialverträglich. Wir bezahlen unsere Lieferant:innen fair, fördern lokale Gemeinschaften und pflegen einen respektvollen Umgang mit den Produzent:innen unserer Rohstoffe”, klärt Hannappel auf.

„So wollen wir unseren Bekanntheitsgrad nutzen und Trendsetter für nachhaltigere Nahrungsergänzungsmittel sein. Unsere ökologische, soziale und wirtschaftliche Verantwortung beeinflusst unser Handeln, und durch die bewusste Stärkung sozialer und wirtschaftlicher Themen reduzieren wir mögliche negative Auswirkungen unseres Handelns”, unterstreicht die Communications Directorin.

DIE PRODUKTE

Das Sortiment von Nature Love ist umfangreich und deckt Themen wie Immunsystem,

Schönheit oder Verdauung und Stoffwechsel ab. Hier den Überblick zu behalten, kann für die Verbraucher:innen zur Herausforderung werden. Mit dem Produktassistenten auf der Homepage ist es jedoch ein Leichtes, mit wenigen Klicks das passende Produkt zu finden. Weitere Informationen rund um die Themen Ernährung und Nahrungsergänzung bietet das informative Onlinemagazin von Nature Love.

Fans von Nature Love freuen sich schon jetzt auf die Erweiterung des Sortiments. „Sehr bald werden wir unsere eigene Kosmetiklinie auf den Markt bringen”, verspricht Hannappel. „Die Kosmetikprodukte werden zu 100% natürlichen Ursprungs und COSMOS-zertifiziert sein und Rohstoffe aus biologischem Anbau enthalten. Nature Love bedeutet dann Schönheit und Wohlbefinden pur - von innen und von außen.”

www.nature-love.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 13 Nature Love |  Design | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria

SPECIAL THEME: A SPECIAL FOCUS ON DESIGN, INNOVATION AND PROGRESS

Design trends of 2024

For some more lifestyle and design inspiration for the new year, read the following special theme and meet some inspiring companies and their products.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF,

Photo: Unsplash Photo: Unsplash

But before that, let’s take a look at some core interior trends for 2024. After all, each season usually brings with it different decoration trends for one’s own four walls, and it’s always exciting to see what designers and consumers think our interior spaces should look like. Generally speaking, it looks like touchscreens, unwelcoming light and cold interiors are ‘out’, while cosy, warm spaces are ‘in’. Meanwhile, there are three themes that show no signs of waning in popularity: wellbeing, comfort and sustainability.

1. DARK ACADEMIA

Inspired by classic literature, collegiate settings, and a touch of mystery, the dark academia aesthetic seamlessly blends sophistication with a hint of nostalgia, making it a timeless style that remains a firm favourite year after year during the cooler months. Vintage-inspired accessories, moody colour palettes and rich furnishings all work in tandem to help us weave the classic charm of academia into our space.

2. SCANDI NATURALS

The trend has been around for years and is clearly here to stay. Cool and minimalist, as well as cosy and cocooning Scandi-inspired

designs are coined by warm neutral colours this year. While interior designers seem to move away from grey tones, they embrace offwhites, taupes and earthy beiges. The colours have become a firm favourite within the world of interior design thanks to their ability to create a calming, tranquil ambience throughout the home (and the fact that they complement virtually every colour combination you might have in mind). Combine with natural materials and modest decoration and you’ll create a calming, yet stylish space.

3. PATTERNS: THE WILDER THE BETTER

Liven up your home in 2024 with vibrant patterns and daring prints. Though they may seem intimidating, there are countless ways to experiment and incorporate some playful yet stylish designs into your space. Add a statement piece to elevate your workspace or mix and match bold patterns to create a maximalist paradise.

4. METALS

One trend that has already been big through 2023 is metal interiors. In the past, some might have declared you gauche had you mixed different metallics, but today, more and more interior designers are proving that this

can indeed be very stylish. While cool metallic tones like silver or steel bring a modern aesthetic to your living space, warmer tones like gold, rose gold or brass are more glamorous and inviting. Dare to mix both and you’re sure to get a unique look that is most definitely going to be trendy in 2024.

5. JAPAN-INSPIRED

This year, our interiors get the Japanese overhaul. Several big retailers have sported rich silk textures, bird motifs, oriental prints and structured furniture shapes in recent months. You will love this trend that combines elegant Japanese minimalism and rustic Scandinavian simplicity if you’re a fan of ‘less is more’, uncluttered spaces, clear lines and calm colours.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 15 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Photo: © www.idyllhome.co.uk Photo: © www.covethouse.eu Photo: © www.nedgis.com Photo: Cotterell & Co

ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE NOURI-SCHELLINGER: A PASSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Architectural Office Nouri-Schellinger focuses on combining traditional construction techniques with innovative, sustainable solutions, while keeping an eye on the balance between functionality and aesthetics.

After formative years of studies in both Tehran and Stuttgart, Farzaneh Nouri-Schellinger specialized in environmentally conscious and energy-saving construction principles, with a focus on natural and local materials as well as timber frame construction.

"When tradition meets innovation in the world of architecture, the most fascinating concepts evolve", states the architect, "my goal is to merge the rich Persian aesthetics with the Western principle of sustainable architecture."

Since 1997, Nouri-Schellinger architecture has realised projects in timber frame construction. From 2003, the firm has planned and realised passive plus-energy houses, as well as refurbishments and conversions of listed buildings to passive building standards. A recent example is a villa in Erlangen, the conversion of which received the German Design Award: The project titled ‘Sustainable Innovation, Fusion of Past and Future: The Circular Villa in Erlangen’ won in the Excellent Architecture –Eco Design category. The jury stated: “The en-

ergetically renovated villa combines a historic architectural style with ecology. The modernization was uncompromisingly sustainable, yet the elegant charm of the over 100-year-old architecture has been preserved. An exemplary approach to historic buildings.”

Farzaneh Nouri-Schellinger’s first project was the ecological residential village Fürth-Burgfarrnbach, finished in 1992. The architectural design consists of buildings grouped harmonically around a courtyard, with an individual garden at the outside of each unit. The kitchens were strategically placed in a way that playing children could easily be

watched over, while due to the wishes of the owners’ community, the common rooms were converted into a kindergarten with 15 spots for children. This kindergarten is run by a non-profit association and is still in operation today. The ecological residential complex was awarded the certificate for 'exemplary residential construction' by the city of Fürth in 1994.

Nouri-Schellinger architecture attracts clients who highly value modern architecture that serves ecological goals: Currently, three passive plus-energy houses with timber frame construction are in the planning phase, while a villa originally built by Nouri-Schellinger 16 years ago is receiving an extension, also using timber frame construction.

www.oekohof.de

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TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: WOLFGANG PULVER, © ARCHITEKTURBÜRO NOURI-SCHELLINGER
Circular Villa Erlangen.

GREEN PASSIVHAUS-VILLEN

ARCHITEKTURBÜRO NOURI-SCHELLINGER LUDWIG-THOMA-STR. 15E 91054 ERLANGEN WWW.OEKOHOF.DE DENKMALPRÄMIERUNG 2022

GREEN MIRACLE

Moos•Moos's green innovations conquer urban spaces across the DACH region with handcrafted moss walls and pictures, promoting sustainable well-being. Wonderful for mind and soul, yet without requiring any maintenance – and backed by a ten-year warranty.

Amid the hustle and bustle of city life, an increasing number of people yearn for more nature and tranquillity. Operated by the seasoned family business Bergermann Floristik GmbH, the Moos•Moos Manufactory meets this longing head-on with its innovative moss walls and pictures. "Our hand-prepared moss isn't just visually enriching. It also enhances the indoor climate and offers a sustainable, lasting greening effect that radiates well-being and tranquillity," explains Jens Loschke, sales director at Moos•Moos.

Moos•Moos does not only create green havens within four walls, but it also pioneers

in the urban outdoors. The Moos•Moos Greenovation initiative transforms dull concrete surfaces into vibrant, green facades, improving the urban climate and creating a far more pleasant atmosphere. "As cities worldwide become hotter and the air quality worsens, our moss elements make urban living more bearable – and significantly more attractive," Loschke emphasises.

The handcrafted moss products require no watering or special maintenance, making them a practical and sustainable solution for modern interior design. Thanks to the moss's self-regulating properties and the use of fade-resistant, cosmetic-grade dyes, the lush

appearance of the moss walls and pictures is permanently preserved. Loschke adds, "Furthermore, the moss walls' sound-absorbing qualities significantly improve acoustics by muffling speech-related noises, thus creating an oasis of calm."

Whether for private residences, offices or the hospitality sector, Moos•Moos's products make a strong statement for eco-conscious design and enhanced quality of life. With a minimum ten-year warranty on all products, Moos•Moos demonstrates its commitment to quality and sustainability.

Moos•Moos offers wonderful inspiration to reintroduce a slice of nature back into our lives – for a greener, healthier and more tranquil environment.

www.moosmoos.de

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TEXT: MARILENA STRACKEI I PHOTOS: MOOS•MOOS
Amonti & Lunaris.

GRÜNES WUNDER

Die grünen Innovationen von Moos•Moos erobern mit handgefertigten Mooswänden und -bildern den urbanen Raum in der DACH-Region und sorgen für ein nachhaltiges Wohlbefinden. Herrlich für Geist und Seele, aber ohne jeglichen Pflegeaufwand – und mit zehn Jahren Garantie.

Inmitten des hektischen Stadtlebens sehnen sich immer mehr Menschen nach mehr Ruhe und Natur. Die Moos•Moos Manufaktur, die vom erfahrenen Familienbetrieb Bergermann Floristik GmbH betrieben wird, erfüllt mit ihren innovativen Mooswänden und -bildern genau diese Sehnsucht in unseren Alltagsräumen. „Unser in Handarbeit aufbereitetes Moos ist nicht nur eine optische Bereicherung. Es verbessert auch das Raumklima und sorgt für eine nachhaltige, dauerhafte Begrünung, die Wohlbefinden und Ruhe ausstrahlt“, erklärt Jens Loschke, Vertriebsleiter von Moos•Moos.

Nicht nur innerhalb der vier Wände schafft Moos•Moos grüne Oasen, auch im urbanen Außenraum leistet die Manufaktur Pionierarbeit. Durch die Moos•Moos GreenovationInitiative werden graue Betonflächen in lebendige, grüne Fassaden verwandelt, die das Stadtklima verbessern und für eine angenehme Atmosphäre sorgen. „Während die Städte weltweit immer heißer werden und die Luft schlechter wird, machen unsere Elemente mit Moos Metropolen lebenswerter – und lassen sie schöner aussehen“, betont Loschke.

Die handgefertigten Moosprodukte benötigen keine Bewässerung oder besondere Pflege, was sie zu einer praktischen und zugleich nachhaltigen Lösung für moderne Raumge-

staltung macht. Dank der selbstregulierenden Eigenschaften des Mooses und der Verwendung von lichtechter, kosmetischer Farbe bleibt die lebendige Ausstrahlung der Mooswände und -bilder dauerhaft erhalten. Loschke fügt hinzu: „Darüber hinaus verbessern die schallabsorbierenden Eigenschaften der Mooswände die Akustik signifikant, indem sie Geräusche im Bereich der Sprache dämpfen und so eine Oase der Ruhe schaffen.“

Ob für den privaten Wohnbereich, für Büros oder Gastronomie: Moos•Moos setzt mit seinen Produkten ein starkes Zeichen für umweltbewusstes Design und verbesserte Lebensqualität. Mit einer Garantie von mindestens zehn Jahren auf alle Produkte unterstreicht Moos•Moos sein Engagement für Qualität und Nachhaltigkeit.

Mit Moos•Moos kann man sich wunderbar inspirieren lassen und ein Stückchen Natur zurück in sein Leben holen – für eine grünere, gesündere und ruhigere Umgebung.

www.moosmoos.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 19 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Hotel Matthiol. Hochkössen. Kuschelhotel Gams.

BLACK F - STYLISH SERVICED APARTMENTS IN THE HEART OF FREIBURG

Three days, three weeks or three months - Freiburg is always worth a visit.

Serviced apartments are an attractive alternative for those who want more than a hotel room or a traditional holiday flat. Since 2020, BLACK F has been offering a temporary living concept in the centre of the Breisgau metropolis: digital, ecological, sustainable, with lots of style, design and a modern ambience.

Outstanding - that’s the best way to describe the 16-storey Black F Tower, Freiburg's first climate-neutral building. 50,000 evergreen plants make up Germany's largest green facade, the roof is home to four bee colonies. Inside, natural materials and a five-metre ficus tree create a sustainable living climate. There is powerful, expressive art by regional artists as well as stylish chill-out areas in the lobby or on the roof terrace, which can be used for work or leisure.

Equipped with an outdoor kitchen, the roof terrace offers breathtaking views of Freiburg, the heights of the southern Black Forest and the French Vosges. The well-thought-out concept of the Black F Tower and the Black F House shows what the future of serviced apartments should look like: green, digital and visionary - complemented by a warm on-site service.

www.blackf.house/en

ANKOMMEN, LOSWOHNEN UND WOHLFÜHLEN.

BLACK F – STILVOLLES‚ WOHNEN AUF ZEIT’ MITTEN IN FREIBURG

Drei Tage, drei Wochen oder drei Monate – Freiburg ist immer eine Reise wert.

Für alle, die mehr als ein Hotelzimmer oder eine klassische Ferienwohnung wünschen, sind Serviced Apartments eine attraktive Alternative. Seit 2020 bietet BLACK F ein Konzept des Temporary Livings mitten in der Breisgau-Metropole an: digital, ökologisch, nachhaltig, mit viel Stil, Design und modernem Ambiente.

Überragend – das beschreibt den 16-stöckigen Black F Tower, Freiburgs erstes klimaneutrales Gebäude, am treffendsten. 50.000 immergrüne Pflanzen bilden Deutschlands größte begrünte Fassade, auf dem Dach sind vier Bienenvölker zuhause. Innen sorgen Naturmaterialien und eine fünf Meter hohe Birkenfeige für ein nachhaltiges Wohnklima. Hinzu kommen ausdrucksstarke Schwarzwald-Kunst regionaler Künstler sowie stilvolle Chillout-Zonen in der Lobby oder auf der Dachterrasse, die für die Arbeit oder Freizeit genutzt werden können.

Ausgestattet mit einer Outdoor-Küche eröffnet die Roof Top Terrasse einen alles überragenden Blick über Freiburg bis hin zu den Höhen des Südschwarzwalds und den französischen Vogesen. Das durchdachte Konzept des Black F Towers sowie des Black F House zeigen schon heute, wie die Zukunft von Serviced Apartments aussehen sollten: grün, digital und mit Weitblick - begleitet von einem herzlichen Service vor Ort.

www.blackf.house/de

20 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Special Theme  | A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress
ARRIVE. FEEL FREE. LIVE WELL.
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: BLACK F

KITCHEN CULTURE AT ITS BEST: BALLERINA KITCHENS

Since 1978, Ballerina kitchens has been creating innovative and exclusive kitchens that stand out by their quality, design and functionality.

Ballerina kitchens is synonymous with bespoke, high-quality kitchens and thus undoubtedly embody ‘German craftsmanship'. For years, they have been one of the most important players in the German kitchen world, as Marketing Manager Jörg Hansel confirms: “Ballerina kitchens set market trends! They are well thought-out and based on the realities of a modern household. Our innovative ideas are not only practical, but also a real USP. For example, we were one of the first German manufacturers to introduce handle-free kitchen cabinets. Today, they are standard in households around the world.”

From classic country-style kitchens to modern kitchens with floorto-ceiling cupboards, Ballerina kitchens (the name, by the way, was chosen because of its light, beautiful melody) offer not only a comprehensive range of around 800 models, but also a highly professional planning and installation service with more than 700 partners worldwide.

Ballerina kitchens stand for elegant design and superior durability. All models offer maximum use of storage space and optimum functionality. The multifunctional HOMETOOL is a perfect example. “The HOMETOOL can be easily converted and is a wardrobe and desk in one. It offers plenty of storage space and can also be used as a bar. A true all-rounder that, thanks to its clear design, is a real eye-catcher in any home.”

www.ballerina-kitchens.eu

KÜCHENKULTUR PUR: KÜCHEN VON BALLERINA

Die innovative und exklusive Küchenwelt der Ballerina-Küchen aus Rödinghausen überzeugt seit 1978 durch Qualität, Design und Funktionalität.

Ballerina-Küchen stehen für individuelle, hochwertige Küchen und verkörpern damit zweifelsfrei ‚Deutsche Wertarbeit’. Seit Jahren zählen sie zu einem der wichtigsten Akteure in der deutschen Küchenwelt, wie Marketingleiter Jörg Hansel bestätigt: „Ballerina-Küchen setzen Markttrends! Sie sind durchdacht und orientieren sich an den Realitäten eines modernen Haushalts. Unsere innovativen Ideen sind nicht nur praktisch, sondern ein echtes Alleinstellungsmerkmal. So hatten wir als einer der ersten deutschen Hersteller grifflose Küchenschränke im Programm. Heute sind sie Standard in Haushalten weltweit.”

Ob klassische Landhausküche oder moderne Küche mit deckenhohen Hochschränken - mit circa 800 Modellen bietet Ballerina (der Name ist übrigens seiner leichten, schönen Wortmelodie geschuldet) nicht nur ein umfassendes Sortiment, das auch individuellen Kundenwünschen genügend Spielraum lässt, sondern bietet darüber hinaus mit über 700 Partnern weltweit einen perfekten Planungs- und Montageservice direkt vor Ort.

Ballerina-Küchen stehen für edles Design und eine überdurchschnittliche Lebensdauer. Alle Modelle bestechen durch maximale Stauraumnutzung und optimalen Funktionskomfort. Der Multifunktionsschrank HOMETOOL ist dafür das perfekte Beispiel. „Der HOMETOOL lässt sich im Handumdrehen verwandeln und ist Garderobe und Schreibtisch in einem. Der Schrank bietet viel Stauraum und kann auf Wunsch auch als Bar bestückt werden. Ein echter Alleskönner also, der durch sein klares Design ein echter Hingucker in jeder Wohnung ist.”

www.ballerina.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 21 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: BALLERINA-KÜCHEN, HEINZ-ERWIN ELLERSIEK GMBH

UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER GÖTTINGEN: BENEFITS OF LEADING DESIGN

A new orientation system for the UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER GÖTTINGEN (UMG) has won the German Design Award 2024.

The jury praised the carefully thought-out and logically comprehensible concept of physical designs and digital information points, which has already been implemented as a pilot project in the new "Heart and Brain Center Göttingen" (HBCG).

The new general concept includes a complete organizational restructuring and will result in one of the most modern medical centres in Germany. The UMG consists of 30 clinics and 30 institutes, as well as multiple healthcare, research and teaching facilities. This multifunctional diversity requires a clear, systematically structured orientation system, also known as signage, which can be scaled and adapted with little effort.

A modern signage system however is more than the mere effort to find answers to the questions ‘Where can I find what?’ or ‘Where do I have to go?’ It intelligently combines analogue and digital elements and connects screens with easy-to-read guidance elements such as signs or information boards.

A tendering procedure resulted in the decision to work with Berlin-based design studio Beate Kling. The price-winning new orientation system was created in co-work with a team of colleagues from different departments and included relevant insights and perspectives from both the fire department and the representative body for severely disabled persons. Especially visually impaired people were tak-

en into account for the final concept. A comprehensive guideline groups all elements into “informing”, “guiding” or "marking", while the elements themselves are minutely described from layout, size, pictogram- and positioning rules through to the distances to be maintained.

The new orientation concept creates a modern, future-oriented system which makes it possible to lead from outside the buildings to the room. Its flexibility guarantees UMG more process efficiency in the future: For example, room capacities in the new buildings are planned to be improved through flexible room allocations. The new signage system can meet these and other challenges by using digital media to adapt the information.

www.umg.eu

22 | Issue 117 | May 2024
CORNELIA BRELOWSKI
TEXT:
Future orientation system for the UMG campus. Visualization: Beate Kling GmbH

UNIVERSITÄTSMEDIZIN GÖTTINGEN: FÜHRENDES DESIGNKONZEPT

Ein neues Orientierungssystem für die Universitätsmedizin Göttingen (UMG) hat den German Design Award 2024 gewonnen.

Die Jury lobte das durchdachte und logisch nachvollziehbar aufgebaute System von analogen Wegweisern und digitalen, barrierefreien Infopoints, welches als Pilotprojekt bereits im 2023 eröffneten „Heart and Brain Center Göttingen“ (HBCG) umgesetzt wurde.

Das neue Konzept sieht eine komplette organisatorische Umstrukturierung vor und wird in Zukunft einen der modernsten Medizinstandorte Deutschlands darstellen. Die UMG umfasst rund 30 Kliniken, hinzu kommen über 30 Institute sowie zahlreiche Einrichtungen der Krankenversorgung, Forschung und Lehre. Diese multifunktionale Vielfalt bedarf eines klaren, systematisch durchstrukturierten Orientierungssystems, auch unter dem Begriff Signaletik bekannt, das mit wenig Aufwand skaliert und angepasst werden kann.

Signaletik ist mehr als das bloße Bestreben, Antworten auf die Fragen „Wo finde ich was?“ oder „Wo muss ich hin?" zu finden. Sie zeichnet sich durch die intelligente Verknüpfung von analogen und digitalen Elementen aus und verbindet Bildschirme mit einfach verständlichen Leitelementen wie Schildern oder Informationstafeln.

Zukünftiges Orientierungssystems für den Neubau der UMG. Visualisierung: Beate Kling GmbH

Ein Ausschreibungsverfahren für die Generalkonzeption führte zur Wahl des Berliner Designbüros Beate Kling. Das preisgekrönte Orientierungssystem wurde über viele Monate hinweg in Zusammenarbeit mit einem Team aus verschiedenen Abteilungen der

UMG sowie anhand von Erfahrungswerten und relevanten Perspektiven von Schwerbehindertenvertretung und Feuerwehr erarbeitet. Seheingeschränkte Menschen wurden im Konzept besonders berücksichtigt. Eine umfassende Richtlinie gruppiert zudem die anzuwendenden Elemente nach „Informieren", „Leiten" und „Kennzeichnen", während die Elemente selbst von Layout, Größe, Piktogrammund Verortungsregeln bis hin zu einzuhaltenden Abständen genau beschrieben sind.

Das neue Orientierungskonzept schafft ein modernes, zukunftsorientiertes System, welches von außen nach innen, vom Haupteingang bis zum Zimmer führt. Seine flexible Gestaltung wird in Zukunft unter anderem zu einer erhöhten Ablaufeffizienz in der UMG beitragen: Zum Beispiel sollen in den Neubauten die Raumkapazitäten durch eine flexible Raumbelegung der unterschiedlichen Nutzer besser ausgelastet werden. Diese Herausforderung kann die neue Signaletik abbilden, indem durch digitale Medien eine Anpassung der Informationen erfolgt.

www.umg.eu

Zukünftiges Orientierungssystems für den UMG-Campus. Visualisierung: Beate Kling

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 23 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
GmbH

INVENTION INSPIRED BY EMPATHY: THE LONGWALK DOG HARNESS

Mr. Gyula ’Julius’ Sebő, entrepreneur, inventor, and creator of the famous dog equipment brand Julius-K9®, explains how he has come up with the brand’s latest dog harness.

“I have always been able to identify with the suffering of my dogs. So, I was not surprised when, after my dog developed shoulder and spine problems, I started to struggle with similar issues,” explains Sebő. “As an inventor, I couldn't ignore the need for a product to support daily walks crucial for recovery. The flexible leash proved insufficient to alleviate the pain, as its stretching did not help with the micro-vibrations that arise during walking, and in some cases, it even pulled the dog back uncomfortably. Much more sophisticated technology was needed, one that wouldn’t strain my shoulders if I had to hold the leash. So, the solution involved both my dog and me. Thus, the technology became known as Duo-Flex,” he adds.

Duo-Flex is a hypersensitive movement tracking system that gradually activates at several points on the dog harness, depending on the level of load. “After my dog's recovery, I paid much more attention to the loads the dog is unintentionally subjected to, for example, through the leash, during a long walk. I believe that our LONGWALK dog harness, with its integrated Duo-Flex technology, is primarily ideal equipment for long walks,” concludes Sebő.

www.julius-k9.com

DURCH EMPATHIE INSPIRIERTE ERFINDUNG: DAS LONGWALKHUNDEGESCHIRR

Herr Gyula ‚Julius‘ Sebő, Unternehmer, Erfinder und Schöpfer der berühmten Hundeausrüstungsmarke Julius-K9®, erklärt, wie er auf das neueste Hundegeschirr der Marke gekommen ist.

„Ich habe mich immer mit dem Leiden meiner Hunde identifizieren können. Daher war ich nicht überrascht, als ich, nachdem mein Hund Schulter- und Wirbelsäulenprobleme entwickelt hatte, mit ähnlichen Problemen zu kämpfen begann“, erklärt Sebő. „Als Erfinder konnte ich mich nicht darauf verlassen, dass ich kein spezielles Produkt zur Unterstützung der täglichen Spaziergänge, die für die Genesung unerlässlich sind, entwickeln könnte. Die flexible Leine erwies sich als unzureichend, um die Schmerzen zu lindern, da ihre Dehnung bei den Mikrovibrationen, die beim Laufen entstehen, nicht half, und in einigen Fällen zog sie den Hund sogar unangenehm zurück. Wir brauchten eine viel anspruchsvollere Technologie, die möglichst meine Schultern schont, wenn ich die Leine halte. Die Lösung betraf also sowohl meinen Hund als mich. So wurde die Technologie als Duo-Flex bekannt“, fügt er hinzu.

Es ist ein hypersensibles Bewegungsverfolgungssystem, das je nach Belastungsgrad an mehreren Punkten des Hundegeschirrs stufenweise aktiviert wird. „Nach der Genesung meines Hundes habe ich viel mehr auf die Belastungen geachtet, denen der Hund z. B. durch die Leine bei einem langen Spaziergang - gegen unseren Willen - ausgesetzt ist. Ich glaube, dass unser LONGWALK-Hundegeschirr mit seiner Duo-Flex-Technologie vor allem für lange Spaziergänge die ideale Ausrüstung ist“, sagt Sebő abschliessend.

24 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Special Theme  | A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress
TEXT: GYULA ’JULIUS’ SEBŐ I PHOTOS:JULIUS-K9
Mr. Gyula ’Julius’ Sebő.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN MEETS ZEITGEIST

Furniture manufacturer Tojo sets new standards by blending functional, ecological and economic values in its award-winning designs. The result? Design-oriented furniture at affordable prices.

The idea for Tojo was born over 20 years ago by students who wanted to address the common issue of bulky beds that made moving house quite a challenge. With the goal of creating furniture that stands out for its timelessness, functionality and ecological design, Tojo quickly established itself as a household name.

Their unique furniture,, made from environmentally friendly materials, are known for their modularity, allowing them to be easily adapted to various needs. The variable beds, like the Tojo-vario and the tool-free expandable shelf Tojo-hochstapler, are absolute bestsellers, contributing to the company's long-term success. In early summer, a new, large wardrobe will be added to their range, which is simply held together with Allen keys inserted into marked openings.

But Tojo's innovation is not only evident in its portfolio. Collaborating with young up-and-coming designers as well as established industry figures ensures a constant influx of fresh ideas in the realm of sustainable living. If you are looking for sustainable design at affordable prices, Tojo is the ideal partner. The stylish and practical furniture is available in online retail stores, as well as in speciality shops and design stores in Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea.

www.tojo.de

INNOVATIVES DESIGN, DAS DEN ZEITGEIST TRIFFT

Der Möbelhersteller Tojo setzt neue Maßstäbe, indem er Funktionalität, Ökologie und Ökonomie in seinen preisgekrönten Designs vereint – das Resultat sind designorientierte Möbel zu bezahlbaren Preisen.

Die Idee für Tojo entstand vor über 20 Jahren aus einer Studentenidee heraus, denn damals gab es überwiegend sperrige Betten, was Umzüge nicht gerade einfach machte. Mit dem Ziel, Möbel zu kreieren, die sich durch Zeitlosigkeit, Funktionalität und Ökologie hervorheben, hat sich Tojo schnell einen Namen gemacht.

Die einzigartigen Möbel aus umweltfreundlichem Material zeichnen sich durch ihre Modularität aus, wodurch sie leicht an unterschiedliche Bedürfnisse angepasst werden können. Besonders die variablen Betten wie das Tojo-vario und das ohne Werkzeug erweiterbare Regal Tojohochstapler sind absolute Bestseller, die zum langfristigen Erfolg beigetragen haben. Ab dem Frühsommer kommt ein neuer, großer Schrank ins Sortiment, der einfach mit in Führungsöffnungen gesteckten Inbusschlüsseln zusammengehalten wird.

Doch nicht nur im Produktportfolio zeigt sich die Innovationskraft von Tojo. Die Zusammenarbeit mit jungen Nachwuchsdesignern und etablierten Größen der Branche sorgt für frischen Wind und neue Ideen im Bereich des nachhaltigen Wohnens. Wer also nachhaltiges Design zu erschwinglichen Preisen sucht, findet in Tojo den idealen Partner. Die stilvollen und praktischen Möbel sind im Onlinehandel, sowie in Fachgeschäften und Designshops in Europa, Australien, Japan und SüdKorea erhältlich.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 25 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: TOJO
Managing director Gerald Schatz. Shelve system Tojo-solo. Bed Tojo-system.

FUCHS WACKER ARCHITEKTEN: A PERFECT BALANCE

Stephan Fuchs and Thomas Wacker design villas that express a specific attitude towards life: content serenity.

It is the threefold connection between architecture, interior and garden design which makes each project unique. Architect Thomas Wacker explains: “We foster a holistic approach, practically designing a stage for ‘scenes of life’ in a villa, from mother and child through to guests or craftsmen as protagonists.”

A certain openness towards the surroundings is part of the concept. For a family villa in Hamburg, for example, the architects regarded the nearby river Elbe as a pivotal in-

fluence: “As a place of longing and gateway to the world, the Elbe is a central component of the entire design. Everywhere, angles and perspectives open up as if to say: It's nice here – but hey, the world is open to us, just waiting to be discovered. An invitation, also for the children, to broaden their horizons and go out into the world with the knowledge and the good feeling that there is a place that will always welcome them with open arms.”

An open mind for the surroundings to the architects also means creating a connection with nature, clarity and light. Furthermore, transparency regarding the materials is equally important as an uncompromising perfection down to the last detail.

Thomas Wacker adds: “The sustainability theme cannot be stressed enough as a point of focus. Our clients are well aware of their responsibility and together we push the topic further. This of course with all technical possibilities at hand. We think that a high-value,

timeless architecture is a very important contribution to sustainability.”

Thomas Wacker and Stephan Fuchs are inspired by the aesthetics and traditions of classic modern architecture. However, regarding space and perspectives, it is the dialogue in terms of the perfect balance between generosity and security that brings success: “In the end, the client takes a seat in a cosy armchair, stands in an elegant kitchen waiting for the guests to arrive, while looking at a harmoniously designed garden saying: ‘My house!'"

www.fuchswacker.de

26 | Issue 117 | May 2024
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: FUCHS WACKER ARCHITEKTEN
VILLA IN HAMBURG.
VILLA IN LISTED SURROUNDINGS.
VILLA NUOVA GRANDE.

FUCHS WACKER ARCHITEKTEN: PERFEKTE BALANCE

Stephan Fuchs und Thomas Wacker entwerfen Villen, die eine bestimmte Lebenseinstellung ausdrücken: zufriedene Gelassenheit.

Es ist das Zusammenspiel von Architektur, Innendesign und Gartengestaltung, welche jedes Projekt zum Unikat macht: „Wir entwerfen Bühnenbilder für die Szenen, die in einer Villa gelebt werden“, erklärt Thomas Wacker, „als Gast, als Handwerker, als Mutter, Kind... Die Szenen bilden wir ab in einem Raumentwurf.“

Offenheit für die Umgebung spielt dabei in jedes Konzept mit hinein. Für eine Familienvilla in Hamburg wurde beispielsweise die nahe Elbe zum wichtigen Faktor der Gestaltung: „Die Elbe als Sehnsuchtsort und Tor zur Welt ist zentraler Bestandteil des gesamten Entwurfs. Überall eröffnen sich Blickwinkel und Perspektiven, als wollten sie sagen: Schön hier. Aber hey, die Welt steht uns offen. Sie wartet nur darauf, entdeckt zu werden. Eine Einladung, auch für die Kinder, den Horizont zu erweitern und raus in die Welt zu gehen.

Mit dem Wissen und dem guten Gefühl, dass es einen Ort gibt, der sie immer mit offenen Armen empfangen wird.”

Diese Offenheit für den ‘Schauplatz’ bedeutet bei Fuchs Wacker Architekten auch immer die Schaffung einer Verbindung zur Natur, zur Klarheit und zum Licht. Von zentraler Bedeutung sind dabei Ehrlichkeit im Material und eine ausnahmslose Perfektion bis ins letzte Detail. Thomas Wacker ergänzt: „Das Thema Nachhaltigkeit kann nicht genug in den Fokus gerückt werden. Unsere Kunden sind sich ihrer Verantwortung bewusst und gemeinsam mit Ihnen forcieren wir das Thema weiter, natürlich in Verbindung mit allen technischen Möglichkeiten. Wir denken darüber hinaus auch, dass zeitlose und wertige Architektur einen sehr wichtigen Beitrag zur Nachhaltigkeit bildet.“

Thomas Wacker und Stephan Fuchs folgen der Ästhetik und Tradition einer klassisch modernen Architektur. Doch ist es auch immer der Dialog in Bezug auf Raum und Perspektive, der zur perfekten Balance zwischen Großzügigkeit und Geborgenheit und damit zum Erfolg führt: “Am Ende sitzt der Bauherr in einem bequemen Sessel, steht in einer elegant eingerichteten Küche, empfängt Freunde zum Essen, blickt über einen schön angelegten Garten und sagt ,Mein Haus!'"

www.fuchswacker.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 27 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
BAUMHAUS IM BADISCHEN. VILLA AM AMMERSEE. LÄSSIGES FAMILY-RESORT IN PARKLANDSCHAFT. VILLA AM AMMERSEE. VILLA IN DENKMALGESCHÜTZTER UMGEBUNG HAUS LAS. VILLA AM AMMERSEE.

THE PERFECT FUSION OF NATURE AND HIGH-TECH

Cosmetics that are good for both our skin and our planet: TEAM DR JOSEPH offers vegan high-tech natural cosmetics and has been dedicated to sustainability for nearly 40 years. They provide natural, effective and premium skincare that delivers on its promises.

Founded in 1986 by Erb. Dipl. Dr. Joseph Franz, TEAM DR JOSEPH was born out of his early passion for botany. His vision led to the creation of the world’s first High-Tech Natural Cosmetics®, establishing a successful family business that continues to uphold its values of sustainability and quality as a certified B Corp.

TEAM DR JOSEPH is renowned for its blend of natural and biotechnological ingredients, and its holistic approach. With a product range that includes fan favourites such as the Age Repair Miracle Drops and the Golden Glow Body Oil, TEAM DR JOSEPH consistently sets new standards in natural, vegan skincare. Immediate results are seamlessly combined with long-term benefits, perfectly tailored to various skin types. For those unsure of where to start, the online skin analysis helps find the right products for your individual needs.

Deeply rooted in a love for nature, TEAM DR JOSEPH is shaping the future of certified organic skincare through a perfect balance between nature and science, making our skin glow in the process.

www.teamdrjoseph.com

DIE PERFEKTE KOMBINATION AUS NATUR UND HIGHTECH

Kosmetik, die gut für unsere Haut und unseren Planeten ist: TEAM DR JOSEPH bietet vegane Hightech Naturkosmetik und hat sich seit fast 40 Jahren der Nachhaltigkeit verschrieben. Natürliche, effektive und hochwertige Hautpflege, die hält, was sie verspricht.

Bereits 1986 legte Erb. Dipl. Dr. Joseph Franz den Grundstein für TEAM DR JOSEPH, inspiriert von seiner frühen Leidenschaft für die Pflanzenwelt. Seine Vision führte zur Entwicklung der weltweit ersten Hightech Natural Cosmetics® und einem erfolgreichen Familienunternehmen, das seine Werte in Sachen Nachhaltigkeit und Qualität als B Corp bis heute aufrechterhält.

TEAM DR JOSEPH ist vor allem bekannt durch die Mischung aus natürlichen und biotechnologischen Inhaltsstoffen, und seinem ganzheitlichen Ansatz. Mit einer Produktreihe, die von den beliebten Age Repair Miracle Drops bis hin zum Golden Glow Body Oil reicht, setzt TEAM DR JOSEPH immer wieder neue Maßstäbe in der natürlichen, veganen Hautpflege. Sofortiger Effekt geht hier Hand in Hand mit langfristiger Wirkung – perfekt abgestimmt auf verschiedene Hauttypen. Ist man sich nicht ganz sicher, hilft die Online-Hautanalyse dabei, die passenden Produkte für die individuellen Hautbedürfnisse zu finden.

Tief in der Liebe zur Natur verwurzelt, prägt TEAM DR JOSEPH die Zukunft der bio-zertifizierten Hautpflege durch eine perfekte Balance zwischen Natur und Wissenschaft – und bringt dabei unsere Haut zum Strahlen.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 29 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE  I PHOTOS: TEAM DR JOSEPH
Headquarters. Family Portrait. Golden Glow Body Oil. Age Repair Miracle Drops.

OSSH NETWORK: SAFETY AND INNOVATION

OSSH Network by Razeto & Casareto is an integrated smart access system with illuminated handles for fire and interior doors.

Developed originally for boat and ship safety, the system is currently being adapted for the hotel sector. The smart handles interact with external networks such as fire detection systems, explains designer Giangi Razeto: “The management electronics are placed in special junction boxes wired with a BUS485 system that carries network signals and power supply to every handle through the lock.” Management information such as ‘Do not disturb’ or ‘Please clean up the room’ can be programmed additionally. The wireless power and data transfer system can be used for both new projects and retrofits.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

‘OSSH handle’ was designed for heavy-duty fire doors and informs both passengers and crew on safe escape routes. The product was honoured with the German Innovation Award.

The ‘Quadraled’ and ‘Oblò’ handles were designed for hotel and cabin areas; both are equipped with the esi antimicrobial system. Their effectiveness against the coronavirus,

for example, has been scientifically proven and certified by the Italian ship register Rina in accordance with the "Classe Biosafe Ship" supplement for surfaces with a high usage rate.

FIRST CLASS DESIGN

Quadraled is an elegant handle with a wooden insert made of the same material as the door, and only becomes visible when light falls on it. Designed by Giangi Razeto, Quadraled was selected as one of the best Italian products on the market in the ADI Design Index 2023 and is now competing for the prestigious Compasso D’Oro award.

Obló was designed by the world-renowned architecture studio ‘Zuccon International Project’. Its stylistic details refer to the maritime design element of the porthole; Oblò was honoured at the 4th Design Innovation Award 2023 during the International Boat Show in Genoa.

OSSH clients are visionary shipbuilders and yacht owners looking for an upgrade in safety and design, as well as door builders who would like to deliver smart access options without additional costs in R&D. The firm enjoys cooperating with interior designers, who are welcome to share their respective stylistic and technical requirements.

In 2024, the intelligent access system with illuminated door handles will find its way into hotel construction – a brand new market for Razeto & Casareto, which has been reliably supplying the maritime industry for more than 100 years.

www.razetocasareto.com

30 | Issue 117 | May 2024  | A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: RAZETOCASARETO.COM
Quadraled, by Giangi Razeto. OSSH handle.

OSSH NETWORK: SAFETY AND INNOVATION

OSSH Network by Razeto & Casareto is an integrated smart access system with illuminated handles for fire and interior doors.

Developed originally for boat and ship safety, the system is currently being adapted for the hotel sector. The smart handles interact with external networks such as fire detection systems, explains designer Giangi Razeto: “The management electronics are placed in special junction boxes wired with a BUS485 system that carries network signals and power supply to every handle through the lock.” Management information such as ‘Do not disturb’ or ‘Please clean up the room’ can be programmed additionally. The wireless power and data transfer system can be used for both new projects and retrofits.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

‘OSSH handle’ was designed for heavy-duty fire doors and informs both passengers and crew on safe escape routes. The product was honoured with the German Innovation Award.

The ‘Quadraled’ and ‘Oblò’ handles were designed for hotel and cabin areas; both are equipped with the esi antimicrobial system. Their effectiveness against the coronavirus, for example, has been scientifically proven and certified by the Italian ship register Rina in

accordance with the "Classe Biosafe Ship" supplement for surfaces with a high usage rate.

FIRST CLASS DESIGN

Quadraled is an elegant handle with a wooden insert made of the same material as the door, and only becomes visible when light falls on it. Designed by Giangi Razeto, Quadraled was selected as one of the best Italian products on the market in the ADI Design Index 2023 and is now competing for the prestigious Compasso D’Oro award.

Obló was designed by the world-renowned architecture studio ‘Zuccon International Project’. Its stylistic details refer to the maritime design element of the porthole; Oblò was honoured at the 4th Design Innovation Award 2023 during the International Boat Show in Genoa.

OSSH clients are visionary shipbuilders and yacht owners looking for an upgrade in safety and design, as well as door builders who would like to deliver smart access options without additional costs in R&D. The firm enjoys cooperating with interior designers, who are welcome to share their respective stylistic and technical requirements.

In 2024, the intelligent access system with illuminated door handles will find its way into hotel construction – a brand new market for Razeto & Casareto, which has been reliably supplying the maritime industry for more than 100 years.

www.razetocasareto.com

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 31 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Andrea & Giangi Razeto. Foto: mit freundlicher Genehmigung von Amer Yachts Oblò, Designer: Zuccon International Project für Razeto&Casareto. Oblò, Designer: Zuccon International Project für Razeto&Casareto. OSSH handle.

PICK & BUILD: SUSTAINABLE AND CREATIVE SELF-CONSTRUCTION

Pick & Build opens the door to personalized, sustainable self-construction, with reversible, hand-portable building elements and a cost- and time-efficient setup process.

The adaptable self-planning and selfconstruction system can be purchased online, does not need in-depth specialist knowledge and thus serves as a door-opener for a large variety of customers. Pick & Build clients save costs in qualified workers, special tools, heavy machinery and lifting gear. They enjoy improved indoor comfort and air quality due to the high-performance materials and gain flexible real estate investment opportunities for various needs.

Personalizing your building project with a choice of tailor-cut options means creating unique spaces and buildings, explains engineer Niko Črepnjak: "The opportunity to be actively involved in the building process, to build your own space or take part in a project, creates an intrinsic value, a sense of ownership and pride."

A time-efficient process, accessibility, reversibility, longevity, and sustainability with DIY (Do

It Yourself) and hands-on approach create a better building and living experience.

Pick & Build was founded in 2019 after long years of experience in prefabricated construction, under various brands in the DACH region as well as Italy and Slovenia. Once the developed building system was successfully patented, Pick & Build started just in time for the innovative and experimental generations Z and Alpha, who avoid traditional building styles which oppose their environmental values. Niko Črepnjak elaborates: “Generations Z and Alpha look for sus-

tainable, adaptable and flexible solutions that minimize environmental impact. Meanwhile, for millennials and the baby boomer generation, priorities are shifting to easier maintenance and accessibility, with an eye on legacy issues and practical downsizing or selling options.”

To meet this new variety of needs, Pick & Build offers one fully reversible construction system for different sectors, from public institutions, residential homes, playhouses and studios through to tourist attractions, without generating additional waste. Niko Črepnjak adds: "Our mission is to empower people to co-create a built environment that serves functional purposes and aligns with the values and lifestyles of those who use it. We offer a human-centred construction system designed to enhance skills and knowledge and support informed decision-making in construction projects.”

We invite forward-thinking investors to join our journey.

www.pickandbuild.com/en

32 | Issue 117 | May 2024
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: PICK & BUILD
P&B bridge house. Construction design.

PICK & BUILD: NACHHALTIGES SELBSTBAUSYSTEM

MIT KREATIVEFFEKT

Pick & Build öffnet die Tür zum personalisierten Selbstbau mit reversiblen, von Hand tragbaren Bauelementen und einem kosten- und zeiteffizienten Bauprozess.

Das anpassungsfähige Selbstplanungs und -bausystem kann online erworben werden, erfordert keine tiefgreifenden Fachkenntnisse und dient somit als Türöffner für eine Vielzahl von Kunden. Pick & Build Selbstbauer sparen nicht nur Kosten für qualifizierte Mitarbeiter, Spezialwerkzeuge, schwere Maschinen und Hebezeuge. Sie genießen zudem einen hohen Raumkomfort mit besserer Luftqualität aufgrund der Hochleistungsmaterialien, und profitieren nicht zuletzt von flexiblen Immobilieninvestitionsmöglichkeiten für unterschiedliche Bedürfnisse.

Die Personalisierung durch maßgeschneiderte Optionen ermöglicht die Schaffung einzigartiger Räume und Gebäude, erläutert Ingenieur Niko Črepnjak: „Die Möglichkeit, sich aktiv am Bauprozess zu beteiligen, einen eigenen Raum zu bauen oder an einem Projekt teilzunehmen, schafft einen inneren Wert, ein Gefühl der Eigenverantwortung und des Stolzes.“ Hinzu kommen Zeiteffizienz und Reversibilität sowie Haltbarkeit und Zugänglichkeit, die zusammen mit dem Heimwerker-

Faktor zu einem rundum besseren Bau- und Wohnerlebnis führen.

Pick & Build basiert auf jahrelanger Erfahrung mit der Entwicklung nachhaltiger Produkte und im Fertigbau, unter verschiedenen Marken in der DACH-Region, Italien und Slowenien. Nachdem das entwickelte Bausystem erfolgreich patentiert wurde, startete Pick & Build im Jahr 2019 gerade rechtzeitig für die innovativ-experimentellen Generationen Z und Alpha. Diese meiden traditionelle Bauweisen, da sie oft im Widerspruch zum neuen Umwelt-

bewusstsein stehen, erklärt Niko Črepnjak: “Sie suchen nach nachhaltigen, anpassungsfähigen Lösungen, die die Umweltbelastung minimieren. Derweilen verlagern sich die Prioritäten der Millennials und Babyboomer auf Wartungsfreundlichkeit und Zugänglichkeit, mit Blick auf Altlasten und praktische Verkleinerungs- oder Verkaufsmöglichkeiten.“

Um dieser neuen Vielfalt an Bedürfnissen gerecht zu werden, bietet Pick & Build ein vollständig reversibles Bausystem für verschiedene Sektoren - von öffentlichen Einrichtungen, Wohnhäusern, Spielhäusern und Studios bis hin zu Touristenattraktionen – ohne zusätzlichen Abfall zu erzeugen. Niko Črepnjak fügt hinzu: “Unsere Mission ist es, Menschen zu ermöglichen ihre gebaute Umwelt mitzugestalten – eine Umwelt, die funktionalen Zwecken dient und mit Werten und Lebensstil der Nutzer im Einklang steht. Wir bieten ein menschenbezogenes Bausystem, das Fähigkeiten und Wissen fördert, und unterstützen so eine fundierte Entscheidungsfindung bei Bauprojekten." Wir laden zukunftsorientierte Investoren ein, sich uns auf unserer Reise anzuschließen.

www.pickandbuild.com/de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 33 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
P&B Waldhaus. P&B Wohnen. Bienenpavillon. P&B Kindergarten.

LUXURIÖSE WÄRME FÜR ENTSPANNENDE MOMENTE

Innovative Technologie trifft auf Entspannung: Physiotherm zeigt seit 25 Jahren, dass Wärme einfach tiefenentspannt und zahlreiche gesundheitliche Vorteile bietet.

Physiotherm steht für erstklassige Infrarotkabinen, Liegen und Stühle, welche perfekt auf die individuellen Bedürfnisse ihrer Nutzer in Hotels oder im Privatbereich zugeschnitten sind. „Unsere Produkte sind für Menschen aller Altersgruppen geeignet“, erzählt Peter A. Embacher, Leitung Vertrieb PRO & Key Account National & International. „Egal, ob vor oder nach dem Sport, zur Entspannung, es kann zur Linderung von Schmerzen, zur Verbesserung der Blutzirkulation oder als Imunbooster helfen

– die wohltuende Wärme hat positive Effekte auf Geist und Körper.“ Mit über 85.000 verkauften Infrarotkabinen beweist Physiotherm, dass sie nicht nur ihr Handwerk versteht, sondern auch die Kundenbedürfnisse genau kennt. Hier gehen hohe Qualität und jahrzehntelange Erfahrung Hand in Hand.

Ein Highlight im Sortiment ist die Ergo-Relax Lounge, eine Infrarotliege, die durch ihre einzig-

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I FOTOS: PHYSIOTHERM

artige, patentierte SENSOcare® Sicherheitstechnologie die Haut schützt und maximale Sicherheit während der Infrarotanwendung bietet. Sie besticht außerdem durch den Komfort einer vollautomatisch und stufenlosen einstellbaren Liegefläche und weiteren Innovationen wie der integrierten Leselampe. Auf der Ergo Relax Lounge Infrarotliege kann man bei wohltuender Infrarotwärme (mit oder ohne Bekleidung) so richtig entspannen.

Die breite Produkt-Palette von Physiotherm spricht Menschen jeden Alters an und bietet Lösungen für eine Vielzahl von Bedürfnissen: Die positiven Effekte der Infrarotwärme sind wissenschaftlich belegt und machen Physiotherm zum perfekten Partner für einen gesunden Lebensstil. Entwickelt werden die innovativen Produkte in Österreich und in Deutschland produziert.

Beziehen kann man sie über die eigenen Physiotherm Shops oder unter www.physiotherm.com

34 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Special Theme  | A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress
Ergo Relax Lounge.
La Paula 4 Sterne Superior Suites & Apartments · Seis am Schlern · Tel. +39 0471 1880255 · info@lapaula.info · www.lapaula.info
Physiotherm Liegen/Kabinen.

VERTO: ELEGANCE MEETS TECHNOLOGY AN INNOVATIVE CONCEPT FOR CLEAN AIR BY STUDIO

More than 99% of people living in urban areas breathe air with pollution levels above the limits set by the WHO.

Air pollution has become a serious health hazard - a hazard that the architect’s office Studio Symbiosis is tackling with great innovation.The studio that has created many award-winning designs now presents VERTO, a design that has not only won the Red Dot and the German Design Award but that could also provide a sustainable solution to the problem of air pollution.

“VERTO is a multi-directional, 360-degree air filtration tower that we have developed with German filtration specialist MANN+HUMMEL for a cleaner, healthier future. It cleans the air of the ultrafine particles that are harmful to human health (PM 2.5, PM 10, NO2),” explains Britta Knobel Gupta, founding partner of Studio Symbiosis. She adds: “By the way, VERTOs name says it all. It derives its name from the Latin ‘vertere’ - to turn: as the tower rises, it transforms the polluted air in the area into clean air.”

VERTO is designed according to the principles of aerodynamics and can clean 700,000 m3 of air per day - the volume of 321 hot-air balloons. The air is drawn in by energy-efficient fans and filtered by fine dust filters. “A specially designed control system allows for demand-driven operation depending on the level of pollution”, closes Knobel Gupta.

www.vertoair.com www.studio-symbiosis.com

VERTO: ELEGANCE MEETS TECHNOLOGY EIN INNOVATIVES KONZEPT FÜR SAUBERE LUFT VON STUDIO SYMBIOSIS

Mehr als 99 % der Menschen, die in städtischen Gebieten leben, atmen Luft ein, deren Verschmutzungsgrad über den von der WHO festgelegten Grenzwerten liegt.

Luftverschmutzung ist zu einem ernsthaften Gesundheitsrisiko geworden. Ein Risiko, dem das Architekturbüro Studio Symbiosis mit viel Innovationsgeist begegnen möchte. Das Studio mit den preisgekrönten Entwürfen stellt mit VERTO nun ein Design vor, das nicht nur den Red Dot und German Design Award gewonnen hat, sondern das Problem der Luftverschmutzung nachhaltig lösen könnte.

„VERTO ist ein multidirektionaler, 360-Grad-Luftfilterturm, den wir in Zusammenarbeit mit dem deutschen Filtrationsspezialisten MANN+HUMMEL, für eine sauberere, gesündere Zukunft entwickelt haben. Er reinigt die Luft von für den Menschen schädlichen Feinstpartikeln (PM 2.5, PM 10, NO2)”, erklärt Britta Knobel Gupta, Founding Partner des Studio Symbiosis. Sie ergänzt: „Bei VERTO ist der Name übrigens Programm, denn er leitet sich vom Lateinischen ‘vertere - drehen, sich wenden’ ab: Seine Fassade aus konzentrischen Öffnungen dreht sich optisch nach oben und verwandelt die verschmutzte Luft der Umgebung in saubere Luft.”

VERTO ist nach den Prinzipien der Aerodynamik entwickelt und kann täglich 700.000 m3 Luft reinigen - das Volumen von 321 Heißluftballons. Die Luft wird von energieeffizienten Ventilatoren angesaugt und durch Feinstaubfilter gefiltert. “Eine speziell entwickelte Steuerung ermöglicht einen bedarfsgerechten Betrieb je nach Verschmutzungsgrad”, so Knobel Gupta.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 35 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: © STUDIO SYMBIOSIS

KINZEL ARCHITECTURE DESIGN AS EXPERIENCE

Kinzel architecture creates tailor-made design concepts with innovative ideas. “As passionate architects, we always aim at a wow effect with our design”, explains Valentina Kinzel, “this means that with each project, we take a close look at the individual character and the needs of our clients.”

Kinzel architecture uses state-of-the-art VR technology based on real time visualization. This innovative approach allows clients to experience their project even at an early planning stage, letting them ‘step into and explore the planned building’ before construction has even begun. Simple interaction tools allow clients to try out designs and layout possibilities and evaluate their spatial impact. Potential collisions between technical elements and design can be detected and reacted upon

at an early stage: The connection between innovative design, individual client service and state-of-the-art technology is put front and center at Kinzel Architecture.

Valentina Kinzel got her degree in architecture at Krasnojarsk University, Siberia, after which she gathered relevant experience in various renowned offices for architecture, interior and retail design before starting on her own in 2011. In 2016, she founded the shopfitting branch, Kinzel Project GmbH.

Kinzel Architecture clients are open to innovation and new creative approaches, and want to see their ideas and wishes realized through an individual and distinguished design: “Our clients stem from a variety of sectors with different needs and challenges. What unites them, is the wish for a tailor-made, high-value architecture which exceeds their expectations by creating unique spaces.” Individual project management and close cooperation

throughout the process are a given at Kinzel Architecture – from the first idea through to realization.

Kinzel Architecture feels honoured to have recently received the German Innovation Award for their pilot store ZooRoyal in Norderstedt, a project which the office has put much heart and blood into: “As pet lovers , for many of the team it was a special joy to work on a project that mirrored their own interests, with the possibility to incorporate their own affection and passion for animals in the design of the pilot store, making this project unforgettable and fulfilling.”

www.kinzel-project.de

36 | Issue 117 | May 2024
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: KINZEL ARCHITECTURE
ZooRoyal, Norderstedt. ZooRoyal, Norderstedt. ZooRoyal, Norderstedt.

KINZEL ARCHITECTURE DESIGN ALS ERFAHRUNG

Kinzel Architecture entwickelt maßgeschneiderte Gestaltungskonzepte mit innovativen Ideen. „Wir sind leidenschaftliche Architekten, die stets darauf bedacht sind mit unserer Gestaltung einen WOW-Effekt zu erzielen“, erklärt Valentina Kinzel, „dies bedeutet, dass wir uns in jedem Projekt intensiv mit dem individuellen Charakter und den Bedürfnissen unserer Kunden auseinandersetzen.“

Kinzel Architecture verwendet modernste VR-Technologie auf der Basis von EchtzeitVisualisierung. Dieser innovative Ansatz erlaubt Kunden, ihr Projekt bereits in der frühen Planungsphase in Lebensgröße zu erleben und jeden Raum des geplanten Gebäudes zu betreten und zu erkunden, noch bevor der Bau überhaupt begonnen hat. Einfache Interaktionsmöglichkeiten ermöglichen das Ausprobieren von verschiedenen Designs und Grundrissvarianten, um ihre Wirkung im Raum zu bewerten; zudem können potenzielle Kollisionen zwischen technischen Elementen und der Gestaltung bereits frühzeitig identifiziert und verhindert werden. Auf diese Weise steht für Kinzel Architecture die Verbindung von innovativem Design mit individueller Kundenbetreuung und modernster Technologie stets im Mittelpunkt.

Valentina Kinzel schloss Ihr Studium an der Krasnojarsk Universität in Sibirien ab, bevor sie in verschiedenen namhaften Büros für Hochbau, Innenarchitektur und Retail-Design in teils leitenden Positionen grundlegende Erfahrung sammelte. 2011 verwirklichte sie mit Kinzel Architecture ihren Wunsch nach Selbständigkeit und im Jahr 2016 wurde die Ladenbaufirma Kinzel Project GmbH gegründet.

Kinzel Architecture-Kunden sind offen für Innovation und neue kreative Ansätze, die ihre Ideen und Wünsche durch anspruchsvolles, individuelles Design verwirklicht sehen wollen: „Unsere Kunden kommen aus verschiedenen Bereichen mit unterschiedlichen Bedürfnissen und Anforderungen, die eine Vielzahl von Ideen und Herausforderungen mit sich bringen“, erklärt die Architektin im Interview, „was sie alle vereint, ist der Wunsch nach maßgeschneiderter, hochwertiger Architektur, die ihre Erwartungen übertrifft und einzigartige

Räume schafft.“ Die persönliche Betreuung und eine enge Zusammenarbeit mit den Kunden, von der ersten Idee bis zur finalen Umsetzung, stehen bei Kinzel Architecture im Vordergrund.

Kinzel Architecure ist stolzer Empfänger des German Innovation Award für den Pilotstore ZooRoyal in Norderstedt. Mit vielen Tierliebhabern im eigenen Team ist in dieses Projekt besonders viel Herzblut geflossen, erzählt Valentina Kinzel: “Die Möglichkeit, unsere Begeisterung und Zuneigung zu Tieren in die Gestaltung des Pilotstores einfließen zu lassen, hat die Arbeit an diesem Projekt zu einem unvergesslichen und erfüllenden Erlebnis gemacht.”

www.kinzel-project.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 37 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
ZooRoyal, Norderstedt. ZooRoyal, Norderstedt. ZooRoyal, Norderstedt.

GINGER MIRACLES FROM THE MONASTERY KITCHEN

Tracing ancient ginger wisdom? Absolutely! Kloster Kitchen's ginger shots are indeed based on an age-old monastery recipe. Back then, they already knew what was good — and what tasted fantastic.

A flavour to remember: Kloster Kitchen's story began with a simple ginger root and a recipe passed down from monastery kitchens. On a journey to the origin of good taste, founder Mario Fürst discovered not only his passion for the spicey root but also an ancestral recipe for ginger shots from a monastery kitchen, which became the cornerstone of Kloster Kitchen in 2015. And you might have guessed it: Kloster means monastery in German.

Since then, Kloster Kitchen has set itself apart from the competition with a unique, proprietary processing method. Their mantra is "recipe over mixture," ensuring the precious ginger is neither crushed, pressed, nor ground. "While others mainly mix some juice with a bit of ginger concentrate, we put ginger pieces into our shots," Julia Stöver, Key Account Manager Business Development DACH, explains. "They not

only provide an exceptionally intense flavour but also create a tangible drinking experience."

Available in various flavours and sizes, the shots are organic and vegan. "They are free from refined sugar, colourants, preservatives and artificial flavours," Julia adds. Her personal favourite is the Ginger Shot Classic: "The spiciness of the ginger combined with the natural sweetness of agave is the perfect refreshment for any moment."

Kloster Kitchen is perfect for cosmopolitan individuals who value high-quality food and maintain an active lifestyle. Whether to start your day, as a boost during long trips, a refresher after workouts or as a tasty defence against the afternoon slump, the ginger provides freshness at any time. With its enticing range of products, Kloster Kitchen invites you

to a vibrant ritual of enjoyment that revitalises both body and soul.

www.klosterkitchen.de

Kloster Kitchen products are available in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in retail chains including REWE, EDEKA, Famila, and Hit, in wholesale (Metro), organic markets, drugstores, on Amazon and in the hospitality industry. Or, of course, conveniently with just a few clicks in their online shop.

38 | Issue 117 | May 2024
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: KLOSTER KITCHEN

INGWERWUNDER AUS DER KLOSTERKÜCHE

Auf den Spuren alter Ingwer-Weisheiten? Ganz genau! Denn die Ingwer Shots von Kloster Kitchen basieren tatsächlich auf einer alten Rezeptur der Klosterküche. Damals wusste man schon, was gut ist – und super schmeckt.

Ein Geschmack, der in Erinnerung bleibt: Die Geschichte von Kloster Kitchen begann mit einer einfachen Ingwerknolle und einem überlieferten Rezept aus der Klosterküche. Auf einer Reise zu den Wurzeln des guten Geschmacks entdeckte Firmengründer Mario Fürst nämlich seine Leidenschaft für besagte Knolle - und stieß auf das überlieferte Ingwer Shot Rezept aus einer Klosterküche, welches 2015 zum Herzstück von Kloster Kitchen wurde.

Seitdem hat sich Kloster Kitchen dank eines einzigartigen, selbstentwickelten Verarbeitungsverfahrens weit von der Konkurrenz abgesetzt. Das Motto lautet hier „Rezeptur statt Mixtur!“ und die wertvollen Knollen werden weder gequetscht noch gepresst noch zerrieben. „Während andere hauptsächlich irgendeinen Saft mit ein wenig Ingwerkonzentrat mischen, bringen wir für unsere Ingwer Shots

tungen und Größen, sind die Shots bio und

rungsstoffen sowie null Prozent künstlichen Aromen aus“, fügt Julia hinzu. Ihr persönlicher Favorit ist übrigens der Ingwer Shot Classic: „Die Schärfe des Ingwers mit der natürlichen Süße der Agave sind ein perfekter Frischekick

Ingwerstückchen in die Flasche“, so Julia Stöver, Key Account Manager Business Development DACH. „Diese sorgen nicht nur für einen

Menschen, die Wert auf qualitativ hochwertige Lebensmittel legen und einen aktiven Lebensstil pflegen. Egal, ob morgens für einen guten Start in den Tag, als Boost bei langen Fahrten, als Refresher nach dem Workout oder als leckere Abwehr gegen das Nachmittagstief: die Ingwerschärfe sorgt zu jeder Zeit für einen Frischekick. Mit der verführerischen Palette an Produkten lädt Kloster Kitchen zu einem lebendigen Genussritual ein, das Körper und Geist gleichermaßen belebt und inspiriert.

www.klosterkitchen.de

Kloster Kitchen Produkte gibt es in Deutschland, Österreich und in der Schweiz in Einzelhandelsketten u.a. bei REWE, EDEKA, Famila und Hit, im Großhandel (Metro), in Biomärkten, in Drogerien sowie bei Amazon und in der Hotellerie zu finden. Oder natürlich ganz bequem mit wenigen Klicks im Onlineshop.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 39 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Kloster Kitchen richtet sich an weltoffene Julia Stöver, Key Account Manager Business Development DACH.

Customised solutions for specific applications as well as modular product series are hallmarks of Sumitomo Drive Technologies.

GERMAN ENGINEERING AT ITS BEST: GEARBOX SOLUTIONS FROM SUMITOMO DRIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Precision, performance, excellence, reliability and innovation are the hallmarks of high-quality gearboxes for modern machines - and the characteristics of the Sumitomo Drive Technologies product portfolio.

‘With gearboxes from Sumitomo Drive Technologies for a better world’ - this could be the motto of the drive system specialist. What began in Europe in 1925 with the company's own patenting of the pioneering cycloidal principle by the Munich designer Lorenz Braren has developed into the epitome of German engineering and an international manufacturer of drive solutions with its European headquarters near Munich.

With the creation of his drives, the inventor of the cycloidal principle transforms processes, systems and machines around the world. Products range from small precision gearboxes for robotics to 35-tonne industrial gearboxes for hydroelectric power stations. The engineering company offers a broad portfolio of drive technology that meets even the most specialised requirements quickly, easily and robustly.

“Our products provide innovative, adaptable and powerful solutions; our enduring passion for technology and progress drives us to develop and deliver effective solutions for a wide range of requirements. And with production and development facilities in Germany and Belgium, as well as subsidiaries in France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Turkey and India, we show that we believe in customer proximity,” says Managing Director Florian Butzmann.

The cycloidal gear revolutionised drive technology and remains one of the highlights in Sumitomo Drive Technologies' portfolio. “Cycloidal gears are very compact and allow high transmission ratios in a single stage. This is a clear advantage over, for example, gear drives," says Butzmann. “The gears can be used in many different ways: as compact, robust all-rounders or in highly specialised designs for specific applications, for example

as backlash-free precision gears for robotics, in machine tools or in medical technology. They are also used in driverless transport systems or autonomous, mobile robots in intralogistics and production.”

Another innovation from Sumitomo Drive Technologies caused quite a stir in 2022: the Tuaka actuator series, a fully integrated drive system for robot and cobot applications as well as automation projects, won the prestigious Hermes Award. “Thanks to its sensor technology and thermal management, Tuaka is ideal for high-precision applications in service robotics and for human-robot collaboration,” explains Butzmann. “The drives are modularly configurable, for example with high-resolution encoders. This allows companies to build and program any type of robot-

ic application that requires maximum precision, while remaining flexible at the same time.”

www.emeia.sumitomodrive.com/en-gb

40 | Issue 117 | May 2024
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: SUMITOMO DRIVE TECHNOLOGIES

DEUTSCHE INGENIEURSKUNST AUF HÖCHSTEM NIVEAU: ANTRIEBSLÖSUNGEN VON SUMITOMO DRIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Hochwertige Getriebe für moderne Maschinen zeichnen sich durch Präzision, Leistungsfähigkeit, Qualität, Zuverlässigkeit und Innovation aus - die Merkmale des Produktportfolios von Sumitomo Drive Technologies.

‚Mit den Getrieben von Sumitomo Drive Technologies für eine bessere Welt’ – so könnte das Motto des Spezialisten für Antriebssysteme lauten. Was 1925 mit der firmeneigenen Patentierung des bahnbrechenden Zykloidprinzips durch den Münchner Konstrukteur Lorenz Braren in Europa begann, hat sich bis heute zum Inbegriff deutscher Ingenieurskunst und zu einem internationalen Hersteller von Antriebslösungen mit europäischem Hauptsitz in der Nähe Münchens entwickelt.

Der Erfinder des Zykloidprinzips bewegt mit seinen Antrieben weltweit Prozesse, Anlagen und Maschinen. Die Produktpalette reicht von kleinen Präzisionsgetrieben für die Robotik bis hin zu 35 Tonnen schweren Industriegetrieben für Wasserkraftwerke. Anwender finden beim Maschinenbauunternehmen ein breites Portfolio an Antriebstechnik, mit dem sich auch sehr spezielle Anforderungen schnell, einfach und robust umsetzen lassen.

„Unsere Produkte stehen für innovative Lösungen, die individuell integrierbar und leistungsstark sind. Unsere Leidenschaft für Technik und Fortschritt treibt uns an, effektive Lösungen für vielfältige Anforderungen zu entwickeln und zu liefern. Daher setzen wir mit unseren Produktions- und Entwicklungsstätten in Deutschland und Belgien sowie Niederlassungen in Frankreich, Großbritannien, Italien, Spanien, der Türkei und Indien stark auf Kundennähe”, so Geschäftsführer Florian Butzmann.

Das Zykloidgetriebe revolutionierte die Antriebstechnik und gehört auch heute noch zu den Highlights im Portfolio von Sumitomo Drive Technologies. „Zykloidgetriebe sind sehr kompakt und ermöglichen einstufig hohe Übersetzungsverhältnisse. Ein klarer Vorteil beispielsweise gegenüber Zahnradgetrieben”, so Butzmann. „Die Getriebe können ganz unterschiedlich eingesetzt werden: als kompakte, robuste Allrounder oder in hochspezialisierten

Ingenieurskunst steht bei Sumitomo Drive Technologies im Zentrum der Entwicklung maßgeschneiderter Lösungen.

Der Erfolg liegt in der Vielfalt unserer Antriebslösungen: von Hightech-Präzisionsmaschinen bis zu umweltfreundlichen Anlagen.

Die Konstruktion eines Zykloidgetriebes ist einfach, genial und enthält fünf grundlegende Elemente: Antriebswelle mit Exzenterlager, Kurvenscheibe, Bolzenring mit Außenbolzen, Mitnehmerbolzen mit Rollen und Abtriebswelle.

Konstruktionen für bestimmte Anwendungen, zum Beispiel als spielfreie Präzisionsgetriebe für die Robotik, in Werkzeugmaschinen oder der Medizintechnik. Auch bei fahrerlosen Transportsystemen oder autonomen, mobilen Robotern der Intralogistik und Produktion kommen sie zum Einsatz.“

Eine weitere Innovation von Sumitomo Drive Technologies hat 2022 viel Aufsehen erregt: Die Aktuator-Serie Tuaka, ein vollintegriertes Antriebssystem für Roboter- und Cobot-Anwendungen sowie Automatisierungsvorhaben, gewann den renommierten Hermes-Award. „Tuaka ist dank seiner Sensorik und seines Thermomanagements ideal für hochpräzise Anwendungen in der Servicerobotik und für die Mensch-RoboterKollaboration geeignet,” erklärt Butzmann. „Die Antriebe sind modular konfigurierbar, beispielsweise mit hochauflösenden Encodern. So können Unternehmen jede Art von Roboteranwendung bauen und programmieren, bei www.emeia.sumitomodrive.com/de der es auf ein Maximum an Präzision ankommt. Und bleiben dabei doch immer flexibel."

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 41 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Die Aktuator-Serie Tuaka gewann den renommierten Hermes Award, den ‚Oscar der Industrie’.
No Need for Exclusive Chargers 2-in-1 Tool Battery & Power Bank Sleek & Modern Aesthetic Design USB-C PD Fast Charging Ergonomic Design Stain and Wear-Resistant Housing Product Line for Home DIY, Garden Work, Outdoor Living German Design AwardSpecial Mention Prize USB-C Litheli This article might be short, but innovation knows no bounds. Litheli has o cially landed in over 220 OBI stores in Germany and Austria as well as some expert stores. Also, you can find us online at obi.de, obi.at, and expert.de. Get ready to be impressed! We apologize on behalf of the tool industry: NEXT-GEN POWER TOOLS SHOULD'VE ARRIVED AGES AGO. NEXT-GEN POWER TOOLS

LITHELI: NEXT-GEN POWER TOOLS

Litheli develops pioneering ‘NEXT-GEN POWER TOOLS’ that break boundaries between power generation, storage, change and usage.

Based on their DC2.0 battery platform, Litheli has developed the award-winning INFINITY POWER SHARE model, also known as IPS. With this model, the same battery unit can seamlessly power multiple products in different scenarios such as DIY, indoor, outdoor and gardening, eliminating the need for exclusive chargers and enhancing versatility.

PRAISE FOR INFINITY POWER SHARE

The IPS model received a lot of praise and attention at the 2024 Eisenwarenmesse in Cologne and has recently won the German Design Award 2024 due to its perfect blend of innovative design and functionality: "The U-Battery (also known as IPS SUPER BATTERY) in the Litheli Infinity Power Share concept completely changes the relationship between battery and tool," the jury stated. Preferably charged with renewable electricity, the U-Battery serves as a power bank alone or in a variety of devices in the home, workshop, garden and outdoors.

AVAILABLE IN EUROPE SINCE FEBRUARY 2024

The U20 series is designed for continuous, reliable performance and provides users with lasting support for DIY, outdoor or garden maintenance projects. As of February 2024, Litheli's U20 series products are available in Europe for the first time – in over 220 OBI stores and online stores in both Germany and Austria, as well as some expert offline stores and www.expert.de.

www.litheli.eu

LITHELI: DIE NEUE GENERATION DER AKKU-GERÄTE

Litheli entwickelt seit 2017 sogenannte ‚NEXT-GEN POWER TOOLS‘, die die Grenzen zwischen Energieerzeugung und -speicherung, -wechsel sowie -nutzung durchbrechen, und ist stolzer Erfinder der DC2.0-Batterieplattform.

Auf der Grundlage der DC2.0-Batterieplattform hat Litheli das preisgekrönte Modell INFINITY POWER SHARE, auch IPS genannt, entwickelt. Mit dem IPS-Modell kann ein und dieselbe Batterieeinheit mehrere Produkte nahtlos in verschiedenen Szenarien wie Heimwerken in Innen- und Außenbereichen sowie Gartenarbeit mit Strom versorgen, wodurch die Notwendigkeit exklusiver Ladegeräte entfällt und die Vielseitigkeit erhöht wird.

AUSZEICHNUNG FÜR INFINITY POWER SHARE

Das IPS-Modell erhielt viel Lob und Aufmerksamkeit auf der Eisenwarenmesse 2024 in Köln und wurde beim German Design Award 2024 für seine perfekte Mischung von innovativem Design und Funktionalität mit einer besonderen Erwähnung ausgezeichnet: „Die U-Battery (auch bekannt als IPS SUPER BATTERY) im Litheli Infinity Power Share Konzept verändert das Verhältnis von Akku und Werkzeuggerät komplett“, urteilte die Jury. Bevorzugt geladen mit erneuerbarem Strom, dient die U-Battery entweder als Powerbank oder versorgt eine Vielzahl von Geräten in Haushalt, Werkstatt und Garten.

ERHÄLTLICH IN EUROPA SEIT FEBRUAR 2024

Die U20-Serie ist für eine kontinuierliche, zuverlässige Leistung ausgelegt und unterstützt den Nutzer nachhaltig bei Heimwerker-, Outdooroder Gartenpflegeprojekten. Seit Februar 2024 sind die Produkte der U20-Serie von Litheli erstmals in Europa erhältlich, und zwar in über 220 OBI-Märkten und Online-Shops in Deutschland und Österreich, sowie in weiteren Fachmärkten und unter www.expert.de.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 43 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI  I PHOTOS: LITHELI.EU
Litheli’s IPS Model has won the German Design Award. NEXT-GEN power tools from Litheli. Litheli is offering a brand-new experience of battery-powered tools.

LASERVISION: PROTECTING PEOPLE

For more than 50 years, lasers with their exceptional type of rays and extraordinary proficiency have been a decisive tool in photonics as well as one of the key technologies of the 21st century.

But laser radiation can also be hazardous, especially to the eyes, which laservision has been protecting for almost 38 years.

“With our high-quality products such as glasses, windows, curtains and enclosures, we offer comprehensive protection for a wide range of applications. Through cooperation and constant innovations, we continue to defend our position as one of the pioneers in the industry,” says Marketing and Sales Coordinator Tina Bränzel.

laservision’s innovative products protect against laser radiation as well as other hazards. The X46 X-ray safety eyewear, for example, is the first to feature a frame made of an innovative material that protects against X-rays. The specially designed head support system is an important factor in the acceptance of the goggles, as it distributes the relatively heavy weight of the X-ray protective lenses over the nasal bridge and the head. A very important feature, especially during very long operations.

“We are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified and live our mission of ‘protecting people’ across all industries,” stresses Bränzel. “With a network of qualified sales partners, we are available to our customers worldwide to ensure the safety of users at all times with our products and customised solutions.”

www.uvex-laservision.de/en

LASERVISION: PROTECTING PEOPLE

Seit über 50 Jahren sind Laser mit ihrer perfekten Strahlqualität und hohen Leistung ein entscheidendes Werkzeug der Photonik und eine der Schlüsseltechnologien des 21. Jahrhunderts.

Doch die Laserstrahlung birgt auch Gefahren, insbesondere für die Augen. Vor dieser Gefahr schützt laservision seit nunmehr fast 38 Jahren.

„Mit unseren hochwertigen Produkten wie Brillen, Fenstern, Vorhängen und Einhausungen bieten wir umfassenden Schutz für eine Vielzahl von Anwendungen und bleiben durch Kooperationen und ständige Innovationen einer der Vorreiter in der Branche,” so Marketing- und Vertriebskoordinatorin Tina Bränzel.

Nicht nur vor Laserstrahlung, auch vor anderen Gefahren schützt laservision mit innovativen Produkten. So schützt bei der Röntgenschutzbrille X46 erstmals auch die Fassung aus einem neuartigen Material vor Röntgenstrahlung. Der speziell entwickelte Tragekorb ist ein entscheidendes Komfortkriterium für die Akzeptanz der Brille. Denn er verteilt das relativ hohe Gewicht der Röntgenschutzgläser und wirkt nicht nur auf den Nasenrücken - gerade bei mehrstündigen Operationen ein entscheidendes Auswahlkriterium.

„Wir sind nach ISO 9001 und dem Umweltstandard ISO 14001 zertifiziert und leben unsere Mission ‚protecting people’ über alle Branchen hinweg”, betont Bränzel. „Mit einem Netzwerk qualifizierter Vertriebspartner stehen wir unseren Kunden weltweit zur Verfügung, um mit unseren Produkten und maßgeschneiderten Lösungen die Sicherheit der Anwender jederzeit zu gewährleisten.”

www.uvex-laservision.de

44 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Special Theme  | A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: LASERVISION GMBH & CO. KG

PINNACLE INTERIORS: DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE

Pinnacle Interiors consists of a unique team with more than two decades of experience, driven by a passion for creativity and innovation.

The award-winning interior design studio stands for both captivating and functional spaces for the commercial, residential, hospitality, healthcare, and corporate sectors. Pinnacle Interiors aims to shape a future that honours innovation and sustainability. To this end, the Dubai-based office with a branch in Abu Dhabi hosts regular networking events that serve to inspire and educate stakeholders on sustainability, environmental practices, and emerging design trends.

The profound interest in design and innovation has earned the company the 2024 German Design Award/Special Mention for their project Majlis Al Amal (Hope Lounge), for the Al Jalila Cancer Foundation. The concept of soft pink tones is designed to provide hope, comfort, and therapeutic elegance for patients and their families.

Furthermore, their flagship office in Dubai’s vibrant d3 Design District has accredited Pinnacle Interiors recently with a LEED-Gold certification from the US Green Building Council. Indicative of a project's comprehensive adoption of best sustainability practices, this accreditation serves to further establish Pinnacle Interiors as a leader in sustainable interior design and construction.

www.pinnacleinteriors.ae

PINNACLE INTERIORS: DESIGN FÜR DIE ZUKUNFT

Pinnacle Interiors zeichnet sich durch ein kompetentes Team mit über zwei Jahrzehnten Erfahrung und viel Leidenschaft für Kreativität und Innovation aus.

“Das preisgekrönte Designstudio steht für die Schaffung attraktivfunktionaler Räume im Geschäfts-, Wohn- und Gastgewerbe sowie im Unternehmens- und Gesundheitssektor. Pinnacle Interiors hat sich zum Ziel gemacht, eine Zukunft mitzugestalten, in der abgesehen von Ästhetik insbesondere auch Innovation und Nachhaltigkeit im Vordergrund stehen. Angesiedelt im dynamischen Designdistrikt d3 in Dubai mit einer Zweigstelle in Abu Dhabi leitet das Büro deshalb regelmäßig Networking-Events, die internationalen Interessenvertretern nachhaltigumweltfreundliche Ansätze sowie neue Designtrends vorstellen.

Das tiefe Interesse an der Verbindung von Design und Innovation hat dem Büro kürzlich den 'German Design Award in der Rubrik Special Mention für ihr Projekt ‚Majlis Al Amal‘ (Hope Lounge) für die Krebsstiftung Al Jalila Foundation eingebracht: Das Designkonzept in sanften Pink-Tönen soll den Patientinnen und ihren Familien Hoffnung, Komfort und therapeutische Eleganz vermitteln.

Mit seinem neuen Flagship Office im Designdistrikt d3 in Dubai hat Pinnacle Interiors zudem den LEED Gold-Preis 2023 des US Green Building Council gewonnen. Als Indikator für ein umfassendes und vorbildlich umgesetztes Verständnis von Nachhaltigkeit unterstreicht die Auszeichnung den Status als führendes Unternehmen im Bereich der nachhaltigen Innenraumgestaltung und -konstruktion.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 45 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: PINNACLEINTERIORS.AE
German Design Award 2024, Special Mention: Majlis Al Amal (Hope Lounge), Al Jalila Foundation. German Design Award 2024, Special Mention: Majlis Al Amal (Hope Lounge), Al Jalila Foundation. German Design Award 2024, Special Mention: Majlis Al Amal (Hope Lounge), Al Jalila Foundation. German Design Award 2024, Special Mention: Majlis Al Amal (Hope Lounge), Al Jalila Foundation.

PIONEERING THE FUTURE OF INTRALOGISTICS

From humble garage to global innovation: TGW Robotics has evolved into a leading force in automation and robotics solutions, empowering industries worldwide.

From a passionate start in a small garage in 2000, TGW Robotics GmbH has charted a path that many dream of but few achieve. Like tech giants Apple and Microsoft, TGW Robotics shares the iconic beginning of starting from a garage, burgeoning into a beacon

of innovation in the heart of Europe. Last year, the company moved to their new building in Rohrdorf near Munich, which marks a significant milestone, symbolising their journey from a humble beginning to a future filled with growth and development. “Our team has

room to grow there, and we also have the option of constructing a new building,” Robert Wagenstaller, Managing Director, explains. “This has all been made possible by the TGW Logistics Group to boost our development even further.” It’s safe to say that TGW Robotics will follow its growth trajectory that already spans over two decades.

A FOUNDATION BUILT ON INNOVATION

With a sprawling 8,500 m² production area, a 3,200 m² logistics and storage space, and an 800 m² innovation area equipped with a training room, TGW Robotics has evolved into a powerhouse. This evolution has been fuelled by an unwavering commitment to innovation, technology and the drive to offer high-performance solutions in intralogistics.

At the core of TGW Robotics' offerings lies a deep expertise in providing intelligent, futureoriented automation and robotics solutions. Specialising in sectors such as grocery, industrial and consumer goods, fashion and pharmaceuticals, TGW Robotics has become a pivotal partner across industries.

46 | Issue 117 | May 2024
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE  I PHOTOS: 10MATTERS
TGW Robotics building. Assembly of current projects

Customers particularly value its capacity to automate and optimise warehousing and logistics operations, from palletising and depalletising to automated carton handling and single-piece picking. "Each of our modules is equipped with intelligent camera technology, allowing for automatic carton format recognition among other advanced capabilities," Robert Wagenstaller says, emphasising TGW Robotic’s dedication to technological excellence and innovation.

UNPARALLELED CUSTOMER FOCUS AND GLOBAL REACH

What sets TGW Robotics apart is not just its innovative approach but its commitment to customer satisfaction and project success. “We provide automation solutions that transform our clients' manual processes into streamlined, high-performance operations, anticipating the logistics needs of the future”, Robert Wagenstaller adds. “Our portfolio includes unique and patented products and modules, unrivalled by any competitor, alongside established and proven solutions already recognised in the market. This approach not only brings stability to our customers' logistics processes but also makes us their preferred choice for comprehensive, all-in-one solutions.”

The ability to really listen to the customers, understanding their needs, and delivering tailor-made solutions is what clients appreciate the most. This client-centric philosophy, also offering life-time services, is complemented by the company's global reach, offering German engineering with a commitment to passion, quality and worldwide service.

THE ROAD AHEAD

The future looks bright for TGW Robotics, with over 40 patented solutions within the TGW Logistics Group and continuous innovation at its core. Among the exciting developments is a unique machine capable of palletising mixed products onto different load carriers, a testament to the company's innovative spirit. This patented solution, operational across all temperature ranges, can be integrated into existing buildings, offering high storage density, performance, product variability, and process stability.

In an age where e-commerce is reshaping markets at an unprecedented pace, TGW

Robotics can be found at the forefront, developing flexible solutions like a new small fulfilment centre designed to meet the demands of the fast-paced online retail sector. This initiative exemplifies TGW’s agility and readiness to address the evolving needs of the market.

TGW Robotics continues to pave the way in intralogistics. Its success story is driven by passion, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence, setting new standards in the automation and robotics industry.

www.tgw-group.com/rohrdorf www.linkedin.com/company/tgw-robotics robotics@tgw-group.com

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 47 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Assembly of the machines. Welding area. Managing directors (from left to right): Albert Breitenfellner-Fercher, Robert Wagenstaller and Ewald Koppler.

EATRENALIN - KULINARISCHER GENUSS MIT ALLEN SINNEN

Restaurants gibt es viele, Restaurants mit speziellem Unterhaltungskonzept eher weniger. Aber das Eatrenalin gibt es tatsächlich nur einmal auf der Welt - und zwar in Rust.

Eatrenalin ist schwer zu beschreiben. Sein Ziel, das aufregendste Gastronomie-Erlebnis der Welt zu sein, hat das Restaurant jedenfalls vollständig erreicht.

Was ist Eatrenalin? Thomas Mack und Oliver Altherr, die beiden Gründer und Geschäftsführer von Eatrenalin, erklären: „Eatrenalin ist das Restaurant der Zukunft! Ein Restaurant, das alle Sinne anspricht und auf eine fantastische Reise einlädt.” Und was bedeutet das genau? „Die Gäste können zwischen verschiedenen Erlebnissen wählen, welche die Sinne auf unterschiedliche Weise ansprechen und Kulinarik sowie Unterhaltung auf noch nie dagewesene Weise kombinieren. Je nach gewählter Experience variieren Menüs, korrespondierende Getränke, Showelemente und Medientechnik.”

In der Praxis reisen die Gäste während des über zweistündigen Programms durch elf verschiedene Genusswelten. Unterschiedliche, thematisch hochwertig designte Räume, die mit visuellen, akustischen, olfaktorischen, gustatorischen und haptischen Elementen angereichert

werden, ziehen die Besucher:innen in ihren sinnlichen Bann. Jede Reise beginnt in der Lounge, wo das freundliche Team des Restaurants die Gäste mit einem Glas LaurentPerrier Champagner empfängt. Auf Floating Chairs bewegen sich die Gourmets nun in die unterschiedlichen Räume und erleben eine ganz besondere Reise. Ob in die Tiefen des Meeres, nach Asien oder auf den Mond - es gibt viele Möglichkeiten. „Jede Experience endet wieder auf der Erde”, ergänzt Mack. „Und zwar in unserer Bar, wo man das gerade Erlebte noch einmal in Ruhe Revue passieren lassen kann.”

Begleitet wird dieses Erlebnis von ausgewählter Kulinarik, die von den Head Chefs

Ties van Oosten und Juliana Clementz perfekt auf die jeweiligen Themenwelten abgestimmt sind und zweimal im Jahr wechselt. Wie der Besuch selbst, so präsentiert sich auch das achtgängige Menü, das zu jeder Experience serviert wird: modern und kreativ, mit einem Hauch von Internationalität. Kurz: Dinieren im Eatrenalin bedeutet Genuss auf höchstem Niveau!

Mit der Eatrenalin Late Night hat das Erlebnisrestaurant nun auch ein weiteres Highlight im Programm. „Im Gegensatz zu den Dinner Experiences”, so Altherr, „stehen bei der Late Night raffinierte Cocktails und atemberaubende Live-Acts im Vordergrund, die unsere Gäste durch die Themenwelten begleiten.”

Eatrenalin ist nicht weniger als ein revolutionäres Gastronomiekonzept perfekter Gastfreundschaft. Gebucht werden kann dieses sinnliche Erlebnis auf jeden Gast individuell abgestimmt. Einfach die gewünschte Experience auswählen, eventuelle Unverträglichkeiten angeben, gewünschte Extras hinzubuchen und einer sinnlichen Erfahrung der Extraklasse steht nichts mehr im Weg.

www.eatrenalin.de

48 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Special Theme  | A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I FOTOS: EATRENALIN

HASENKOPF: INNOVATION DURCH TRADITION

Individualität in Form und Maß sowie eine große Farbauswahl in Kombination mit hoher Qualität machen Hasenkopf-Produkte einzigartig.

Seit der Gründung verkörpert Hasenkopf Tradition und Innovation gleichermaßen und setzt als renommiertes Unternehmen Maßstäbe in der Verarbeitung von Mineralwerkstoffen sowie weiteren hochwertigen Materialien. Hasenkopf-Produkte finden sich sowohl in Badezimmern und Innenräumen sowie im Outdoorbereich und in der Fassadengestaltung, und überzeugen durch ihr elegantes Design, makellose Oberflächen und erstklassige Verarbeitung – zum Beispiel im Großen Saal der Hamburger Elbphilharmonie und an der Fassade der Microsoft Deutschland-Zentrale in München.

Alles fing im Jahr 1964 an, in einer kleinen Schreinerei spezialisiert auf Schubkästen. Mittlerweile ist die Hasenkopf GmbH Vorreiter und Marktführer in der Mineralwerkstoffverarbeitung. Die Produktion von qualitativ hochwertigen Schubkästen bildet nebenbei noch immer eine wichtige Säule des Unternehmens.

Heute entwerfen und fertigen rund 200 Mitarbeiter unter einem Dach maßgeschneiderte

Produktlösungen auf höchstem Niveau für Architekten, Designer und Handwerker sowie Badstudios und Badplaner, die Wert auf Qualität und Individualität legen. Vom Standort im malerischen Oberbayern aus versendet die GmbH ihre erstklassigen Produkte weltweit.

Dank der herausragenden technischen Expertise und Flexibilität entwickelt Hasenkopf sektorenübergreifend in Bereichen wie Küchendesign, Ladenbau, Medizintechnik, Hotellerie sowie Büroeinrichtungen, Gastronomie, Schiffsbau und Fassaden – mit immer wieder erfolgreich maßgeschneiderten Lösungen für jede Situation.

ECO-WASH-CUBE: ELEGANTE RAUMSPARDUSCHE 2024 will Hasenkopf noch digitaler und nachhaltiger werden. Gemäß dem Motto „Innovation durch Tradition" erscheinen zudem neue Produkte auf dem Markt, wie beispielsweise der Eco-Wash-Cube: Eine Kombination aus Dusche, Waschtisch und Hochschrank, die ideale Raumspardusche für kleine Räume. Als zentrales Element

Fassade Microsoft Deutschland-Zentrale, Hamburg. Foto: Andreas Frisch/ARGENTA Unternehmensgruppe

setzt der Eco-Wash-Cube neue Maßstäbe in der Gestaltung von Badezimmern, indem er Ästhetik und praktische Anforderungen in einem harmonischen Design vereint. Eleganter Minimalismus trifft hier auf innovative Funktionalität, konzipiert für den kleinsten Raum. Durchdachte Details wie versteckte Steckdosen, eine Lampe aus Mineralwerkstoff und ein auf die Außenseite der Duschwand aufgesetzer Spiegel unterstreichen die klare Linienführung und ermöglichen eine nahtlose Integration in jedes anspruchsvolle Badinterieur. Auch hier lassen sich Wünsche individuell erfüllen und die Produkte entsprechend anpassen. Denn bei Hasenkopf gibt es nichts von der Stange. Der Kunde bekommt Produkte in höchster Qualität und auf Wunsch auch nach Maß – Simply Special!

www.hasenkopf.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 49 A Special Focus on Design, Innovation and Progress |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI
Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Großer Saal. Foto: Christian Höhn Hotel-Bad, Waschtisch. Foto: Hasenkopf Industrie Manufaktur Corian Theke, Praxis Prof. Dr. Schnorbach. Foto: Thomas A. Berger Hotel-Badezimmer. Foto: Hasenkopf Industrie Manufaktur Corian Weinpult. Foto: Hasenkopf Industrie Manufaktur

TOP SWISS WATCH BRANDS

– QUALITY AND RESILIENCE

There is a powerful scene in Sofia Coppola’s masterful psychogram ‘The Bling Ring’, when the inexperienced young teen burglars sell a set of watches stolen from Orlando Bloom’s LA villa to a sleazy dealer from the criminal underbelly of the glitziest city of the US.

It is the first moment in the film when it sinks into the naive minds of the fashion-loving teenagers, that they have officially entered a road of no return. Mr. Bloom meanwhile got five of his precious collector’s items back in a courageous solo mission to the valley, which is a full story in itself – and we will get back to that. However, the fact that it isn’t shoes, fashion or jewellery which gets the young criminals into real trouble but watches instead, tells us all we need to know about the value of certain watches

as collector’s items, which in a lot of cases carry one iconic label: ‘Swiss Made’.

OBJECTS OF DESIRE – THE HISTORY BEHIND THE MYTH

Swiss watches have been on the international market since the Renaissance era. At the beginning of the 16th century, Swiss watchmakers were already known as the best of their trade, especially in and around Geneva. Fashion was at the time influenced by the strictly ascetic decrees of John Calvin, the most influential reformer after Martin Luther. However, the citizens of Geneva had their own minds concerning fashion, and while following the suggested

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TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI
Photo: Unsplash - Kent Lam Photo: Unsplash - Kent Lam

plain and austere aesthetics in their clothing, they found subtle luxury in a formerly strictly functional tool. Made jobless by Calvinist orders, local jewellers smartly discovered a whole new market by becoming watch sellers instead, and thus, the Swiss watch was reborn as a renaissance accessory. From then on until today, a watch can be a chronometer, ornate accessory and secure investment at the same time, especially through carrying the Swiss Made label.

TOP SWISS WATCH BRANDS – THE MECHANICAL FACTOR

The Geneva region was soon overcrowded with local manufacturers, which is why part of them eventually moved away and settled in the Jura canton. In the late 1700s, Swiss clocks and watches were already sold internationally by the tens of thousands. Both regions continued developing their models and the Jura canton won the race when in 1770, the first mechanical pocket watch with manual winding was invented by Louis-Abraham Perrelet in the town of Le Locle. Known as the vibration clock, which rewinds itself through the sheer movement of its wearer, it was just the first of many coming innovations that have made Swiss brands not only pioneers but also market leaders in their field. Indestructible and resilient, the Swiss watch still seems to carry a specific, immortal charm, which has carried the industry through many a rough stretch until today: Even the ‘Quartz Crisis’ of the 70s and the dawn of the digital age have not managed to render the ageless accessory obsolete.

TOP SWISS WATCH BRANDS – THE LABEL FACTOR

From fashion kick to investment item, tradition and precision have made the ‘Swiss Made’ label an equivalent of the highest quality, hands down. Even though some components may stem from abroad, the assembly as well as the final test and approval need to take place on Swiss soil. The ‘Genève’ label has even stricter requirements: It protects products from the Geneva region, which until today stands for the cradle of the Swiss watchmaking trade. The ‘Poinçon de Genève’ dates back to 1886, is granted by ‘TimeLab’ and takes eighteen days of testing and eleven quality criteria to fulfil. Needless to say, the entire watch must be assembled and regulated in the Geneva region. Current qualified Genève brands are Cartier, Chopard, Vacheron Constantin and Roger Dubuis.

TOP SWISS WATCH BRANDS – COLLECTOR’S ITEMS

What makes your watch an investment? It is a simple equation and true to most collectors’ markets: rarity. Look for limited editions of renowned brands and crosscheck the current value of older or even antiquated models. As with jewels, the price of certain desirable editions will go only one way in the future: upwards. Due to this fact, it also makes sense to look for new models by desired brands which are offered as strictly limited editions.

Once you have purchased the desired item, you want to make sure to keep it safe from outside influences, and that does not refer to burglars only. For collector’s items there is one rule: Keep them in a dry, safe place without exposing them to extreme temperature changes, to avoid corrosion and the tearing

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 51 Top Swiss Watch Brands |  Feature | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Photo: Blancpain Photo: Unsplash - Casey Connell

or fading of wristbands. The original combination of wristband and watch always ensures a higher collector’s value.

OCEAN COMMITMENT

When it comes to beautiful Swiss watchmaking, you can’t omit luxury Swiss watch manufacturer Blancpain. Headquartered in Paudex/Le Brassus, the brand designs, manufactures, distributes and sells gorgeous, timeless pieces and specialised dive

watches that are well-known in the ocean community and beyond. Having launched the world’s first modern diving watch, the Fifty Fathoms, in 1953, Blancpain has longstanding links with the ocean. The Fifty Fathoms was a milestone moment in Blancpain’s 300-year history and marked the starting point of their collaboration with the ocean community, culminating in the support for numerous ocean conservation initiatives.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE – BRANDS AND PHILANTHROPY

Scanning through 70 top Swiss watch brands can be mind-numbing, however both the producer’s and the buyer’s intentions may play a role in decision-making. As a consumer or collector, some prefer to check which brands are still independent instead of having been swallowed by a group. Breitling, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet for example are still independent

52 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Feature  | Top Swiss Watch Brands
Photo: Blancpain Photo: Blancpain Photo: Blancpain

watchmakers. Other buyers may also care if a brand is purely profit-oriented or leaning towards philanthropic or environmental values, to help with some of the pressing burdens of our times.

Rolex stands for luxury items and thus annually makes a gigantic profit. What might surprise some to hear is that the brand’s stocks and all of its revenue are owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, which has the sole purpose of protecting not only the brand itself but also the legacy and values of the Rolex founder, spanning across art, science, education and charity. Annually, the foundation donates tens to hundreds of millions to selected charitable projects. The late, childless founder simply took the freedom to make his entire heritage and all profits available to those in need, for as long as the brand prevails.

Other brands create limited series which serve a charitable purpose, namely that of protecting the planet: Oris for example is one of the independent Swiss watchmaker brands which has always made a case for the environment, especially the oceans. The ‘Dat Watt’ limited edition from 2009 is a waterproof, stylish gem from the Aquis series with

a dial in a subtle green hue. It was created to help save the Wadden Sea and declare it a UNESCO World Heritage site – which it finally became.

This takes us back to actor Orlando Bloom, himself a backer of at least 21 charities and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, who famously tracked down his own watches stolen by

The Bling Ring, years after the robbery. After having obtained the necessary information, he fitted himself with a recording device to face a dodgy shop in the valley. After the initial shock of recognition, the owner presented him with five watches out of his beloved collection of ten: proof of a genuine and pretty courageous watch lover, who takes matters into his own, well-decorated hands.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 53 Top Swiss Watch Brands |  Feature | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Photo: Unsplash - Chris Lutke Photo: Blancpain

The WineBarn Hosts Tastings in Oxford & Cambridge

The WineBarn recently hosted its Annual Portfolio Tastings in Oxford and Cambridge. Both wine tastings had an excellent turnout.

We have been supplying sophisticated German wines and hosting events at Christ Church College in Oxford and King's College in Cambridge for over 20 years. Both colleges provided beautiful surroundings, rich in heritage. Our team relished the opportunity to see familiar faces again, as well as welcome newcomers.

Guests were treated to an informative and informal tasting journey through some of Germany’s most sophisticated new and mature wines. There was a wide selection of wines available to try, including a variety of Riesling Grand Cru, elegant Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), mineralic Silvaner, easy-drinking Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), sparkling Sekts and fruity Spätlese.

The historic colleges purchase and store wine for feasts, special occasions, the high table and the wine room. They also offer a point of sale where wines and spirits can be bought by fellows, students and staff. The Financial Times recently described King’s College as having a “first-class” cellar. The college has its own Wine Steward - Peter de Bolla. He travels to wine tastings and buys some of the best wines and ports available for the college's cellar.

Peter de Bolla, Wine Steward at King's College, said, "Iris Ellmann established her German wine importing company almost 25 years ago. Very rapidly The WineBarn became the go-to place for the brilliant wines of Germany. Today it is without doubt one of the most important wine importers in the UK, representing many of the finest estates across the varied regions within which world-class wines are produced in Germany. The knowledge and expertise across the company is extensive, and their portfolio of wines - from steely bright entry-level Rieslings from the Rheingau to majestic late harvest examples from the Mosel - showcases some of the finest available in the UK. Ellmann and her team are continually seeking out new and upcoming estates, and are champions of the remarkable German red wines, made not only from Spätburgunder but also less wellknown varietals in the UK, such as Lemberger or Dornfelder. It has been a pleasure to work with The WineBarn for over 18 years and to follow their exciting evolution as a company and advocate for German wine in the UK. Bravo!"

Iris Ellmann, MD of The WineBarn, said: "It was encouraging to see so many open-minded trade professionals and wine stewards recog-

nise the importance of having impressive German wines featured in their wine lists."

A big thank you to everyone that attend, and to the catering teams for their delicious spread and excellent service on the day.

The WineBarn is a multi-award-winning wine merchant that specialises in exclusively German wine and has been bringing pure drinking pleasure to the UK for over 23 years. Their elegant wines have been selected to cover a range of styles – from the affordable to the luxury, from dry to sweet and from fresh to full-bodied, ensuring there’s something to suit all tastes and pair with any cuisine.

To find your new favourite German wine, contact The WineBarn for a personal recommendation.

Visit: www.thewinebarn.co.uk

Call: 0044 1962 761 215

Email: wine@thewinebarn.co.uk

54 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Wine & Dine  | Wine Column
Iris Ellmann, Managing Director of The WineBarn. Photo: Iris Ellmann Christ Church College in Oxford. King's College in Cambridge. Iris Ellmann, MD of The WineBarn, at the trade wine tasting at Christ Church College in Oxford.

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES IN THE MOUNTAINS

Deepening one's knowledge of the culture, traditions and customs of the holiday destination will add value, enrichment, and emotions to one’s travel experience. In Alta Badia, in the heart of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, traditions are still lived every day. With the help of local ambassadors, visitors can experience authentic experiences in the area – just like a local.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI

The Ladin people, the inhabitants of Alta Badia, are shaped by millennia-old culture and traditions. The residents of these villages would like to share these values with the guests of Alta Badia and are offering appointments with the ‘Nos Ladins-We Ladiner’ event series again in summer 2024. These allow visitors to spend a few hours with the locals

and have authentic experiences that deepen their knowledge of the culture, traditions and customs of the Alta Badia destination.

Five personalities, each with their own story and life experience, united by their belonging to the Ladin people and therefore by a deep and innate passion for the territory in which

they were born and raised. These are the protagonists of Nos Ladins-We Ladiners in summer 2024, an initiative that offers guests visiting Alta Badia the opportunity to spend a few hours like a real local. Participants will discover people, places and traditions that are an integral part of the history and culture of Alta Badia. After all, no one can convey these experiences more authentically than the people who live in these places.

This year too there will be no lack of new personalities who will arouse the curiosity of participants through the various activities offered from June to September. Let’s see what will be offered in 2024.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 55 Authentic Experiences in the Mountains |  Wine & Dine | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Photo: Alta Badia - Alex Moling

DISCOVER THE WORK OF A VIOLIN MAKER

Violin making is an art and for Anna a true passion, which arose from meeting the famous violin maker Claudiu Man on the soccer field in her home village of La Val. After an apprenticeship with the great violin maker, Anna went to France and then to Cremona, where she deepened her knowledge of this craft, which is now an integral part of her life, with outstanding masters. Anna uses ‘Peció’, the pine wood from the forests of her homeland, to make her Ladin violins. A visit to her workshop among violins, wood, strings and cases is a unique experience on June 26th and September 4th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

LADIN CULTURE UP-CLOSE

Katy studied art history and is a true lover of Ladin culture. She has been working at the Ladin Museum Ciastel de Tor for 14 years and runs a place where Ladin history and memory are preserved with care, attention, and vision. Katy, who will be present on July 11th and August 22nd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., is an exceptional contact person who can explain to participants the fascinating history of the Ladin world through the works kept in the rooms of this museum.

THE WORLD OF THE WHITE CROSS

La Villa is the headquarters of the White Cross, a voluntary first aid and public assistance association. Lucas joined the volunteer group at the age of thirteen and has never stopped helping those in trouble in the valley. Working in a group fills him with satisfaction and responsibility. Anyone who visits the headquarters with him enters a world full of people with big hearts. On June 27th, August 1st and 29th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Lucas will tell participants what volunteering means and what it's like to do volunteer work in the mountains.

A DAY ON THE FARM

Rosa and Tone are old-style farmers. Together they run the family farm, one of the oldest in Alta Badia, which dates back to the 13th to 14th centuries. With their simplicity, they pass on their passion for working on the farm to their four children. At the events on July 25th and August 28th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., participants can not only watch the farmers at work, but also lend a hand when it comes to getting the animals out of the stable or cutting the grass mowing. During lunch, guests can taste the simple but genuine dishes of Ladin cuisine, freshly prepared by Rosa.

BECOME A PROTAGONIST OF THE FERRAGOSTO PROCESSION

The Ferragosto parade is an event with a long tradition in the lives of the residents of La Villa. The event in the village centre takes place every year on August 15th and consists of a themed parade - this year under the motto "Artisans yesterday and today" - which is organized by local associations. Together with Daria, who has been responsible for organizing the parade for several years, an expert in Ladin art and customs and editor for the RAI's Ladin editorial team, it will be possible to get to know the background of the event.

56 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Wine & Dine  | Authentic Experiences in the Mountains
Photo: Alta Badia - Alex Moling Photo: Alta Badia - Matteo Mocellin Photo: Alta Badia - Alex Moling Photo: Alta Badia - Alex Moling

In the days before the parade you can help set up one of the floats and on the day of the parade, participants in Nos Ladins-We Ladiners can jump on it and parade through the village.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Ladin is one of the three official languages of South Tyrol, along with Italian and German. It is a Romansh language spoken by around 30,000 people in the five Ladin valleys. The week from June 24th to 28th, 2024 will be dedicated to this language minority for the first time. During this time, activities and initiatives take place to introduce holiday guests to the Ladin language and its peculiarities. Ladin courses, Ladin poetry and music evenings are organized, as well as visits to the most important institutions in the valley and the Ladin Museum Ciastel de Tor, which preserves the history and culture of the Ladin minority.

I JUN A MUNT

The ‘I Jun A Munt’ hiking event on August 18th will take place in La Val, a village in Alta Badia that has preserved much of the Ladin farming culture. Along the hiking tour path, which is completed exclusively on foot,

participants come across various stations where they can discover the special features of farm work in the mountain meadows during the summer months. At each location, participants have the opportunity to do something together with the farmers, learn something new about this profession and, last but not least, try some typical Ladin dishes, a simple but genuine cuisine. During the hike, participants meet the people who live in these places and can watch the mowing of the meadows, using ancient agricultural customs and modern techniques. Together with an expert, hikers can plant a tree and thus actively contribute to the reforestation of the environment. With the guides from the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, the participants also get to know the special features of the mountain meadows, which, thanks to the work of farmers, offer protection to numerous animal and plant species. Participation is free and registration is not required.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 57 Authentic Experiences in the Mountains |  Wine & Dine | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria Sign up here: www.altabadia.org
Photo: Alta Badia - Alex Moling Photo: Alta Badia - Alex Moling Photo: Alta Badia - Freddy Planinschek

WHERE HUMAN EVOLUTION COMES TO LIFE

The Kulturama Museum of Human Evolution captivates visitors by bringing the development of mankind to life. It offers an exciting experience for both young and old, staying true to its motto: "A museum all about you."

Founded in 1978 by Paul Muggler, a visionary in museum education, and led by Dr Claudia Rütsche since 1996, Kulturama combines the fascination of human evolution with interactive learning experiences across the fields of evolutionary history, cultural history and human biology.

Exhibitions like ‘Where We Come From’ and ‘Who We Are’ enchant visitors by illustrating the evolution of life and the human life cycle through fossils, skeletons, and models. The exhibition ‘How We Learn’ turns especially interactive, allowing visitors to directly experience the workings of human learning and memory.

Kulturama appeals to a wide audience, from families to adults and school classes. Participants are actively involved in tours and workshops, experience content hands-on, and are encouraged to leave their own thoughts on the subjects. Content-wise, the focus is on the human being, with biology and history at the heart of the five exhibition areas. A range of different events complement the program. Guides/handouts are also available in English, French and Italian.

Experience-driven, interactive and creative – Kulturama is certainly worth a visit.

For current events and more information visit: www.kulturama.ch/en/offers/events www.kulturama.ch/en

WO DIE EVOLUTION DES MENSCHEN ERLEBBAR WIRD

Das Kulturama Museum des Menschen bringt Besuchende zum Staunen und macht die menschliche Entwicklung erlebbar. Es bietet ein spannendes Erlebnis für Groß und Klein, getreu seinem Motto: „Ein Museum nur über dich“.

Im Jahr 1978 von Paul Muggler, einem Visionär der Museumspädagogik, gegründet und seit 1996 unter der Leitung von Dr. Claudia Rütsche, vereint das Kulturama die Faszination für die menschliche Entwicklung mit interaktiven Lernerlebnissen in den Bereichen Evolution, Kulturgeschichte und Humanbiologie.

Ausstellungen wie ‚Woher wir kommen‘ und ‚Wer wir sind‘ faszinieren durch die Veranschaulichung der Evolution des Lebens und des menschlichen Lebenszyklus anhand von Fossilien, Skeletten und Modellen. Besonders interaktiv wird es in der Ausstellung ‚Wie wir lernen‘, wo man die Funktionsweise des menschlichen Lernens und Gedächtnisses direkt erleben kann.

Das Kulturama richtet sich an ein breites Publikum von Familien über Erwachsene bis Schulklassen. Die Besuchenden werden in Führungen und Workshops aktiv involviert, erfahren Inhalte sinnlich an Handson-Stationen und können eigene Gedanken zum Thema hinterlassen. Auch inhaltlich steht der Mensch mit seiner Biologie und Geschichte im Mittelpunkt der insgesamt fünf Ausstellungsbereiche. Abwechslungsreiche Veranstaltungen ergänzen das Angebot. Guides/Handouts gibt es übrigens auch auf Englisch, Französisch und Italienisch.

Erlebnisorientiert, interaktiv und kreativ – ein Besuch im Kulturama lohnt sich auf jeden Fall.

Aktuelle Veranstaltungen findet man hier: www.kulturama.ch/veranstaltungen www.kulturama.ch

58 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Culture  | The Country's Top Event
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE
Adventure trail. Photo: Zürich Tourismus Main exhibitions. Photo: Joanna Lesniewska ‘Where we come from’ guided tour. Photo: Joanna Lesniewska Special exhibition. Photo: Joanna Lesniewska Special exhibition. Photo: Joanna Lesniewska

ANYTHING BUT YESTERDAY’S MAN: LUDWIG ERHARD

Ludwig Erhard, the former Minister of Economic Affairs, father of the social market economy and the German economic miracle, is very much alive in the collective memory of the Germans. Even after more than 70 years, his guiding principles are still relevant.

Just how relevant, visitors can find out at the Ludwig Erhard Zentrum (LEZ) in Fürth. On the premises of this modern, 1,400 square metre permanent exhibition – nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award in 2022 – interested visitors can experience a fascinating presentation of German contemporary and economic history.

With more than 50 media stations many photos and exhibits, the exhibition invites visitors to get to know Ludwig Erhard. The private citizen, but also the economist and politician who set West Germany on its path to an economic upswing after the Second World War and whose concept of social market economy is still largely responsible for Germany’s prosperity today.

Currently, the special exhibition ‘Henry – World Influencer No. 1 –The story of the Kissinger family from Fürth’ attracts visitors. On the occasion of the 100th birthday of the politician and former Secretary of the State of the United States, the presentation tells the captivating story of an extraordinary man and his family and presents the person, politician and world interpreter Henry Kissinger from new perspectives.

www.ludwig-erhard-zentrum.de/en

ALLES ANDERE ALS VON GESTERN: LUDWIG ERHARD

Im kollektiven Gedächtnis der Deutschen ist der ehemalige Wirtschaftsminister Ludwig Erhard als Vater der Sozialen Marktwirtschaft und des Wirtschaftswunders präsent. Seine Leitsätze sind auch nach über 70 Jahren hochaktuell.

Wie aktuell, das können die Besucher:innen im Ludwig Erhard Zentrum (LEZ) in Fürth erfahren. In der modernen, 1.400 Quadratmeter großen Dauerausstellung – 2022 nominiert für den Europäischen Museumspreis – erleben Interessierte eine spannende Präsentation der jüngeren deutschen Zeit- und Wirtschaftsgeschichte.

Mit über 50 Medienstationen sowie vielen authentischen Bildern und Objekten lädt die Ausstellung dazu ein, Ludwig Erhard kennenzulernen. Den Privatmann, aber auch den Volkswirt und Politiker, der nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg quasi den Startschuss für den wirtschaftlichen Aufschwung Westdeutschlands gab und dessen Konzept einer Sozialen Marktwirtschaft bis heute maßgeblich mitverantwortlich ist für den Wohlstand Deutschlands.

Aktuell begeistert die Sonderausstellung ‘Henry - World Influencer No. 1. Die Geschichte der Familie Kissinger aus Fürth’ die Besucher:innen. Anlässlich des 100. Geburtstags des Politikers und ehemaligen Außenministers der Vereinigten Staaten zeichnet die Schau die fesselnde Geschichte eines außerordentlichen Mannes und seiner Familie nach und zeigt den Menschen, Politiker und Weltdeuter Henry Kissinger aus neuen Blickwinkeln.

www.ludwig-erhard-zentrum.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 59 Cultural Highlight |  Culture | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE  I PHOTOS: LUDWIG ERHARD ZENTRUM

JANA MCKINNON

“IT IS SUCH A MASSIVE COMMUNAL EFFORT TO MAKE MOVIES”

Having been brought up between Australia and Austria, actress Jana McKinnon has recently played the lead role in Helena Hufnagel’s Silver which was released on Prime Video. Here, she talks about the meaning of home, her latest projects, and more.

INTERVIEW BY NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: KATHARINA WOLF

DISCOVER GERMANY: How did you become an actress? Was there a moment that sprung to mind?

Jana McKinnon: Acting was something that came into my life at a very young age, and quite randomly. A friend of my mother studied directing at the Vienna Film Academy and asked me to be in her short films when I was about five years old. I remember being so excited when I got to wear a school bag for the film, even though I was too young to go to school myself.

DISCOVER GERMANY: Why is acting your dream profession? What do you love about the job?

Jana McKinnon: The one thing that excites me most about being on set is the incredible amount of skill that everyone brings to the table. It is such a massive communal effort to make movies. I‘m just in awe of how people make them happen against all odds, it is truly like a little miracle every single time. My favourite thing is watching everyone on set, doing their thing. I don‘t know if there is another industry where so many people from all different backgrounds come together to

work so intensely on creating something. To tell a story that might move someone, someday. It‘s amazing.

DISCOVER GERMANY: Your father comes from Austria, your mum from Australia. What does ‘home’ mean to you?

Jana McKinnon: I had quite the nomadic upbringing for the first years of my life, really. We moved between Austria and Australia quite a bit. It‘s kind of funny that through acting I get to continue this lifestyle- constantly travelling, moving around, adapting to a new temporary home multiple times a year. I‘ve become quite good at adapting to these changes, but after a few years of living out of my suitcase now it might be time to get myself a more permanent base again.

DISCOVER GERMANY: What do you love about Austria? And what do you miss about Australia?

Jana McKinnon: Austria has truly spoilt me with its incredible amount of cultural offerings. I love how cherished arthouse cinema is in Vienna, there are so many beautiful old cinemas with great programming.

I am also a huge fan of the nonstop cinema subscription; it makes going to the cinema so accessible. In general, I feel like Austria makes a great effort to keep the arts financially accessible. This mentality doesn‘t really exist in Australia. But I love it for other things: the quality of life, the amazing food, the sunshine, the incredibly beautiful natural world. My favourite thing to do in Australia is to go on hikes, chasing waterfalls and wild swimming spots.

DISCOVER GERMANY: Your favourite place or activity in Austria?

Jana McKinnon: When in Austria, I indulge in sitting in the Kaffeehaus. Or I go knocking on my friends’ doors who all live very close, so that we can sit in the Kaffeehaus together and discuss what is going on in the world and in our own lives.

DISCOVER GERMANY: To what extent do the film landscapes differ in the two countries? Could you imagine moving to Australia for a longer period of time to work?

Jana McKinnon: There isn‘t a huge difference I think. There might be a slightly more easy-going attitude towards challenges on set, and better working conditions. The locations are usually a beautiful treat; it‘s very special to discover the most beautiful parts of the country through shooting a film or a show.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 61 Jana McKinnon |  Star interview | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria

DISCOVER GERMANY: What film shoot do you remember most fondly and why?

Jana McKinnon: I‘ve absolutely loved most of my filmmaking experiences, and I love them all for different reasons. It‘s hard to say which shoot was my favourite!

DISCOVER GERMANY: You play one of the main roles in Helena Hufnagel's Silver. What makes this format so special? What can viewers look forward to?

Jana McKinnon: What I appreciated about Silver was that despite it being internationally released on a streaming platform it was a feature film and not a series. I love making and watching series too, but to me, there is something so comforting about the classic format of an entertaining 90-minute film. I had a great time shooting this with such a wonderful cast and director, and amazing sets built by truly creative minds.

DISCOVER GERMANY: What did you love about the production the most?

Jana McKinnon: We were shooting Silver in Dublin for the most part. I had a fantastic time exploring the city and countryside on my days off with my co-stars, and felt quite drawn to the Irish music and culture of storytelling. As there were quite a lot of stunts in the film, I got trained at a stunt school before shooting commenced. That was something I hadn't done extensively before, and I enjoyed it so much that I actually reconsidered my career path for a brief moment. But: it did make me get my scuba diving certificate after the shoot was over, because I enjoyed the underwater work so much!

DISCOVER GERMANY: You’re currently shooting in Australia. What’s that format all about?

Jana McKinnon: I‘m currently on set for the second season of Black Snow, starring

Travis Fimmel, in Queensland. It is a show about an oddball detective solving cases of missing persons. This season we see him investigating the disappearance of Zoe Jacobs and of his own brother.

DISCOVER GERMANY: What else is planned in 2024? Are any other exciting projects planned?

Jana McKinnon: I‘m going to shoot a comedy in Berlin in summer. I am super excited as it‘s a format I‘ve never really dabbled in before!

DISCOVER GERMANY: What other dreams and wishes do you have?

Jana McKinnon: I just really hope that I can keep working and developing my skills. There are so many people I admire that I would love to work with one day.

62 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Star interview  | Jana McKinnon

ELBPHILHARMONIE HAMBURG – SPECTACULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR A BOUNDLESS MUSIC EXPERIENCE

In the flow of the Elbe and surrounded on three sides by water, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg is a centre of attraction for all who live in Hamburg as well as for visitors from all over the world. The spectacular landmark houses two concert halls, a large music education area, a range of places to eat and drink, a hotel and a public Plaza, which offers visitors an unparalleled panoramic view over the whole city.

Photo: © Mediaserver Hamburg / Thies Rätzke

The Elbphilharmonie was designed by the renowned Swiss firm of architects Herzog & de Meuron. Perched on top of a brick warehouse foundation – the former Kaispeicher A, which was built at the port between 1963 and 1966 and then used for storing tea, tobacco and cocoa – the glass structure with its wavelike top rises 110 metres high into the sky. Constructed at the western point of the modern HafenCity, Europe’s largest innercity urban development project, in direct proximity to the Speicherstadt warehouse district – a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Elbphilharmonie serves as a symbol of the city’s past, present and future. It stands for Hamburg’s self-image of building on tradition to create something new, as well as for the many contrasts that coincide within the city and make up Hamburg’s character.

A CITY UNDER THE SPELL OF MUSIC

Hamburg's great appeal as a music city dates back to the 17th century: it was in 1678 that Europe’s first public opera house opened its gates here on the Gänsemarkt. Today, Hamburg’s rich music scene includes three professional orchestras, several distinguished

soloists and chamber ensembles, jazz, rock and pop artists, composers, singer-songwriters, electro artists as well as several renowned training institutions. As a landmark for the city of music the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg provides a venue for many of these artists – and for some of them even a home: NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra is the Grand Hall’s orchestra in residence, and the Ensemble Resonanz is the Recital Hall’s ensemble in residence.

The people of Hamburg not only love their city, but they also love their music. And since Hamburg was never ruled by kings or princes, it has always been the citizens themselves who have shaped the city’s music landscape.

Public music venues beyond those established by the church started evolving as early as the 18th century. 1908 saw the opening of one of Europe’s most beautiful concert halls: the Laeiszhalle, which was built in neo-Baroque style. And up until WW2, the Laeiszhalle was by no means the only venue for symphonic concerts: the Conventgarten, which was destroyed in 1943, accommodated an even bigger audience than the Laeiszhalle. The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, an architectural

gem and the city’s landmark not only in the realms of music, doubled Hamburg’s capacities and provides Hamburg with the great opportunity to (re)gain a prime position among the world’s most eminent music locations.

There is a long tradition of classical music in Hamburg. The Oper am Gänsemarkt was opened in 1678 – as the first civic theatre in Germany. With the Composers’ Quarter near the famous major church of St Michael – known locally as ‘Michel’ – committed citizens and associations have created a place to honour composers who were born or worked here – including C. P. E. Bach, Johannes Brahms, Gustav Mahler and the baroque composer Georg Philipp Telemann, whose work was responsible for influencing and shaping the musical world at the beginning of the 18th century.

Anyone thinking of Hamburg as a city of music will not only be thinking of classical music, however. The Beatles, for instance, began their career right here in the city: from August 1960 until December 1962, the moptops played in different clubs around

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Photo: © Mediaserver Hamburg / Michael Zapf

the Reeperbahn, and in doing so established Hamburg’s legendary live music scene. Young newcomer bands from all over the world still appear in the same clubs today, especially during the annual Reeperbahn Festival. Europe’s largest club festival offers stages for the stars of tomorrow at over 70 venues.

MUSIC AT THE ELBPHILHARMONIE

The Elbphilharmonie was primarily built as a concert venue for unamplified music. It is therefore logical that its two halls – the Grand Hall seating approximately 2,100 and the Recital Hall for an audience of up to 550, both of which are completely detached from the rest of the building in acoustic terms – mainly host orchestral concerts, chamber music and solo performances. These types of music do not need any kind of sound equipment to convey the natural beauty of the instruments or voices involved. Exceptions to this rule are not only possible, but actively welcomed as they give the venue a clear artistic profile. Concert-goers are therefore also able to hear jazz, world music, pop and singer-songwriters at the Elbphilharmonie. These performances may not be held as often as classical concerts, but they are still regular fixtures.

The concert hall has also adopted a broad definition of classical music. As a result, the works performed at the Elbphilharmonie range from early polyphonic music to recent compositions. The distinctly contemporary design of the building by architects Herzog & de Meuron from Basle makes it a good fit for 20th and 21st century music in spatial and visual terms. It therefore seems right that new and current music is playing a prominent role in both halls at the Elbphilharmonie. Classical

compositions from non-European music cultures also feature on the programme at the Elbphilharmonie.

The Kaistudios in the old brick warehouse enables everyone who lives in Hamburg –regardless of age or education – to experience music. With the World of Instruments – a curated collection of musical instruments for active use, from an alpenhorn to an iPad, a kettledrum to a recorder and a violin to a tuba – the education department at the Elbphilharmonie has an excellent resource which enables members of the public to try playing instruments and experience music first-hand. The Kaistudios serve as a venue for courses and concerts aimed at schoolchildren. They also provide rehearsal space for four community ensembles. The Audience Orchestra and Family Orchestra bring enthusiastic amateurs together to make music under professional leadership. Meanwhile, the Gamelan Ensemble enables even non-musicians to quickly succeed at playing instruments together under guidance. The Creative Orchestra stimulates exciting collective sound processes with no set outcome and welcomes even participants with no prior musical knowledge.

Leonard Bernstein is purported to have said that there is only good music and bad music. In line with this maxim, the Elbphilharmonie sees itself as a venue for good music.The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra is the orchestra in residence in the Grand Hall, while the Ensemble Resonanz has a residency in the Recital Hall.

EXPERIENCE THE CITY FROM ABOVE

The Plaza in the Elbphilharmonie is the central meeting place in the Elbphilharmonie and forms the link between the warehouse and the new structure. The viewing platform here is open to the public. Even getting to it is an experience: an 80-metre-long, slightly curved escalator transports visitors through the building. From the Plaza, at a height of 37 metres above the ground, a stunning panoramic view over the city and port opens up before the viewer. An outside walkway leads around the entire building. Inside, there is the hotel lobby, the Elbphilharmonie shop, a dining area and the stairways to the concert halls. The Elbphilharmonie Plaza extends an equally warm welcome to all residents of Hamburg and to visitors from near and far, whether or not they have come to enjoy a concert.

THE HEART

The heart of the Elbphilharmonie is the Grand Concert Hall. The 2,100 seats are arranged around a centrally located stage, a staging that is reminiscent of terraced vineyards. No member of the audience is seated more than 30 metres from the conductor. Being so unusually close to the action turns this new acoustic space into a place of unforgettable musical encounters. In order to achieve optimum acous-

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Grand Hall. Photo: © Sophie Wolter Tube entrance. Photo: © Oliver Heissner Photo: © Thies Rätzke Photo: © Sophie Wolter

tics, the architects developed a special wall and roof structure together with internationally renowned acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota – the ‘White Skin’. 10,000 individually shaped gypsum fibre panels cut with millimetre precision ensure targeted sound distribution that reaches every corner. For the Grand Hall, the Bonnbased organ building company Klais developed an extraordinary concert hall organ with 4,765 pipes that are located in, next to and behind the audience stands. There is also an additional remote unit with four registers located in the reflector above the stage.

The upper part of the Elbphilharmonie building also houses the Recital Hall. In this inti-

mate and versatile space, elegantly shaped wood panelling – which was also designed by Toyota – ensures perfect acoustics. With seating for 550 people, the Recital Hall is the ideal venue for chamber music, lieder recitals and solo recitals, as well as jazz and world music concerts. The flexible seating means that the space can be used for a wide variety of purposes.

A BOUNDLESS MUSIC EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE

The task of making music accessible, approachable and something that everyone can experience was, as it were, written into the Elbphilharmonie’s DNA. The concerts are therefore bursting with musical colour and contrast, and the programming is devoid of any ‘blinkered’ artistic style. The broad musical spectrum includes orchestral concerts and operatic performances with the best orchestras in the world; piano, string quartet and lieder recitals; as well as world music, electronic and pop music. International stars have an impact on the musical heartbeat of the concert hall, as do the artists and ensembles within the city. The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra has taken its place as the Elbphilharmonie’s orchestra in residence, while the Recital Hall provides the Ensemble Resonanz with a space for its excellent concert programme, which is dedicated to contemporary music in particular.

As a gateway to the world of music, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg is therefore more than purely a classical concert hall: its extensive music education programme, featuring concerts for children and families, projects to get involved in, and workshops for all ages, transforms it into a vibrant platform for all kinds of musical encounters.

Spectacular architecture, musical diversity, openness and accessibility to all – the Elbphilharmonie unites all the multifaceted aspects Hamburg has to offer and helps broaden the view through Hamburg as a gateway to the world, as the city has prided itself on doing for generations.

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Photo: © Mediaserver Hamburg / Michael Rathmayr Photo: © Mediaserver Hamburg / Michael Rathmayr Photo: © Mediaserver Hamburg / Michael Rathmayr

Getting there: Underground Rail: Hop on Underground Line U3 or Line U4 and get down at Baumwall or Überseequartier stations respectively. Both stations are within walking distance.

Bus: Take bus line 111 and alight at Am Kaiserkai, which is just 150 metres from the Elbphilharmonie or bus line 6 and disembark at Auf dem Sande, which is approximately 550 metres away from the concert hall.

Car: The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg boasts a multistorey paid car park with 435 parking spaces in total, with parking open 24/7.

Further information and tickets: www.elbphilharmonie.de Social media: www.facebook.com/elbphilharmonie. hamburg www.twitter.com/elbphilharmonie www.instagram.com/elbphilharmonie

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 69 Elbphilharmonie Hamburg |  Cover Feature | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Photo: © Thies Rätzke Photo: © Michael Zapf Smart Table. Photo: © Peter Hundert Smart Table. Photo: © Peter Hundert Photo: © Thies Rätzke

RESORT COLLINA D’ORO: THE PERFECT LUXURIOUS HOLIDAY LOCATION

Unique scenery, breathtaking hills and an exceptional location: Guests at the luxury Resort Collina d’Oro can look forward to all this – and much more.

“Our philosophy is that our Resort is a home away from home for our guests. We want them to feel comfortable and welcome. Our team goes above and beyond to achieve this goal,” says host Matteo Maria Confalonieri.

Bathed in sunshine and immersed in the greenery of hills, Resort Collina d’Oro offers comfort, charm and all the amenities that holidaymakers dream of: “Situated 520 metres above sea level in a 25-hectare natural park, the natural beauty of this place is truly breathtaking: A picture of natural beauty where the shapes and colours of the surrounding mountains merge with the pure waters of Lake Lugano”, enthuses Confalonieri.

Famous artists and writers such as the German writer Hermann Hesse were enchanted by Collina d’Oro and enthused about this special place in their writings or portraits. In fact, Hesse lived here for 40 years and wrote

some of his most important works, including Siddharta and Steppenwolf.

Next to its breathtaking location just a few minutes from Lugano’s centre, Resort Collina d’Oro offers 46 rooms and suites of various categories (Junior, Superior, Deluxe and Master Suites) and 12 furnished apartments for long-term guests. All rooms are stylishly furnished with carefully selected materials: brown oak floors combined with the bathrooms’ creamy Mazzaro limestone create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making each stay an unforgettable experience.

The Resort’s very own Spa and Wellness Centre is the ideal place to unwind from the stress of everyday life or a busy day in the Ticino. ‘Indulge in pure relaxation‘ is the motto here and for those who wish to dedicate some time to their own wellbeing, there is a range of treatments and fitness options to suit all tastes.

Not forgetting, of course, the excellent cuisine served on premises that exude the luxurious elegance of summer. The chef expertly combines Mediterranean cuisine with local flavours to create a perfect balance of taste and style. “In summer”, adds the manager, “our guests can enjoy their meals on our stunning sun terrace while taking in the unique surroundings. Or they can savour tasty snacks and drinks at the Pool House, right by our outdoor pool. The atmosphere is totally relaxed, charming and simply unique.”

www.resortcollinadoro.com/en

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TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: RESORT COLLINA D’ORO

RESORT COLLINA D’ORO: DER PERFEKTE ORT FÜR EINEN LUXUSURLAUB

Eine einzigartige Landschaft, atemberaubende Berge und eine außergewöhnliche Lage: Das alles und noch viel mehr erwartet die Gäste im Luxusresort Collina d'Oro.

„Unsere Philosophie”, sagt Gastgeber Matteo Maria Confalonieri, „ist, dass unser Resort für unsere Gäste wie ein zweites Zuhause ist. Sie sollen sich wohl und willkommen fühlen. Dafür tut unser Team alles.”

Sonnenverwöhnt und eingebettet in die grüne Bergwelt, bietet das Resort Collina d'Oro Komfort, Charme und alle Annehmlichkeiten, von denen Urlauber träumen: „520 Meter über dem Meeresspiegel in einem 25 Hektar großen Naturpark gelegen, ist die natürliche Schönheit dieses Ortes wirklich atemberaubend: Ein Ort von natürlicher Schönheit, an dem die Formen und Farben der Berge mit dem klaren Wasser des Luganersees verschmelzen,” schwärmt Confalonieri.

Berühmte Künstler und Schriftsteller wie der deutsche Dichter Hermann Hesse waren von Collina d'Oro verzaubert und schwärmten in ihren Schriften und Porträts von diesem besonderen Ort. Tatsächlich lebte Hesse hier 40 Jahre lang und schrieb einige seiner wich-

tigsten Werke, darunter Siddharta und Steppenwolf

Das Resort Collina d'Oro liegt nur wenige Minuten vom Zentrum Luganos entfernt und bietet 46 Zimmer und Suiten verschiedener Kategorien (Junior-, Superior-, Deluxe- und Mastersuiten) sowie 12 möblierte Apartments für Langzeitgäste. Alle Zimmer sind stilvoll und mit sorgfältig ausgewählten Materialien eingerichtet: braune Eichenböden in Kombination mit cremefarbenem Mazzaro-Kalkstein in den Bädern schaffen eine warme und einladende

Atmosphäre, die jeden Aufenthalt zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis macht.

Das hauseigene SPA- und Wellnesscenter ist der ideale Ort, um sich vom Alltagsstress oder einem anstrengenden Tag im Tessin zu erholen. Entspannung pur ist hier die Devise und wer sich etwas Gutes tun möchte, dem steht ein umfangreiches Wellness- und Fitnessangebot zur Verfügung.

Nicht zu vergessen ist die ausgezeichnete Küche, serviert in einem Ambiente, das die luxuriöse Eleganz des Sommers ausstrahlt. Der Küchenchef kombiniert gekonnt die mediterrane Küche mit lokalen Aromen und schafft so ein perfektes Gleichgewicht zwischen Geschmack und Stil. „Im Sommer”, fügt der Manager hinzu, „können unsere Gäste auf unserer herrlichen Sonnenterrasse speisen und dabei die einzigartige Umgebung auf sich wirken lassen. Oder sie genießen leckere Snacks und Getränke im Poolhaus direkt am Außenpool. Die Atmosphäre ist entspannt, charmant und einfach einzigartig.”

www.resortcollinadoro.com/de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 71 Top Hotel |  Travel | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria

HAPPY GUESTS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS…

….is the motto of the TUI SUNEO Kinderresort Usedom. A place for the whole family to feel good and relax.

Usedom, Germany's sunniest island with a unique flair - relaxation is a top priority here.

In Trassenheide, right next to a fragrant pine forest, the TUI SUNEO Kinderresort is located just a 20-minute walk or five-minute bike ride from the white sandy beach of the Baltic Sea. “The grounds of our holiday resort are completely car-free and fully fenced in. Parents can rest easy: Even small children who are curious to explore their surroundings are safe with us,” hotel director Beate Böse points out.

The resort's other amenities include the accommodation. “We offer different cate-

gories,” says Böse. “Some of our rooms are equipped with bunk beds for children or even children's washbasins. We also provide extra beds, highchairs, nightlights, step raisersanything that makes life easier for families with small children.”

The grownups can look forward to varied breakfast, lunch and themed evening buffets, while younger guests can eat to their hearts’ content at their own kids' buffet. “For the little ones, we have baby food jars, formula, a microwave, bottle warmer and much more at the baby buffet. Even parents of very young children don’t have to worry about anything.”

Inside and outside the resort, families can enjoy a range of leisure activities to suit all tastes. The fine sandy beach and the Baltic Sea are perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, especially in the summer, while the large pine forests and numerous nature reserves are ideal for exploring the island on foot or by bike.

For relaxation, the resort offers yoga classes for all ages and fitness levels, and for the little

ones, there is a Kids' Club with attentive supervision. Younger guests can boogie in the kids' disco. Children's cinema, face painting, basket weaving, a clown and much more will keep the little ones entertained.

“Our offer is geared towards the perfect family holiday experience,” stresses Böse. “The all-inclusive offer in particular makes a holiday at the TUI SUNEO Kinderresort Usedom uncomplicated and very relaxing for the whole family. Even for the parents, who can take some time out (e.g. with a soothing massage, an extensive sauna session or a relaxing beauty treatment) while our qualified staff look after their children.”

www.kinderresort-usedom.de

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TEXT: SILKE HENKELE  I PHOTOS: TUI SUNEO KINDERRESORT USEDOM

URLAUB IST, WENN ALLE GLÜCKLICH SIND…

….lautet das Motto des TUI SUNEO Kinderresort Usedom. Ein Ort zum Wohlfühlen und Entspannen für die ganze Familie.

Usedom, bekannt als Deutschlands Sonneninsel mit besonderem Flair - hier wird Erholung großgeschrieben.

In Trassenheide, direkt an einen duftenden Kiefernwald grenzend, liegt das TUI SUNEO Kinderresort nur knapp 20 Minuten zu Fuß oder fünf Minuten mit dem Fahrrad vom weißen Ostseestrand entfernt. „Das Gelände unseres Ferienresorts ist zudem vollkommen autofrei und komplett eingezäunt. Eltern können also ganz beruhigt sein: Bei uns sind auch kleine Kinder sicher, die neugierig ihre Umgebung erkunden möchten”, ergänzt Hoteldirektorin Beate Böse.

Zu den weiteren Annehmlichkeiten des Resorts gehören natürlich auch die Unterkünfte. „Wir bieten verschiedene Kategorien an”, so Böse. „Einige unserer Zimmer sind mit Hochbetten für Kinder oder sogar mit Kinderwaschbecken ausgestattet. Natürlich stellen wir auch Zustellbetten zur Verfügung. Wie übrigens auch Hochstühle, Nachtlichter, Tritterhöhungen - eben alles, was Familien mit kleinen Kindern das Leben erleichtert.”

Die großen Gäste des Kinderresorts dürfen sich auf abwechslungsreiche Frühstücks-, Mittagsund Themenbuffets am Abend freuen, während die kleinen Gäste am eigenen Kinderbuffet nach Herzenslust schlemmen können. „Für die Kleinsten stehen am Babybuffet Breigläschen, Milchnahrung, Mikrowelle, Fläschchenwärmer und vieles mehr bereit. So müssen sich Eltern der ganz kleinen Kinder keine Gedanken um organisatorische Dinge machen.”

Innerhalb und außerhalb des Resorts erwartet die Familien ein Freizeitangebot, das garantiert jeden anspricht. Der feine Sandstrand und die Ostsee laden gerade im Sommer zu einem entspannten Tag am Meer ein, die großen Kiefernwälder und zahlreiche Naturschutzgebiete sind ideale Orte, um die Insel zu Fuß oder mit dem Rad zu erkunden.

Für Entspannung sorgen die Yogakurse im Resort für alle Alters- und Fitnessstufen, speziell für die Kleinen bietet das Resort einen Kinderclub mit kompetenter Betreuung an. In der Kinderdisco können die kleinen Gäste nach Herzenslust tanzen. Kinderkino, Kinderschminken,

Korbflechten, eine Clownin und vieles mehr ziehen die jungen Gäste in ihren Bann.

„Unser Angebot ist auf perfekte Urlaubserlebnisse für Familien ausgerichtet”, so Böse. „Gerade durch das All-Inclusive Angebot ist der Urlaub im TUI SUNEO Kinderresort Usedom für alle Familienmitglieder unkompliziert und sehr entspannend. Auch für die Eltern, die sich gerne einmal eine Auszeit nehmen können (zum Beispiel bei einer wohltuenden Massage, einem ausgiebigen Saunagang oder einer entspannenden Beautyanwendung), während sich unsere qualifizierten Mitarbeiter:innen um ihre Kinder kümmern.”

www.kinderresort-usedom.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 73 TUI SUNEO Kinderresort Usedom |  Travel | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria

WINKING FROH ARCHITEKTEN: THE SOUL OF A PROJECT

For the solution of a building project, Winking Froh Architekten always tries to go beyond the specified space and floor program or wishes of the client.

To this end, they pose the question: What is the soul of the project? What exactly is an office building, a school, a hotel? The answer emerges from discussions both with the team and the client. Thus, images and associations are exchanged, and a first idea is formed, which step by step becomes a planning component.

“The interaction with the builders and their wishes is crucial”, explains architect Martin Froh: “We as architects are service providers here, in the true sense”. And of course, construction, function and economic efficiency

play a big role in building a sustainable structure which still offers a shell even if the content changes: “Our designs are not ready and waiting in the drawer. We find them during the process, which means that our projects at first appear to be very different from each other. But if you take your time, you will detect a common theme.”

Every project is developed from and for a specific location and its history. The architects study old plans and sources and from there distill a contemporary idea. By continuing it into the future, they create an interpretation of the respective task – a task in which architecture and city are inseparably connected with each other.

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TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI
Hamburg, Alter Wall 40, view from Rödingsmarkt. Photo: © Winking · Froh Architekten / bloomimages Hamburg, studio house University of Fine Arts (HfBK). Photo: Stefan Müller, Berlin

WINKING FROH ARCHITEKTEN: VOM WESEN DER BAUAUFGABE

Bei der Lösung einer Bauaufgabe kommt es für Winking Froh Architekten immer darauf an, über das vorgegebene Raum- bzw. Flächenprogramm oder die Wünsche der Auftraggeber hinauszugelangen.

Dazu stellt sich die Frage nach dem Wesen der Aufgabe: Was ist beispielsweise ein Bürogebäude heute oder eine Wohnung, eine Schule oder ein Hotel? Die Antwort liefert die Diskussion im Büro und mit dem Bauherrn. So können Bilder und Assoziationen ausgetauscht werden und es entsteht eine erste Idee, die Schritt für Schritt zu einem Baustein der Planung wird.

Architekt Martin Froh erklärt: „Die Zusammenarbeit mit den Bauherren und die Auseinandersetzung mit ihren Wünschen ist sehr wichtig, denn hier sind wir Architekten echte Dienstleister.“ Und natürlich spielen die Konstruktion, die Funktion und die Wirtschaftlichkeit eine große Rolle, damit ein Haus gut altern kann und auch dann noch eine funktionierende Hülle bildet, wenn der Inhalt wechselt: „Unsere Entwürfe liegen nicht fertig in der Schublade. Wir setzen keine Formen, sondern finden sie im Entwurfsprozess. Dadurch sehen unsere Projekte auf den ersten Blick sehr unterschiedlich aus. Bei

der näheren Betrachtung erkennt man aber eine Haltung, die sich durch unsere Bauten zieht.“

Jedes Projekt wird aus dem Ort, für den Ort entwickelt. Durch das Studieren alter Pläne oder historischer Quellen ergründen die Architekten die Vergangenheit, den ‚Genius Loci‘. Das Übereinanderlegen dieser Pläne und Erkenntnisse aus der Geschichte definiert die Gegenwart. Mit der Weiterführung in die Zukunft hinein wird eine Deutung der jeweiligen Aufgabe geschaffen – einer Aufgabe, bei der Architektur und Stadt untrennbar miteinander verbunden sind.

Die Wurzeln des Büros reichen weit zurück. Bernhard Winking gründete das Büro mit zwei Partnern bereits Ende der 1960er Jahre in Hamburg. Es folgten verschiedenen Konstellationen. Martin Froh studierte bei Prof. Winking an der Hochschule für bildende Künste in Hamburg Architektur und ging dann 1993 nach

Berlin, um dort das Berliner Büro aufzubauen. 1997 gründete Bernhard Winking die Partnerschaft mit Froh. Weitere Mitgesellschafter wurden 2016 Stefan Waselowsky und Frank Weitendorf (ebenfalls ehemalige Studenten Winkings an der HfBK) Michael Sägesser (ETH Zürich) sowie Winkings Tochter Susanne.

Winking Froh Architekten sind ein starkes Wettbewerbsbüro. Das heißt, dass viele Aufträge aus prämierten Architekturwettbewerben oder

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 75 Winking Froh Architekten |  Business | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Hamburg, Neuordnung Spiegel-Insel, Blick von der Brandswiete, Spiegel- und IBM Hochhaus. Foto: Stefan Müller, Berlin Berlin, Stralauer Platz, Hotel und Wohnen / Mauerreste mit Graffiti. Foto: Stefan Müller, Berlin

The roots of the office go back a long way. Bernhard Winking founded the office with two partners at the end of the 1960s in Hamburg. Various constellations followed. Martin Froh, who studied architecture with Professor Winking at the Hamburg University of Fine Arts (HfBK), moved to Berlin in 1993. The official partnership between the two architects started in 1997, and by 2016 they were joined by Winking’s daughter Susanne, former Winking students Stefan Waselowsky and Frank Weitendorf, as well as Michael Sägesser, an alumni of ETH Zurich.

Winking Froh Architekten’s work is mainly competition-based, generating many assignments through competition wins and public tendering procedures. This creates a broad basis of clients, many of which stem from the public sector – such as mayors, school and bank directors, or deans. Currently, the architects are planning a residential building

with 15 units for a so-called building group in Hamburg's Hafencity. This means having 15 different clients for one project. Martin Froh comments: “Nowadays, many clients are represented by a project management company, making it difficult to communicate with the actual user. We try to make personal contact with the decision-makers on important issues.”

Due to currently high costs and interest rates for builders, some projects for 2024 are stalling. However, the architects are positive about working on many exciting tasks throughout the year, as their diverse experience and know-how are needed for conversions as much as for new buildings: Currently, Winking Froh Architekten is renovating the ‘Haus der Seefahrt’ in Hamburg and the Centre Français de Berlin, both of which are important listed buildings. In addition, Winking Froh just won a competition for a resi-

dential high-rise in Berlin. A project for Bonn’s ‘Innovation Triangle’ meanwhile will feature a forward-looking, new office tower and is to form the signature of the district. Both new buildings will be timber or hybrid timber constructions.

The largest and probably most important construction site for Winking Froh Architekten is located in the middle of Hamburg's city centre on the ‘Alter Wall’ street: Between the town hall and Rödingsmarkt, half a new street is being built according to their plans – a mixed quarter with residential buildings, a hotel, stores and offices.

In the past, Winking Froh has realized many projects abroad, such as in China, Spain and the Czech Republic. Martin Froh reveals: “We would like to build on this in 2024.”

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www.winking-froh.de/en
China, Ningbo Book City. Photo: © Winking · Froh Architekten Bonn, Hochhaus „Langer Karl“ im Innovationsquartier / Wettbewerb 1. Preis 2022. Foto: © Winking · Froh Architekten

Heidelberg, Europaquartier am Hauptbahnhof. Foto: Webcam/https://baudoku.1000eyes.de

öffentlichen Vergabeverfahren hervorgehen. Dadurch ergibt sich ein sehr breites Auftraggeberfeld, viele davon aus der öffentlichen Hand: So gehören zum Beispiel Bürgermeister zu den Bauherren, aber auch Schulleiter, der Direktor einer Bank oder der Präsident einer Hochschule. In der Hamburger Hafencity planen Winking Froh Architekten aktuell für eine sogenannte Baugruppe ein Wohnhaus mit 15 Einheiten. Das bedeutet 15 unterschiedliche ‚Kunden‘ für ein Projekt, räumt Martin Froh ein: „Heutzutage lassen sich viele Auftraggeber von einer Projektsteuerung vertreten. Dadurch wird der Austausch mit dem eigentlichen Nutzer erschwert. Wir versuchen gerade dann, bei wichtigen Themen in einen persönlichen Kontakt mit den Entscheidern zu treten.“

Winking Froh sind trotz der aktuellen Flaute am Bau zuversichtlich, dass sie auch in diesem und den kommenden Jahren an spannenden Aufgaben arbeiten werden. Das Büro ist breit aufgestellt und während Neubauten zur Zeit etwas stagnieren könnten, besteht ein hoher Bedarf an energetischen Sanierungen – ein wichtiges Standbein des Büros: Aktuell sanieren Winking Froh Architekten das ,Haus der Seefahrt‘ in Hamburg, sowie das ‚Centre Français de Berlin‘ – beides sind wichtige, denkmalgeschützte Häuser.

Gerade wurde auch ein Wettbewerb für ein Wohnhochhaus in Berlin gewonnen. Wichtig ist zudem ein Projekt in Bonn im sogenannten Innovationsdreieck: Dort soll ein zukunftsweisen-

des Bürohochhaus entstehen. Beide Neubauprojekte werden in Holz bzw. als Holzhybridbau geplant.

Die größte und wohl wichtigste Baustelle befindet sich mitten in der Hamburger Innenstadt am Alten Wall: Zwischen Rathaus und Rödingsmarkt entsteht hier nach Winking Froh-Plänen ein halber Straßenzug neu, ein gemischtes Quartier mit Wohnen, Hotel, Läden und Büros. Das Büro hat in der Vergangenheit auch Projekte im Ausland realisiert, wie in China, in Spanien und in Tschechien, erläutert Martin Froh: „Daran möchten wir in 2024 anknüpfen.“

www.winking-froh.de/de

Hamburg, Hotel Alte Kaffeebörse, Speicherstadt. Fotodesign: Detlef Klose, lichtbildnerei@web.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 77 Winking Froh Architekten |  Business | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Berlin, Wohnkarree Kummerower Ring, Ansicht vom Kummerower Ring. Foto: Stefan Müller, Berlin
Rethinking Art Transport Sustainable Smart Safe www.madetoprotect.art REAL-TIME CLIMATE DATA MADE TO PROTECT Artworks & the Environment 100% Sustainable Product Design 50% Less Weight 0% Packaging Material 0% Acclimatisation

INNOVATION HUB TECHQUARTIER YOUR CO- & NETWORKING SPACE IN FRANKFURT

TechQuartier, located next to Frankfurt's renowned Messe, is at the center of innovation. Inside this modern, glass building is a bustling coworking space developed to host a diverse, thriving community of startups and entrepreneurs.

Spanning two floors and over 3000m², TechQuartier offers a haven for individual founders and teams seeking an inspiring work environment and a supportive community. From hot desks to private desks to fully furnished office suites, TechQuartier offers a spectrum of options to accommodate every work style. The space is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is easily reachable from public transportation.

All six meeting rooms are equipped for seamless collaboration and brainstorming sessions, including video conferences. Whether it's a client presentation or a team huddle,

these spaces vary in sizes and styles to accommodate various meeting requirements.

More than just a coworking space, TechQuartier is also a vibrant ecosystem for the region’s innovative startup community whose focus is on technology-based solutions. Its tight-knit startup community provides invaluable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. Members benefit from shared resources and the collective expertise and support of their peers.

TechQuartier also serves as a hub for events that foster forward-thinking discussions and

professional growth. From workshops and hackathons to product launches and networking events, there's always something happening on one of its two floors. These gatherings not only enrich the community but also attract talent and investment, further strengthening Frankfurt's position as a thriving tech hub in the Financial Center of Germany.

In essence, TechQuartier is unlike a traditional coworking space. Here is a dynamic ecosystem where ideas flourish, connections are made, and innovation thrives. For founders seeking more than just a place to work, it's the ultimate destination for collaboration and growth in Frankfurt's international business landscape.

www.TechQuartier.com

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 79 Inspiring Coworking Location |  Business | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT & PHOTOS: TECHQUARTIER

ON TRACK TO A BETTER FUTURE

In late 2023, for the first time ever, renewable energy sources covered the majority of electricity consumption in Germany. What does it mean for the country’s future?

An analysis by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE revealed that renewables accounted for a record share of 59.7 percent of the net public net electricity generation in Germany in 2023, while the share of renewables in the load (the electricity mix coming from the socket) was 57.1 percent. Last year, new records were also set for wind and solar power in 2023. In contrast, generation from lignite (minus 27 percent) and hard coal (minus 35 percent) fell sharply. Newly installed photovoltaic capacity was in the double digits for the first time, amounting to around 14 gigawatts for 2023. This significantly exceeded the German government's statutory climate protection target.

WIND POWER

The analysis revealed that wind power was once again the most important source of electricity in 2023, contributing 139.8 terawatt hours (TWh) or 32% to public net electricity generation. This was 14.1% higher than

the previous year's production. The share of onshore wind power rose to 115.3 TWh (2022: 99 TWh), while offshore production fell slightly to 23.5 TW (2022: 24.75 TWh). The expansion of wind energy continues to lag behind the government’s plan: By November 2023, only 2.7 gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind had been newly installed, compared to the planned 4 GW. The expansion of offshore wind farms is even slower: In 2023, only 0.23 GW offshore wind capacity was newly installed, compared to the planned amount of 0.7 GW, due to required tenders and long construction times.

Photovoltaic systems generated around 59.9 TWh of electricity in 2023, of which 53.5 TWh was fed into the public grid and 6.4 TWh was used for self-consumption. Nine TWh, the

80 | Issue 117 | May 2024
TEXT: FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS ISE PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

highest monthly solar power generation ever achieved in Germany, was produced in June 2023. The maximum solar output of 40.1 GW was reached on July 7 at 13:15, which corresponded to 68% of electricity generation. In 2023, photovoltaic capacity expansion significantly exceeded the German government's targets: Instead of the planned 9 gigawatts, 13.2 gigawatts of PV were installed by November. When all installation data for 2023 becomes available, final figures for new PV installations in 2023 are expected to be above 14 gigawatts. This is a sharp increase compared to 2022 (7.44 GW) and is the first time that PV expansion in Germany has seen double-digit growth.

The contribution from hydropower increased compared to 2022, from 17.5 TWh to 20.5 TWh. The installed capacity of 4.94 GW, however, has hardly changed compared to previous years. At 42.3 TWh, biomass was at the same level as in 2022 (42.2 TWh). The installed capacity biomass is 9 GW.

In total, renewables produced around 260 TWh in 2023, around 7.2% more than in the previous year (242 TWh). The share of renewable energy generated in Germany in the load, i.e., the electricity mix that comes out of the socket, was 57.1%, compared to 50.2% in 2022. In addition to public net electricity generation, total net electricity generation also includes in-house generation by industry and commerce, which is mainly generated using gas. The share of renewable energy in total net electricity generation, including the power plants operated by “establishments in the manufacturing sector, mining and quarrying", is around 54.9% in 2023, compared to 48.2% in 2022.

The load on the electricity grid amounted to 457 TWh, around 26 TWh less than in 2022. Due to the high electricity prices and higher outside temperatures, electricity was probably

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 81
On Track To A Better Future |  Business | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria

saved significantly. The increase in self-consumption of solar power also reduced the load. The load includes the electricity consumption and grid losses, but not the pumped-storage power consumption and the selfconsumption of conventional power plants.

A FUTURE OF… HYDROGEN?

Hydrogen is touted as the future fuel of the EU, and the green hydrogen industry hopes to deliver carbon-neutral energy that will power aeroplanes, domestic heating and much more. In Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg, research into hydrogen is in full swing as the region hopes to set up a fully-operating hydrogen industry by 2035. Green hydrogen is an environmentally friendly energy carrier that could replace oil and gas in the future. Those successful in this field can benefit in the long term – when it comes to the decarbonisation of the economy, competitiveness and structural change, but also with regard to climate protection. In Northern Germany, the aim is to create a green hydrogen economy by 2035.

"We in Northern Germany have been working intensively to build the hydrogen economy of the future. By extending this key technology based on renewable sources, we can drive the decarbonisation of the industry in Hamburg forward while at the same time reinforcing our role as Europe's leading business and innovation location. Already today, we are developing value creation and business models for a decarbonised industry. In the future, the Port of Hamburg is intended to become Europe's logistics hub for green hydro-

gen, from which user industries and the energy sector will jointly benefit. We are pleased to tackle the locational marketing together with the North German Hydrogen Alliance HY-5, thus further expanding our cooperation in this field,” says Michael Westhagemann, senator for Economics and Innovation, Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

A recent OECD study confirms that Northern Germany is particularly suited for the development and establishment of a green hydrogen economy. North Germany has unique locational advantages for the production of renewable energies and a large demand potential for green hydrogen –especially from the industrial companies located in the area.

SHARP DECLINE IN COAL-FIRED ELECTRICITY GENERATION

After coal-fired power plants in Germany ramped up their production in 2022 due to outages of French nuclear power plants and distortions in the electricity market caused by the war in Ukraine, their share in electricity production fell significantly in 2023. Due to the drop in exports of coal-fired power and this year's favourable wind conditions, electricity generation from coal-fired power plants in November 2023 was 27% below the generation in November 2022.

Overall, generation from lignite for public net electricity consumption fell by around 27%, from 105.9 TWh down to 77.5 TWh. Additionally, 3.7 TWh for industrial own consumption are added to this. Gross electricity generation fell to the level of 1963. Net production from hard coal-fired power plants for public electricity consumption amounted to 36.1 TWh (minus 35%) and 0.7 TWh for industrial own consumption, which is 21.4 TWh lower than in 2022. Gross electricity generation fell to the level of 1955. The use of natural gas to generate electricity remained slightly below the previous year's level at 45.8 TWh for the public electricity supply and 29.6 TWh for industrial consumption. Due to the shutdown of the last three nuclear power plants in Germany (Emsland, Neckarwestheim and Isar) on April 15, 2023, nuclear power contributed only 6.72 TWh to electricity generation, which corresponds to a share of 1.5 percent.

What will the future look like for Germany? Certainly green and sustainable!

82 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Business  | On Track To A Better Future

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info@bundesenergie-nord de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 83

SPECIAL THEME: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

For a brighter future

As we look towards the future, sustainability becomes increasingly important. Many companies have already dedicated their doings to the sustainable energy sector and environmental causes. We present some of them on the following pages.

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

FC3 FUEL CELL CONFERENCE CHEMNITZ: ALL EYES ON HYDROGEN

Green Hydrogen has recently gained momentum and is increasingly recognised as a key technology for an environmentally and climate-friendly future.

Chemnitz is calling! From the 12th to 13th November 2024, the F3 Fuel Cell Conference invites experts, scientists and industry representatives to explore the latest developments in the field of fuel cell technologies and green hydrogen.

The conference is organised by HZwo e.V., the organisation that is helping to shape Saxony's future as Europe's leading innovation driver for the development, production and application of H2 technologies.

Held in cooperation with Fraunhofer IWU, the conference will focus on efficient production processes and the versatility of green hydrogen. The programme promises a comprehensive insight into important aspects of fuel cell stacks, fuel cell systems and their respective components.

The FC3 Fuel Cell Conference will cover topics such as fuel cells, hydrogen propulsion, hydrogen technologies and hydrogen system production. Around 50 international experts and renowned keynote speakers will deliver thought-provoking presentations and talks. Interactive workshops, tours of partner institutes providing valuable insights into current research projects and the latest technologies, as well as an exhibition of inspiring partner projects will round off the programme.

www.hzwo.eu/en/events/fc3_2024

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 85 Sustainable Energy Systems |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Powered by hydrogen: Toyota MIRAI at the Carlowitz Congresscenter Chemnitz. Photo: Jacob Müller Inspiring the audience: A presentation at the FC3 Fuel Cell Conference 2022. Photo: Jacob Müller Examining a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) in the fuel cell laboratory. Photo: Thomas Barthel

SPECIAL THEME: TOP FRANCHISE COMPANIES

May we introduce…

The franchise sector is booming. Particularly in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, there is a lot going on right now. Let’s take a closer look at the top franchise companies within the region and see how they work.

PHOTOS: PIXABAY

COFFEE-BIKE: MOBILER FRANCHISEERFOLG MIT

PROFESSIONELLEM

KAFFEECATERING

Die Coffee-Bike GmbH steht für rund 250 rollende Kaffeebars weltweit, die neben echter Erlebnisgastronomie auch die Chance bieten, sich den Traum vom eigenen Café im Rahmen einer Franchisepartnerschaft zu erfüllen.

„Die Liebe zu gutem Kaffee und das Ziel, gemeinsam richtig groß zu werden – gemäß dieser Vision haben wir das Konzept von unserem mobilen und autarken Coffee-Bike entwickelt, perfektioniert und in zahlreichen Metropolen der Erde erfolgreich etabliert“, so Geschäftsführer Mark Rüter.

Mobil, flexibel, erfolgreich – das CoffeeBike bietet berufliche Unabhängigkeit und ist dabei attraktive Investitionsmöglichkeit und etabliertes Erfolgskonzept zugleich. Mit mehr als 10 Jahren Erfahrung bei rund 200 Franchisepartnern unterstützt die Systemzentrale Unternehmer, Quereinsteiger und Investoren

vom ersten Coffee-Bike bis hin zum Erreichen der eigenen Unternehmensziele. Durch die Mobilität und Autarkie des Bikes können hochwertige Kaffeespezialitäten an nahezu jedem Ort zubereitet werden. Im Gegensatz zu stationären Cafés eröffnet die mobile Kaffeebar ohne benötigten Wasser- oder Stromanschluss unzählige Umsatzquellen an festen Verkaufsstandorten (z. B. an Tourismus HotSpots, in Kliniken und Bürozentralen) oder als Kaffeecatering-Dienstleister auf Events. Kundenmagnet, Geschmackserlebnis und authentisches Baristahandwerk – setzen Sie Ihr Produkt oder das nächste Event mit der mobilen Kaffeebar in Szene. Buchen Sie jetzt das Coffee-Bike in Deutschland, Österreich oder der Schweiz für Firmenfeiern, einen Mes-

seauftritt, Promotion-Aktionen oder private Anlässe.

www.coffee-bike.com

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 87 Top Franchise Companies  |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT: CARLA VERLAGE Foto: Coffee-Bike GmbH Foto: Franzi & Mirco Fotografie Foto: Coffee-Bike GmbH

DER INNOVATIVE WEG ZUM UNTERNEHMENSERFOLG

…MIT ARTEMIS FRANCHISE

Vom Einzelunternehmer zum erfolgreichen Franchisegeber in nur 90 Tagen – dies verspricht die Artemis Franchise GmbH aus Köln und erzählt uns, wie das im Detail funktioniert.

Im Gespräch bringt Artemis Geschäftsführer Christian Becker es sofort auf den Punkt: „Unser Ziel ist es, Unternehmen aller Größen auf dem Weg zur Expansion zu unterstützen, ohne dass sie das unternehmerische Risiko einer eigenständigen Filialisierung eingehen müssen." Als Full-Service Agentur bietet Artemis dabei nicht nur eine umfassende Beratung, sondern auch die komplette Abwicklung wie Becker erläutert: „Wir erarbeiten mit unserem Team alle not-

MACH’S ZUM

wendigen Details wie zum Beispiel den Franchise Vertrag oder auch das Handbuch, damit unsere Kunden bereits nach drei Monaten erste Lizenznehmer suchen und Lizenzen verkaufen können.“ Auf Anfrage identifiziert das Team von Artemis auch passende Franchisenehmer. Die Kunden müssen dementsprechend selbst wenig bis gar nicht aktiv sein, ein Aspekt, den viele Unternehmer sehr schätzen.

Die Zielgruppe ist dabei breit gefächert und reicht von kleinen und mittelständischen bis hin zu großen Unternehmen, die nach Wachstumsmöglichkeiten jenseits der Gründung eigener Standorte suchen. „Franchising bietet zahlreiche Vorteile, darunter Einkünfte durch Umsatzbeteiligung, kostengünstige und schnelle Expansion sowie eine Minimierung des unternehmerischen Risikos", betont Becker.

FRANCHISE!

Die FranchiseMacher aus Teltow bei Berlin entwickeln maßgeschneiderte Konzepte für erfolgreiche Franchiseunternehmen.

Jana Jabs und ihr Unternehmenspartner Eugen Marquard wussten, dass Franchise eine tolle Sache ist, die, wenn sie erfolgreich gemanagt wird, Unternehmer über sich hinauswachsen lässt oder ihnen einen erfolgreichen Start in die Selbstständigkeit ermöglicht.

„Wir haben allerdings in der Praxis gesehen, dass viele Franchisesysteme nicht gut aufgestellt sind. Es fehlt an Informationen, an guten Verträgen, an einem übergeordneten Mindset, das die Franchisepartner auch über

viele Jahre im System hält. Das wollten wir ändern”, erinnern sich Jabs und Marquard, die 2011 Die FranchiseMacher gründeten und seitdem branchenübergreifend regional bereits erfolgreiche Unternehmer:innen beim Aufbau erfolgreicher Franchisesysteme unterstützen.

„Das Thema Franchise ist sehr komplex”, betonen die beiden Gründer. „Wir sorgen für einen besseren Durchblick, denn wir haben

Die Expertise von Artemis Franchise spiegelt sich nicht nur in der hohen Zufriedenheit ihrer Kunden wider, sondern auch in der langfristigen Perspektive, die das Unternehmen für seine Partner schafft. Statistisch gesehen dauert eine Franchisepartnerschaft in Deutschland durchschnittlich 16 Jahre, was eine solide Grundlage für beiderseitige Planungssicherheit und Erfolg bietet.

Mehr Info auf www.artemis-franchise.com

über die Jahre eigene Tools und modulare Vorgehensweisen entwickelt, mit denen wir gemeinsam mit unseren Kund:innen innovative und vor allem passgenaue Franchisekonzepte entwickeln können.”

Für den Weg zum eigenen erfolgreichen Franchise bieten Die FranchiseMacher ein attraktives Starterpaket an, das alle Bausteine für ein erfolgreiches Franchise enthält und Themen wie Positionierung, Vertrag, Partnersuche usw. ausführlich beleuchtet. Mit der kompetenten Unterstützung der Die FranchiseMacher wird so aus regional erfolgreichen Unternehmen eine überregionale Erfolgsgeschichte.

www.franchisemacher.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 89 Top Franchise Companies  |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I FOTOS: MORITZ WINTER Artemis Büro. Geschäftsführer Christian Becker. Jana Jabs und Eugen Marquard. Foto: Nicole Lehmann, Fotostudio Teltow

SPECIAL THEME: BUSINESS COACHING, TRAINING AND SEMINARS

Taking skills to the next level

Looking to take your business or your personal skills to the next level? Choosing a coaching or consulting expert might just do the trick. To find your right fit, we have collected some of Germany’s top coaching experts in the following special theme, and take a closer look at their respective fields of expertise. Get inspired!

UNSPLASH

PHOTOS:

BENEDIKTUSHOF: SPIRITUALITÄT, STILLE UND ACHTSAMKEIT

Der Benediktushof in Holzkirchen bei Würzburg, eines der größten Zentren Europas für Spiritualität und Achtsamkeit, versteht sich als Ort innerer Einkehr, verwurzelt in klösterlicher Tradition und getragen von einem modernen, überkonfessionellen Weltbild.

Eine Oase der Stille in einer zunehmend hektischen Welt: In einer ruhigen und klaren, sowie harmonischen Atmosphäre bietet sich hier die Gelegenheit zum Auftanken, um Ruhe und Kraft für Geist, Körper und Seele zu finden und sich mit essenziellen Fragen des Lebens zu beschäftigen.

Auf den Säulen Kontemplation und Zen basierend umfasst das Kursangebot über 600 Kurse pro Jahr, und wird ergänzt durch Yoga, Achtsamkeit, Körper & Gesundheit bis hin zu Kreativität und Selbsterfahrung. Gegründet wurde das Seminarzentrum im Jahr 2003 durch den Benediktiner-Mönch, Priester und Zen-Meister Willigis Jäger (1925 – 2020). Heute besuchen jährlich mehrere tausend Menschen den Benediktushof und kehren gestärkt,

mit neuen Perspektiven und Impulsen zurück in ihr Lebensumfeld. Die Besucher sind Menschen aller Altersgruppen, von Familien bis hin zum Rentner, vom Auszubildenden bis zur Führungskraft.

Im Herbst 2024 liegt ein besonderes Augenmerk auf dem Symposium Psychotherapie „Resilienz in Psychotherapie und Spiritualität"

(20.-22. September) sowie dem Symposium der Stiftung West-Östliche Weisheit zum Thema „Die Welt in Turbulenzen - Apocalypse Now?" (8.-10. November). Beide Veranstaltungen sind offen für alle Interessierten.

Neu sind die monatlichen Achtsamkeitsdinner und Achtsamkeitskochkurse im hofeigenen Bistro Troand, die zum bewussten Genießen einladen und so einen sinnlichen Zugang zu Achtsamkeit eröffnen.

www.benediktushof-holzkirchen.de/kursangebot

Business Coaching, Training and Seminars |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Luftbild. Foto: Bernd Kürschner/Benediktushof Innenhof. Foto: Monika Prestel/Benediktushof

LEADERSHIP IS BASED ON RELATIONSHIPS

Created and shaped by people, organisations are places that are constantly changing. We cannot lead without relationships - and the most important relationship is the one we have with ourselves.

Sabina Berthold, a systemic coach based in Munich, recalls: “I've always been interested in people.” In her work, she aims to make difficult and complicated issues simple and easy. “I keep a certain twinkle in my eye and make it my explicit goal to meet my clients with focused honesty,” smiles Sabina.

Sabina, mother of a teenager, and dog owner with a passion for life and travel, is the ideal partner for leaders and organisations undergoing profound change.

For over eight years, Sabina has been supporting (inter)national organisations, especially in highly regulated sectors, in processes such as ‘BUILD TRUST’, Ways of Working and Leadership Culture. For her, the key to solving many issues lies in the authenticity

of the individual and the courage to live it: “I see people in organisations pretending to be tough when they really want to be ‘soft’. I help my clients to show their authentic side, act in a value-driven way and build empathetic relationships.”

To achieve this, Sabina connects people - especially with themselves. For her, this means taking a holistic approach: "Holistic leadership, leadership from the heart - it's about a holistic leadership style, guided by intuition.”

The three aspects of mind, body and soul are inextricably linked: “By taking care of our basic needs and listening to our body, we find the energy and calm to use our knowledge and expertise - our mind - effectively. The soul represents our values and goals and is the

compass for our daily, unconscious choices. When we bring these aspects into balance, we realise our full leadership potential.

With my support, leaders discover these three cornerstones of holistic leadership and find their own authenticity. They learn to blend their knowledge, experience and intuition into a highly effective leadership style.”

It is this individual development process that continues to fascinate Sabina: “When people are given the time and space for personal development, wonderful things happen. It is in these precious moments that I experience how we create real solutions together. It is very important to me to support my clients in exactly the way they need it at that moment. This may mean sitting next to each other on the floor for half an hour or spending a day in the woods with the team.”

www.sabina-berthold.de

92 | Issue 117 | May 2024
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE
I want to set you in motion and put individual, effective solutions before perfection. Photo: Aline Macedo, PT

FÜHRUNG BASIERT AUF BEZIEHUNGEN

Organisationen sind von Menschen geschaffene und gestaltete Orte, die ständig im Wandel sind. Ohne Beziehungen können wir nicht führen – und die wichtigste Beziehung ist die zu uns selbst.

Sabina Berthold, systemische Coach mit Sitz in München, erinnert sich: „Menschen haben mich schon immer interessiert.“ In ihrer Arbeit strebt sie danach, Schweres und Kompliziertes einfach und zugänglich zu machen. „Ich bewahre mir ein gewisses Augenzwinkern und setze mir das explizite Ziel, meinen Klienten mit zugewandter Ehrlichkeit zu begegnen“, sagt Sabina schmunzelnd.

Sabina, Mutter eines Teenagers, Hundebesitzerin und mit einem starken Sinn für Lebens- und Reisefreude ausgestattet, ist die ideale Ansprechpartnerin für tiefgreifende Veränderungsprozesse von Führungskräften und Unternehmen.

Seit über acht Jahren unterstützt Sabina (inter-)nationale Organisationen, insbesondere aus streng regulierten Branchen, bei Prozessen wie ‚BUILD TRUST’, Ways of Working und Führungskultur. Für sie liegt der Schlüssel zur Lösung vieler Themen in der Authentizität des Einzelnen und dem Mut, diese zu leben: „Ich erlebe immer wieder, wie sehr sich Menschen in Unternehmen verstellen, hart sind, wo sie eigentlich ‚weich’ sein wollen. Ich unterstütze meine Klienten dabei, ihre authentische Seite zu zeigen, werteorientiert zu handeln und empathische Beziehungen aufzubauen.“

Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen, bringt Sabina Menschen in Verbindung – vor allem mit sich selbst. Für sie bedeutet dies einen holistischen Ansatz: „Holistic Leadership, Führung aus dem Herzen – es geht um einen ganzheitlichen Führungsstil, geleitet von Intuition.“

Dabei sind die drei Aspekte Mind, Body und Soul untrennbar miteinander verbunden: „Indem wir uns um unsere Grundbedürfnisse kümmern und auf unseren Körper hören –Body -, finden wir die Energie und Ruhe, unser Wissen und unsere Expertise – Mind – wirksam anzuwenden. Die Seele - Soul - steht für unsere Werte und Ziele und ist der Kompass für unsere alltäglichen, unbewussten Entscheidungen. Wenn wir diese Aspekte in Ba-

lance bringen, entfalten wir unsere volle Führungskraft.

Mit meiner Unterstützung entdecken Führungskräfte diese drei Grundpfeiler ganzheitlichen Führens und finden zu ihrer eigenen Authentizität. Sie lernen, ihr Wissen, ihre Erfahrung und ihre Intuition in einem hochwirksamen Führungsstil zu vereinen.“

Dieser individuelle Entwicklungsprozess fasziniert Sabina immer wieder: „Wenn Menschen die Zeit und den Raum für ihre persönliche Entwicklung bekommen, passieren wunderbare Dinge. In diesen wertvollen Momenten erlebe ich, wie wir gemeinsam echte Lösungen schaffen. Es ist mir besonders wichtig, meine Klienten genau so zu begleiten, wie sie es in diesem Moment benötigen. Das kann auch bedeuten, eine halbe Stunde nebenein-

ander auf dem Boden zu sitzen oder einen Tag mit dem Team im Wald zu verbringen.“

www.sabina-berthold.de

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 93 Business Coaching, Training and Seminars |  Special Theme | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Die Spezialität von Sabina: komplizierten Herausforderungen die Schwere nehmen. Foto: Aline Macedo, PT Let’s love louder - Führung wird wirksam in der Balance von Mind, Body und Soul. Foto: Bartholomäus Zientek, GER

Culture Calendar

May blossoms with cultural vibrancy, offering a feast for the senses from Vienna's art galleries to Zurich's dance floors and Hamburg's harbour celebrations. It promises to be a month packed with fun activities for everyone.

Discover
& Austria | Culture  | Culture Calendar
Germany, Switzerland
Hafengeburtstag, Hamburg. Photo: Hamburg Messe und Congress / Romanus Furhmann

DANCE FESTIVAL ZÜRICH TANZT, ZURICH

(3 – 12 MAY)

During May, Zurich transforms into a unified dance stage. The city hosts a festival brimming with 50 events and 200 mini workshops dedicated to dance. Envision a grand dance arena, featuring Sunday raves, breakdancing competitions and numerous performances. So, lace up your dancing shoes and catch a flight to Switzerland for an unforgettable experience. www.zuerichtanzt.ch

KLANGFRÜHLING BURGENLAND,

FRIEDENSBURG SCHLAINING (5 - 12 MAY)

KLANGfrühling 2024 invites you on a musical odyssey that reignites the spark of ‘fantasy’ within us – this year’s theme. Featuring a line-up of exceptional talents, this festival is a vibrant celebration of diversity, surprise and pure joy. Dive into a world of musical enchantment and let your senses feast on the rich tapestry of sounds awaiting you.

www.klangfruehling.at

CAVES OUVERTES, VARIOUS SWISS WINE REGIONS

(9 – 11 MAY)

Each year, Swiss wineries welcome visitors with open arms during the Caves Ouvertes event, offering a unique peek into their operations with wine tastings and guided tours. This is your chance to immerse yourself in Switzerland's esteemed wine culture, gain in-

sights into the intricate process of winemaking, and enjoy first-hand experiences with a broad selection of wines straight from the source.

www.valais.ch/de/events

835TH HAFENGEBURTSTAG, HAMBURG

(9 – 12 MAY)

"Hafengeburtstag" translates to "harbour birthday" in German, and that's precisely the

occasion Hamburg marks. This event is celebrated as the largest harbour festival globally, offering a weekend filled with diverse activities ranging from ship parades and food vendors to live performances and spectacular fireworks on Saturday night.

www.hamburg.de/hafengeburtstag

GENUSSFESTIVAL, VIENNA

(10 – 12 MAY)

The moment has returned when foodies from around the globe converge at the iconic Genussfestival in Vienna's Stadtpark, eager to indulge in an exceptional array of Austrian culinary treasures. This festival stands as Vienna's grandest celebration of food, offering everything from celebrated local wines and escargots to the rich poppy seed oil of Waldviertel, Carinthian honey and Wachau saffron, ensuring a wide range of flavours to explore. www.events.wien.info/de

CARNIVAL OF CULTURES, BERLIN

(17 – 20 MAY)

This lively and colourful four-day festival honours the diversity of Berlin through its street parades, musical acts and dance showcases. It draws countless attendees eager to partake in the vibrant atmosphere and sample a wide variety of international foods available at numerous stalls. An event not to be missed! www.berlin.de/en/events

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 95 Culture Calendar |  Culture | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Hafengeburtstag, Hamburg. Photo: Hamburg Messe und Congress / Romanus Furhmann Art Austria, Vienna. Photo: Art Austria / Michael Otto

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUMS DAY, GERMANY (19 MAY)

This global event highlights the significant contributions of museums to our society and culture. Museums all over Germany welcome visitors on 19 May, but Berlin, with its vast array of museums, stands out as an exceptional location to celebrate this important occasion.

www.museumstag.de

17TH ART AUSTRIA, VIENNA (25 – 28 MAY)

Annually hosted at the esteemed MuseumsQuartier in Vienna, this event delights visitors with over 45 well-known galleries presenting a plethora of artworks. Guests will be treated to exquisite music filling the plaza, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere. Art Austria stands as a genuine festivity of artistic expression, consistently delivering an unforgettable experience. www.art-austria.info

96 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Culture  | Culture Calendar
Genussfestival Vienna. Photo: AMA GENUSS REGION /www.schwarz-koenig.at Zürichtanzt, Biophilia. Photo: Caroline Minjolle Caves Ouvertes Valais. Photo: Sebastien Laderman Genussfestival Vienna. Photo: AMA GENUSS REGION / www.schwarz-koenig.at

Between History and Future

A hushed birch grove forms part of Berlin’s Mauerpark between Bernauer Straße and Schwedter Steg bridge.

Hidden between Falkplatz and the Mauerpark extension, the grove had been closed for restoration for months and is now finally open again. Set slightly off track, it has an almost mystic air about it, especially in the early morning and evening hours, when slanting rays of sun form illuminating stripes between the white birch stems and the trees themselves begin to look like a friendly assembly of souls in peaceful communication.

The Mauerpark, situated on the former wall strip, is always about both the past and the future and can be described as a green healing stretch on the grounds of harrowing history. Where today flowers and trees stand in bloom, in the past guard dogs were running free, while watchtowers overlooked all parts of the so-called ‘death strip’ – the hardest part to cross if you chose the overground escape route across the wall. Before 9th November 1989, it could be either a bullet, a fierce dog, or both, that would lead to an arrest or even loss of life..

For those who did not make it, there is a natural art monument situated by the Schwedter Steg bridge, but you have to know where to look. If you walk from the birch grove past the kids’ animal farm, you will soon access

the iconic, swinging shape of the bridge. Stop before you reach the middle and peer over the railing to your left. Right underneath, you will see grave-long piles of wood each with a large rock at the foot, standing for the wall victims who did not make it to the other side. The artwork has been joined by many plants over the years and is exuding a peaceful atmosphere.

The restored birch grove is part of the comprehensive Mauerpark project realised by the late Professor Gustav Lange, architect, stone mason and poet, across 27 years of planning and realisation. In Lange’s design, the visitors take the key role in the transformation: The more feet of happy people, kids and dogs roam the area, the more the energy keeps changing and harmonizing: “Life takes place in spaces in between – in unorganized structures” Lange stated in 1996. Resident initiatives were included in the design, such as the wooden ‘rainbow playground’ and the intercultural community garden, which as of late includes a bee information centre.

Many visitors only know the Mauerpark for the flea market off Bernauer Straße and the open-air concerts at the amphitheatre. However, the new extension, as well as the restored

birch grove, once more show the thoughtful philosophy of the overall design and already serve plenty of citizens and families with much-needed green space between Wedding and Prenzlauer Berg. To many, it is a daily treat, even if they only cycle through on their way to work. I for one wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Cornelia Brelowski is a writer and journalist who lives in Berlin. With her main field of interest being art and design, she enjoys observing her history-laden home town in all its quirky detail and ever-changing shape and culture. Apart from writing, the author also engages in English language theatre, the art of which she learned in London.

May 2024 | Issue 117 | 97 Secret Berlin Column | Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI
Photo: Coline Matthee Mauerpark. Photo: © visitBerlin, Photo: Chris Martin Scholl

For the Swifties

Are you a Swiftie? Or more likely, parent of a Swiftie? If so, there might still be time to get on the train or plane to Germany and head straight for the lovely town of Heidelberg on the banks of the Neckar river to join in with fellow fans and followers of the super-duper-mega star that is Taylor Swift for a very special – church service.

What is she on about, you might be thinking now. Has Taylor Swift on top of everything else now also become a priest and for some reason chosen Germany to take to the pulpit? Not quite. It is rather a priest who is using the singer‘s music to get bums on seats –and it works: When Heidelberg’s Protestant Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) announced that, on 12 May, there would be a “pop service” featuring Swift’s music and entitled “Anti-Hero” after one of her songs it was pretty quickly fully booked. It should be said that Heiliggeistkirche is not any old church but Heidelberg’s largest, with a history going back to the 14th century and a popular visitor attraction in the old town centre.

The clever priest behind this idea, one Vincenzo Petracca, told the media that he was totally stunned and hadn’t expected such a response. He is, however, not new to this business of pop musically themed church services. In fact, Vincenzo (aka “dj_pfarrer”

Discover Germany Issue 117, May 2024

Published 05.2024

ISSN 2051-7718

Published by Scan Magazine Ltd.

Print Stibo Complete

Executive Editor

Thomas Winther

Creative Director

Mads E. Petersen

– “dj_priest” – on Instagram!), has given pop music a permanent place in the sacred halls of his 600-year-old Gothic church, with the "Citykirche Rock 'n' Pop" series of church services that have so far featured music by the Beatles, Madonna, Queen and others.

The Taylor Swift “gig“ might be his most successful so far, though. After the 423 seats available for the 11 am service on 12 May had been booked in no time – apparently by lots of mums whose children had told them “let’s go together” – another was put on for the same day at 1 pm. Which brings me back to the beginning and your potential family trip to Heidelberg: At the time of writing, online booking (of course, all for free) for the second show wasn’t open yet, so there might still be seats available. Any worshippers who make it can expect around six live Taylor Swift songs – sadly, the DJ priest is not taking to the decks – sung by Tine Wiechmann, former professor of pop church music (Germany is getting cooler by the minute, isn’t it) at Heidelberg’s renowned University of Church Music.

Apart from the live band and singing the service will focus on the relationship between religion and politics in Taylor Swift songs – this is a church, after all – and our music-loving priest points out that Swift has made political statements in the past that are rooted in her

Editor

Nane Steinhoff

Assistant Editor

Marilena Stracke

Copy-Editor

Vera Winther

Graphic Designer

Mercedes Moulia

Mauro Salerno

Sales & Key Account Managers

Julia Freisinger

Lawinia Toth

Sophie Blecha

Contributors

Barbara Geier

Cornelia Brelowski

Iris Ellmann

Marilena Stracke

Silke Henkele

Cover Photo

Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg.

Photo: Mediaserver Hamburg / Michael Zapf

Christian belief. Do you think this is just some desperate attempt to get young people into churches? Maybe. But hats off to Vincenzo. He strikes me as someone who lives in the real world and if the real world includes an international pop phenomenon called Taylor Swift, you could do worse than engage with it. Amen and out. P.S.: If you couldn’t care less about any of the above, book your Heidelberg trip anyway. I’d recommend walking the Philosophers‘ Way away from the crowds for gorgeous views over the river, old town and castle.

tourism guide and blog that was set up together with UK travel writer Andrew Eames in 2010.

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This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles.

98 | Issue 117 | May 2024 Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria | Barbara Geier Column
Barbara Geier is a London-based freelance writer, translator and communications consultant. She is also the face behind www.germanyiswunderbar.com, a German travel and

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