Issue 78 | September 2019

BEER FESTIVALS THAT RIVAL MUNICH’S OKTOBERFEST

PLUS

TANJA MAIRHOFER: ON LETTING GO GERMAN & SWISS ARCHITECTURE FOCUS ON BASEL DESIGN, TRAVEL, BUSINESS & MORE

T H E M AG A Z I N E P R O M OT I N G G E R M A N Y, S W I T Z E R L A N D & A U ST R I A

Discover Germany  |  Contents

Contents SEPTEMBER 2019

26 Photo: © Mathias Vietmeier

COVER FEATURE 32

Top Ten Beer Festivals That Rival Munich’s Oktoberfest At the end of this month, Munich will hold the world-renowned Oktoberfest. But did you know that there are plenty of other beer festivals all over the DACH region to consider? Discover Germany picked the top ten Oktoberfest alternatives for you.

32 Photo: © Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH, Jean-Claude Winkler

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FEATURES 26

SPECIAL THEMES 14

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All Eyes on Organic Fashion & Lifestyle We think sustainability is important, and that’s why this special theme is all about organic, sustainable fashion, food and lifestyle products. Education Guide - Germany’s Top Three Universities Thinking of studying in Germany? The country ranks amongst the most popular study destinations in the world. For three of Germany’s top university picks, read the following special theme. Focus on Basel - The City’s Highlights of 2019 Basel is popular with tourists for many reasons. If you want to find out more about where to go and what to see in Basel, then be sure to read this special theme on the city’s highlights of 2019. Swiss Architects and Interior Designers 2019 Switzerland boasts dozens of innovative buildings and gorgeous interior designs. We take a look at some of Switzerland’s top architects, as well as Switzerland’s interior design elite and their impressive projects.

Germany’s Recruitment Consultants The task of finding the perfect candidate is without question a challenging one. Companies need an experienced partner to help recruit employees. Our special theme presents Germany’s top recruitment consultants.

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Star Feature: Tanja Mairhofer Tanja Mairhofer can do many things: presenting, acting and writing books. She speaks to Discover Germany about her latest children’s book and much more. Museum of the Month Nowadays, we are used to streaming music online, but how did people in the 19th century listen to music? The Museum of Music Automatons in Switzerland’s Seewen takes you on a journey through music’s beautifully sounding history. Joseph Beuys: Important Sculptures from the 1950s For the very first time, five unique early sculptures made by Joseph Beuys in the 1950s are exhibited in the UK. Our writer Marilena Stracke finds out more. Hotels of the Month This month, we have picked two gorgeous hotels from Germany and Austria as our Hotels of the Month. Find out what exactly makes them stand out from others. Behind the Scenes of Norderney Germany’s East Frisian island of Norderney is looking for a new island blogger. Sounds tempting! But what really motivates young people to move to this small island?

REGULARS & COLUMNS 6

Dedicated to Design Whether you are searching for trendy interior items, outfit inspirations in beautiful autumn colours, top German brands or other inspiring designs, be sure to take a look at our Design section.

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Wine & Dine Our Wine & Dine section this month is filled with top culinary delicacies and great restaurants.

36 Culture Looking for top museums, exhibitions, event locations and first-class German universities? Take a look at our Culture section. 66 Business Our Business section is filled with exclusive business profiles, inspiring architects from Germany and Switzerland, recruitment consultants and top creative agencies. Furthermore, our columnist Gregor Kleinknecht discusses the interesting topic of trading in antiquities. 109 The Delights of the German Vocabulary In our monthly column, British author Adam Jacot de Boinod explores the weird and wonderful world of German vocabulary and finds some rather interesting terms. 110 Culture Calendar Discover Germany’s Culture Calendar is your perfect guide to what not to miss in September. 114 Barbara Geier Column This month, our columnist Barbara Geier ponders the idea of ‘provincial backwaters’. Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  3

Dear Reader,

Discover Germany Issue 78, September 2019 Published 09.2019 ISSN 2051-7718 Published by Scan Group Print Uniprint Executive Editor Thomas Winther Creative Director Mads E. Petersen Editor Nane Steinhoff Assistant Editor Marilena Stracke Copy-Editor Karl Batterbee Graphic Designer Audrey Beullier

It’s Oktoberfest time! From 21 September to 6 October, Munich will hold its worldrenowned Oktoberfest once again. More than six million visitors from all over the world will flock to the city’s famous Theresienwiese area to eat wurst, enjoy some fun rides, wear some gorgeous dirndl or lederhosen, and to fully embrace and celebrate German beer – and plenty of it, at that!

Cornelia Brelowski Eric Bryan Gregor Kleinknecht Hannah Krolle Jessica Holzhausen Silke Henkele Cover Photo © Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH, sonne-wolken.de, globusliebe.com Sales & Key Account Managers Emma Fabritius Nørregaard Sophie Blecha Lawinia Toth Julia Freisinger Melanie von der Kammer Publisher: SCAN GROUP Scan Magazine Ltd. 15B Bell Yard Mews Bermondsey Street London SE1 3YT United Kingdom Phone: +44 207 407 1937   Email: info@discovergermany.com

We think everybody should experience the special Oktoberfest ambiance at least once in their life, but sharing the space with more than six million people might not be everyone’s definition of having fun. Luckily, there are plenty of other beer festivals and Oktoberfest alternatives all over the DACH region to consider. Many of them attract attendees with their quieter atmospheres, while also offering up most of the same highlights that the original Oktoberfest does. This month, we therefore take a look at the DACH region’s top ten beer festivals that can rival Munich’s huge Oktoberfest, to get you inspired. Other topics covered in our new September issue are organic fashion and lifestyle brands, pretty fashion picks in autumn colours, great restaurants and hotels across the DACH region, event locations and inspiring museums that should be visited this month, exclusive businesses, inspiring architects from Germany and Switzerland, and much more. We furthermore focus on the beautiful city of Basel and look behind the scenes of the East Frisian island of Norderney. And last but not least, we spoke to multi-talented Tanja Mairhofer, and author Andrea Paluch, about their latest children’s books – which make for inspiring reads for young and old alike. Sit back, relax and thanks for reading.

Contributors Adam Jacot de Boinod Barbara Geier

For further information please visit www.discovergermany.com

Nane Steinhoff, Editor

© All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication September not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Group – a trading name of Scan Magazine Ltd. This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles.

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Discover Germany  |  Design  |  Fashion Finds

Fashion Finds Monday 23 September marks the official start of autumn. And this autumn, we wish for an Indian summer! After all, what’s better than a few unexpected warm, dry days later on in the year, that ‘wow’ us with an unexpected blast of colour? For this month’s Fashion Finds, we therefore also chose to focus on feel-good fashion in classic autumn colours, such as green, yellow, brown and red. Get inspired! EDITOR’S PICKS  I  PRESS IMAGES The luxury fashion brand Escada was founded in 1978 in Munich. Since then, the label has been known for understated chic and elegance with a special twist – as can be seen in this beautiful outfit which reminds us of the red leaves autumn has to offer. £POA. www.escada.com

An umbrella can indeed look very stylish. This high-quality one by the renowned Austrian umbrella manufactory, doppler, is handmade and comes with a chestnut wood pole, and is sure to look great with any autumn outfit. £183. www.dopplerschirme.com

Chelsea boots are here to stay this season! This pair by German brand Paul Green impresses with high-quality nubuck leather, an exceptionally light sole and an overall cool look. £142. www.paul-green.com

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Discover Germany  |  Design  |  Fashion Finds

Two more looks by Escada that combine relaxed flair with an edgy side. Here, you can see how to combine beautiful brown tones with a subtle red highlight, to make for the perfect autumn outfit. £POA. www.escada.com

Brighten up autumn with this gorgeous down jacket by the German jacket specialist Fuchs & Schmitt. As it’s made out of 100 per cent polyester, it’s also 100 per cent cruelty-free and vegan. £165. www.fuchsschmitt.de

For the colder days, a scarf is essential in autumn. We chose this gorgeous one by the longstanding brand Marc O’Polo. £POA. www.marc-o-polo.com

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  7

Discover Germany  |  Design  |  Dedicated to Design

Dedicated to Design… Mixing delicate beige tones with a burst of black seems to be something you are going to be seeing everywhere this season. After all, cream is the new grey, and cosy colours really add sophistication and warmth to your home. Revamp your living space into a stylish, snug nest with soft neutrals like beige and taupe, as well as a hint of darkness. BY: NANE STEINHOFF   I  PRESS IMAGES

1. Beige and black go hand in hand – as can be seen in this image. What is shown here is a versatile product that can be used as a wall shelf with hidden storage, and as a bedside table with concealed storage. Pretty cool, right? £227. www.woodendot.com

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2. Made out of porcelain and stoneware, this marbled jug does not only look stylish, with its unique print, but can also be used for many purposes, such as storing milk or holding your favourite flowers. £63. www.einrichten-design.de 3. Handmade in Germany out of merino wool, this cushion by the Berlin-based design label MYK is an eyecatcher of the most special kind, as it is only produced to order. £POA. www.myk-berlin.com 4. In need of a new sofa? Sporting a timeless beige, this one will bring casual elegance into every living room. £975. www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

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5. Equip your house with some stylish sculptures like this artistic display of large cream seed pods. A beautiful interpretation of the natural world, this sculpture is over half a metre tall and will suit any décor with its neutral colouring. £91. www.artisanti.com

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Discover Germany  |  Design  |  Caravan & Camping Trends 2019

TEXT & PHOTOS: G+S SITZ- UND POLSTERMÖBEL GMBH, TRANSLATION: BARBARA GEIER

Quality upholsterers that Die Polstermacher make all the difference – die gute Polster machen The mobile leisure market, with caravans and motorhomes, is booming – as proven by almost a decade of two-digit annual growth rates. The success of these leisure vehicles is based on, among other things, their functional interior and the quality of their seating furniture and beds.

Die Caravaningbranche, sprich die mobile Freizeit mit Caravans und Reisemobilen, boomt. Fast eine Dekade mit jährlich zweistelligen Zuwachsraten spricht eine deutliche Sprache. Der Erfolg der Freizeitfahrzeuge basiert auch auf einer funktionalen Inneneinrichtung und nicht zuletzt auf der Qualität der Sitz- und Liege-Möbel.

‘G+S Sitz- und Polstermöbel GmbH’ (‘Die Polstermacher’) is a specialist in this field. Company director Gernot Schank and his team deliver quality upholstery for every type of seat. The product range also covers mattresses. Any size or quantity is catered for, be it ten or 5,000 units. Everything can either be customised or delivered in a standardised version, to any production line and just-in-time, which makes the company unsurpassed in its sector. German know-how is coupled with European performance capacity and various production sites across Europe deliver the basic equipment for more than 40,000 vehicles, as well as for the boating industry.

Das ist das Spezialgebiet der ‚G+S Sitz- und Polstermöbel GmbH‘, besser bekannt als ‚Die Polstermacher‘. Firmenchef Gernot Schank liefert hochwertige Polster für alle Sitzgelegenheiten sowie Matratzen. Dabei ist er auf jede gewünschte Größenordnung vorbereitet. Egal ob Serien von zehn Einheiten oder 5.000 Stück, individuell maßgeschneidert oder serienfertig, die Polstermacher liefern ‚just-in-time‘ an jedes Produktionsband – eine Fähigkeit, die branchenweit einzigartig und unerreicht ist. Gemäß dem Motto ‚deutsches Know-how gepaart mit europäischer Leistungskraft‘, stellt das Unternehmen von seinen Produktionsstandorten europaweit für aktuell mehr als 40.000 Freizeitfahrzeuge, und ebenfalls exklusiv im Yachtbau die Erstausstattung bereit.

This includes all components that are covered with fabric or leather, such as panels, driver seats, curtains, carpets, trim parts, coat racks, seat heating systems or similar. End users, too, can benefit from the expert upholsterers’ know-how: in Enkenbach-Alsenborn, the company operates a customer centre where vehicles in need of a spruce-up can get a ‘facelift’, and customers can choose from more than 1,000 design variations and brand-new, quality, health-promoting upholstery.

Zum Lieferprogramm gehören alle Komponenten, die mit Stoff oder Leder bezogen werden: wie Armaturenbretter, Fahrersitze, Vorhänge, Teppiche, Verkleidungsteile, Garderoben, Sitzheizungen und ähnliches. Auch Endkunden profitieren vom Know-how der Polstermacher. Im pfälzischen EnkenbachAlsenborn steht das hauseigene Kunden-Center. Dort können in die Jahre gekommene Fahrzeuge binnen kürzester Zeit einem kompletten ‚Tapetenwechsel‘ mit mehr als 1.000 Designvarianten und neuer hochwertiger auch gesundheitsfördernd angepasster Polsterausstattung unterzogen werden.

Stop by and see what they can do for your caravan or motorhome.

Kommen Sie vorbei. Wir möbeln Ihre Fahrzeuge auf. www.diepolstermacher.de

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A knack for the unique De Gregorio truly arose out of love and passion: as owner Massimiliano De Gregorio moved from Italy’s Termoli to Backnang because of his wife Sabina in 1990. Here, their shared passion for Italian design eventually led to De Gregorio in 2001. Today, the company stands for teamwork, creativity and all-round customer service – a combination that gives every room a special atmosphere. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF  I  PHOTOS: JANINE KYOFSKY

Teamwork and all-round service

What started in a small workshop around 30 years ago, has developed into a wellknown name for special Italian interior design throughout the region. “We love Italian design. To create something exceptional, something that hasn’t existed before – that’s our ultimate goal! And just like Milan’s fashion, our interiors aren’t offthe-peg, either,” smiles Massimiliano.

minium, various metals, colours, as well as the shapeliness, is of utmost importance – as is the highest quality too, of course! “Before we sell our products, we have to be 100 per cent convinced by them first,” says Massimiliano, and adds: “Genuine Italian design has to come from Italy. That’s why only the best materials from our home country are good enough.”

Exclusivity meets Italy

De Gregorio’s business associates are famous Italian and international brands like the bathroom furniture designer Milldue, the kitchen designer Aster, or Rimadesio – a brand which offers design-orientated room partitions and architectural definitions. Further brands that are firmly integrated into De Gregorio’s portfolio are the

De Gregorio designs and realises exclusive design kitchens, living spaces, interior ideas, elegant furniture, doors for the inside and outside, as well as bathrooms which are always tailored to individual living situations. Thereby, the perfect interaction between glass, stone, wood, alu12  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

seating furniture designer Leolux and Italia Lounge, an experienced sofa and furniture manufacturer. And when a door needs to become an important design and functional element, De Gregorio works alongside Köhnlein and Rimadesio.

In the inviting exhibition rooms in Backnang’s Blumenstraße, creativity, teamwork and all-round customer service are paramount. The company accompanies each client from the initial architectural planning in De Gregorio’s planning office to the completion of the project, which always orientates itself towards individual client wishes. Massimiliano explains: “We try to get to know our clients to find out what fascinates them. We then plan their future home together and work closely with them.” Bring ‘la bella vita’ into your home, via the genuine Italian design of De Gregorio. www.de-gregorio.de

Discover Germany  |  Design  |  De Gregorio

Ein Händchen für Einzigartiges De Gregorio Inneneinrichtung entstand aus Liebe und Leidenschaft, da Inhaber Massimiliano De Gregorio 1990 wegen seiner Frau Sabina von Termoli in Italien nach Backnang zog. Hier führte die geteilte Leidenschaft für italienisches Design 2001 letztendlich zur Selbstständigkeit. Heute steht das Unternehmen für Teamarbeit, Kreativität und Rundum-Kundenservice – ein Mix, der es schafft, jedem Raum eine großartige Atmosphäre zu verleihen. Was vor circa 30 Jahren in einer kleinen Werkstatt begann, hat sich mittlerweile zu einem in der ganzen Region bekannten Namen für besondere italienische Inneneinrichtungen gemustert. „Wir lieben italienisches Design. Etwas außergewöhnliches zu erschaffen, was es so noch nicht gegeben hat - das ist unser Ziel! Und genau wie die Mode in Mailand kommen auch unsere Inneneinrichtungen nicht von der Stange“, lächelt Massimiliano.

Exklusivität trifft Italien De Gregorio gestaltet und realisiert exklusive Design-Küchen, Wohnräume, Interieur-Ideen, elegante Möbel, Innen- und Außen-Türen, sowie Bäder, die stets auf individuelle Wohnsituationen zugeschnitten sind. Dabei wird auf das perfekte Zusammenspiel von verschiedenen Materialien wie Glas, Stein, Holz und

Metall, sowie auf Form- und Farbschönheit, geachtet. Und natürlich auch auf höchste Qualität! „Bevor wir unsere Produkte verkaufen, müssen auch wir erst zu 100 Prozent von ihnen überzeugt sein“, sagt Massimiliano und fügt hinzu: „Echtes italienisches Design muss aus Italien kommen. Deshalb sind uns auch nur die besten Materialien aus der Heimat genug.“ De Gregorios Geschäftspartner sind bekannte italienische und international verbreitete Marken, wie der Bademöbel-Hersteller Milldue, der Küchendesigner Aster und Rimadesio. Letzteres ist ein Hersteller, der sowohl designorientierte Raumteilungen als auch architektonische Definitionen anbietet. Weitere Marken, die fest in De Gregorios Angebot integriert wurden, sind der Sitzmöbel-Designer Leolux und

Italia Lounge – ein erfahrener Hersteller von Sofas und Möbeln. Und wenn eine Tür ein bedeutendes Gestaltungs- und Funktionselement werden soll, arbeitet De Gregorio mit Köhnlein und Rimadesio zusammen.

Teamarbeit und Rundum-Kundenservice In den einladenden Ausstellungsräumen in Backnangs Blumenstraße steht Teamarbeit, Kreativität und Rundum-Kundenservice stets im Fokus. Dabei begleitet das Unternehmen jeden Kunden von der architektonischen Planung im De Gregorio-Planungsbüro bis zur Vollendung des Projektes, welches immer komplett nach den Wünschen der Kunden kreiert wird. Massimiliano erklärt: „Wir versuchen unsere Kunden kennenzulernen und herauszufinden was sie fasziniert. Gemeinsam planen wir dann ihr zukünftiges Zuhause und arbeiten dafür eng mit ihnen zusammen.“ Bringen Sie mit De Gregorio la bella vita in Ihr Zuhause. www.de-gregorio.de

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S P E C I A L T H E M E : A L L E Y E S O N O R G A N I C FA S H I O N & L I F E S T Y L E

The importance of sustainability More and more people are now putting an emphasis on sustainability when it comes to their buying and food choices. We also think it’s important, and that’s why the following special theme is all about organic, sustainable fashion, food and lifestyle products. PHOTOS: PIXABAY

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Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Organic Brand of the Month

The tags are made of organic cotton leftovers from the production.

Part of the team behind People Wear Organic. Photo: © Alnatura / Marc Doradzillo

Photo: © People Wear Organic

O R GANIC BRAN D OF TH E MONTH TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE  I  PHOTOS: ALNATURA

Modern design meets social Modernes Design trifft soziale and ecological responsibility und ökologische Verantwortung Fashion label People Wear Organic proves that natural textiles have equal value to conventional fashion when it comes to design and comfort. The team of 13 women follows the corporate philosophy ‘We know’, and indeed, knows all of the responsible people within its transparent production chain: from the Egyptian and Indian organic cotton field and the textile processing partners to the finished product, distributed in the DACH-region.

Das Modelabel People Wear Organic zeigt, dass Naturtextilien konventionellen Kollektionen weder in Modegrad noch Tragekomfort nachstehen. Das derzeit 13-köpfige Frauenteam folgt der Firmenphilosophie ‚We know‘ und kennt die verantwortlichen Menschen ihrer transparenten Produktionskette: vom ägyptischen und indischen Bio-Baumwollfeld über die Partner in der Textilverarbeitung bis zum fertigen Produkt, vertrieben in der DACH-Region.

People Wear Organic is a very special label. Aside from the high-quality fabric it uses, it convinces wearers with its exemplary sustainability concept and received the prestigious German Brand Award 2018 as ‘Sustainable Brand of the Year’.

People Wear Organic ist ein ganz besonderes Label. Neben der hohen Stoffqualität überzeugt es mit seinem vorbildlichen Nachhaltigkeitskonzept und wurde 2018 mit dem begehrten German Brand Award als ‚Sustainable Brand of the Year‘ ausgezeichnet.

In addition to its own commitment, the innovative label follows the strict GOTS-standard criteria. This means that all production partners involved are audited every year to prove that they are consistently meeting the high ecological and social standards.

Das innovative Label lässt, zusätzlich zu seinem eigenen Engagement, unter den strengen Kriterien des GOTS-Standards produzieren. Dafür werden alle involvierten Produktionspartner jährlich auditiert. Dies garantiert, dass die hohen ökologischen und sozialen Standards konsequent eingehalten werden.

“We know all of our production partners personally,” says director Nicole Pälicke. “This closeness and the honest approach to do things with exactly those people with whom you initially start developing, fascinate me.”

„Wir kennen alle Partner unserer Produktionskette persönlich“, erzählt Leiterin Nicole Pälicke. „Diese Nähe zur Herstellung und die ehrliche Herangehensweise, die Dinge mit genau den Menschen zu tun, mit denen man von Anfang an entwickelt, fasziniert mich.“

The label demonstrates that organic textiles can be styleconscious. All designs are developed in-house, too. Pälicke smiles: “We know how to bring organic cotton into full bloom.”

Das Label zeigt, dass auch ‚Öko‘-Textilien top-modern sein können. Stilsicher werden alle Designs komplett in-house entwickelt. Pälicke lächelt: „Wir wissen wie wir den Rohstoff Biobaumwolle zum Blühen bringen.“

The collection is available at textile and baby speciality retailers, online and in selected Alnatura-stores.

Die Kollektionen findet man im Textil-Fachhandel, Online, Babyfachmärkten und in einigen Alnatura-Läden. www.peoplewearorganic.de Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  15

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  All Eyes on Organic Fashion & Lifestyle

Ökologisch, fair und nachhaltig: Sportbekleidung mit Style Flying Love Birds mit Sitz in Zaberfeld in der Nähe von Heilbronn hat sich auf hochwertige Schwimm-, Surf- und Yoga-Bekleidung spezialisiert – und das nachhaltig und fair in Deutschland produziert. Zeitlose Individualität, aufwendige Prints und ausgefeilte Schnitte sind die Markenzeichen. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN  |  FOTOS: FLYING LOVE BIRDS

„Wir verwenden ausschließlich nachhaltiges Material. Das Polyamid ist recycelt und stammt aus Spanien oder Italien, wird also in Europa produziert. Die Biobaumwolle stammt überwiegend aus Deutschland“, sagt Firmengründerin und Designerin Lisa Heidinger. Flying Love Birds stellt sich ganz bewusst gegen den Fast-Fashion-Trend und setzt stattdessen auf bio-zertifizierte Rohstoffe wie Tencel, Bambus oder Modal und recycelte Materialien. Nahezu alle Modelle sind im hauseigenen Atelier gefertigt. So garantiert das Unternehmen faire Löhne und herausragende Qualität. „Selbst die T-Shirt-Prints machen wir selbst“, sagt die Unternehmensgründerin und verweist auf das dafür verwendete

ökologische Transferdruck-Verfahren. Lisa Heidinger entwirft alle Modelle selbst und fertigt die entsprechenden Probeschnitte. Besondere Schnittführung und guter Sitz sind ihr wichtig, bei Jacken und Oberteilen, ebenso wie bei der Bademode. Das zeigt sich beispielsweise beim Modell Leo, bei dem das Oberteil am Rücken geschnürt ist. Bustier Blue Leo 89 Euro, Bikinihose (zum wenden) Blue Leo 49 Euro.

Auch das Material spielt eine wichtige Rolle. „Wir verwenden sehr weiche Materialien, die gut auf der Haut zu tragen sind“, sagt Lisa Heidinger, die in vierter Generation einer Schneider-Familie entstammt. Jahrelange Erfahrung und Freude am Design spiegeln sich in jedem Flying Love Birds Stück: Die Oberteile und Bikini-Hosen lassen sich wie beim Modell Blue Jungle wenden. Eine Seite ziert ein exotischer Pflanzenprint, die andere Seite ist schlicht schwarz. Das macht Flying Love Birds Mode flexibel und wandelbar.

www.flyinglovebirds.de Diamant Back Tropical 75 Euro, Bikinihose (zum wenden) Tropical 49 Euro.

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  All Eyes on Organic Fashion & Lifestyle

A shot of organic essence upgrades the smoothie.

livQ uses top-quality, organic products.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN  I  PHOTOS: LIVQ

Fermented essences Fermentierte Essenzen aus from the heart of Bavaria dem Herzen Bayerns Fermentation is one of the top food trends, because it is natural and, at the same time, effective: microorganisms like lactic acid bacteria transform food so that new nutrients develop and the existing ones can be digested easier. The livQ organic essences are a power plant for the body.

Fermentation ist einer der Top-Food-Trends und ist gleichermaßen natürlich und effektiv: Mikroorganismen, wie Milchsäurebakterien, verwandeln Lebensmittel, so dass neue Nährstoffe entstehen und sich die vorhandenen besser verarbeiten lassen. Die Bio-Essenzen von livQ sind ein energiegeladenes Kraftwerk für den Körper.

“Our products are for everyone who knows about the responsibility they have for their own wellbeing – young and old, for prevention or to support regeneration,” says founder Renate Ladner. When her own children were born, Ladner developed a stronger sense for a healthier lifestyle and, as a professional reorientation in 2013, founded livQ.

„Unsere Produkte sind für alle, die sich der Eigenverantwortung für ihr persönliches Wohlbefinden bewusst sind – Jung und Alt, zur Vorbeugung oder zur Unterstützung der Regeneration“, sagt Gründerin Renate Ladner. Mit den eigenen Kindern wuchs Renate Ladners Bewusstsein für eine gesunde Lebensweise und sie orientierte sich beruflich neu und gründete 2013 livQ.

“For the development, we included the experience of therapists and matched the ingredients accordingly,” says Ladner. Researchers from Leipzig University have recently discovered how lactic acid bacteria in fermented food – like the livQ essences – interact with the immune system.

„Bei der Entwicklung haben wir Erfahrungen von Therapeuten einbezogen und die Zusammensetzung entsprechend abgestimmt“, sagt Ladner. Wissenschaftler der Uni Leipzig haben inzwischen herausgefunden, wie Milchsäurebakterien in fermentierten Lebensmitteln – wie denen von livQ – mit dem Immunsystem interagieren.

The experienced livQ team, with an office in Neuried, Munich, produces exclusively in Germany and uses nutritionally valuable organic raw ingredients – without any artificial vitamin or mineral additions. This makes livQ unique on the market. The main features of livQ organic essences and the organic yeast substrates are a long and intensive fermentation, best tolerability and high efficiency.

Das erfahrene livQ-Team mit Firmensitz in Neuried, München, produziert ausschließlich in Deutschland und nutzt ernährungsphysiologisch wertvolle Bio-Rohstoffe – ohne die in anderen Produkten häufig überdosierten künstlichen Ergänzungen von Vitaminen und Mineralien. Damit ist livQ einzigartig auf dem Markt. Die livQ Bio-Essenzen und die Bio-Primärhefe zeichnen sich durch eine lange und intensive Fermentierung, beste Verträglichkeit und hohe Effizienz aus. Die Produkte sind im Biohandel, bei Apotheken und Online erhältlich.

The products can be bought in organic stores and online.

www.livQ.de Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  17

SPECIAL THEME: BRANDS – MADE IN GERMANY

How to enhance one’s home and life From enchanting interior design to jewellery and natural, health-enhancing products, German design and lifestyle brands have a lot to offer consumers. Discover Germany takes a look at some brands that should be looked out for, and finds out more about their products and inspirations. PHOTOS: PIXABAY

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Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Brands – Made in Germany

Work and walk – the powerful revolution of the work space Movement is healthy, makes us more creative and, intellectually, more powerful. TEXT: SILKE HENKELE  |  PHOTOS: WALKOLUTION GMBH

“Although from an evolutionary perspective, humans depend upon continuing movement, most of us spend the majority of our time sitting. Our Walkolution Work and Walk-series is a novel treadmill desk system that helps to overcome this shortcoming,” explains senior medical doctor and Walkolotion’s co-founder, Dr. Eric Söhngen. Walkolution’s functionalities are based on the results of the latest neuroscientific and medical studies. “Our appliances optimally answer to the needs of the modern employees’ demands for healthy workplaces and have some unique advantages. They work noiselessly, as they don’t need a motor, and work by body weight and gravity alone. One of our models even generates electricity! This also means that the user adopts his or her walking speed

intuitively. Plus, the treadmills are entirely maintenance-free and have an unbeatable ecobalance, as they are mainly made of wood,” lists Dr. Söhngen, who, just recent-

ly, has published his latest book, Death by Sitting, on the topic. The revolutionary Walkolution-system can currently be tested in showrooms in Zurich, Munich or Oslo, or ordered for a trial period on a company’s premises. www.walkolution.com

Bullrich range, relaunch 2019.

The perfect bridge between tradition and modern times Bullrich is one of Germany’s oldest brands, having existed for over 190 years. Many know it well for its very first product, Original Bullrich Salt. But can such a historic brand remain relevant in modern times without losing its heart? Bullrich’s witty relaunch shows how to achieve exactly that. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE  I  PHOTOS: DELTA PRONATURA

A classic presenting a classic: with a pinstriped suit, moustache and a great deal of provocative humour, the brand remembers its inventor August Wilhelm Bullrich via an utterly charming testimonial. In this way, Bullrich manages the jump into modern times thanks to its own almost 200-year-old icon: and rightly so. In our era of health-consciousness, yet with incredibly fast lifestyles, the cult brand has ended up more relevant than ever. We work longer hours and, often, there is little time to eat in peace and quiet, or sometimes even to take a long, healing, deep breath. Life on the fast lane results in being out of balance, and the perrenial stress can turn us somewhat ‘sour’. This, in turn, can result in problems such as heartburn and stomach issues developing. 20  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Original Bullrich Salt has been the right choice for many for almost two centuries and, thanks to its makers using the original recipe, that hasn’t changed. The product range has also managed to maintain its fresh look and appearance, and includes the tried and tested healing clay and acidbase balance products. The latter are now available as lozenges for a life ‘on the go’. Hence, you can support getting your acidbase balance back to normal – even without having a glass of water to hand. Bullrich enters its new era as part of the company delta pronatura, which is led by the owner families Beckmann and Krauss. “The Second World War also had an impact on Bullrich,” Heiner Beckmann explains. “The factory in Berlin was destroyed, there was no money for adver-

tising and the brand got increasingly sidelined. In the beginning of the ‘80s, the Bullrich family decided to sell and placed a small ad in the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: and we replied. Due to our shared roots in Berlin and the fact that both entrepreneurial families started out in pharmacies, we immediately clicked. I feel a deep connection to the brand. Bullrich is simply special – a true modern classic.” www.bullrich-salz.de

Owner Heiner Beckmann in front of inventor A.W. Bullrich.

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Brands – Made in Germany

Der perfekte Bogen zwischen Tradition und Modernität Bullrich ist eine der ältesten Marken in Deutschland, die es bereits seit über 190 Jahren gibt. Vielen ist vor allem das Ursprungsprodukt, das Original Bullrich Salz, ein echter Begriff. Aber kann man in der modernen Zeit tatsächlich relevant bleiben, ohne dabei das Herz einer derart historischen Marke zu verlieren? Der originelle Relaunch von Bullrich zeigt wie das gelingt. Ein Klassiker, der für einen echten Klassiker steht: Mit Nadelstreifenanzug, Schnurrbart und jeder Menge provokantem Humor erinnert die Traditionsmarke mit einem charmanten Testimonial an ihren Erfinder August Wilhelm Bullrich. So schafft Bullrich mit seiner eigenen knapp 200-Jahrealten Ikone mühelos den Sprung in die moderne Zeit. Und das zu Recht, denn die Kultmarke ist in unserem Zeitalter des gesundheitsbewussten jedoch unglaublich schnellen Lifestyles relevanter als eh und je. Wir arbeiten immer länger und haben oft keine Zeit in Ruhe zu essen, oder einen Moment durchzuatmen. Das schnelle Leben

sorgt für wenig Balance und dieser andauernde Stress ‚macht sauer‘. So können Probleme wie zum Beispiel Sodbrennen und Magenbeschwerden entstehen. Original Bullrich Salz ist seit fast zwei Jahrhunderten die richtige Wahl und daran hat sich dank der Original-Zusammensetzung auch nichts geändert. Das Sortiment im frischen Look umfasst unter anderem auch die bewährten Heilerde- und die Säure-Basen-Balance Produkte, die es ganz neu und einzigartig nun als Lutsch-Tabletten für ein Leben ‚on the go‘ gibt. So kann man den SäureBasen-Haushalt wieder ins richtige Gleichgewicht bringen, auch ohne ein Glas Wasser zur Hand.

Den Weg in die neue Zeit geht Bullrich als Teil des Unternehmens delta pronatura, geführt von den Inhaberfamilien Beckmann und Krauss. „Der Zweite Weltkrieg hatte auch bei Bullrich seine Spuren hinterlassen“, erzählt Heiner Beckmann. „Die Fabrik in Berlin war zerstört, das Geld für Werbung fehlte, die Marke geriet immer mehr ins Abseits. Anfang der 80er Jahre entschied sich die Familie Bullrich zum Verkauf und schaltete eine kleine Anzeige in der F.A.Z., auf die wir uns gemeldet haben. Aufgrund unserer gemeinsamen Wurzeln in Berlin und dem Ursprung unserer Familienunternehmen in Apotheken waren wir uns sofort sympathisch. Ich empfinde eine tiefe Verbundenheit mit der Marke. Bullrich ist einfach etwas Besonderes – ein moderner Klassiker.“

www.bullrich-salz.de

Produktion Jacobi Pharma.

Produktion der Bullrich Säure-Basen Balance Tabletten. Übertrieben große Lebensmittel stehen für die Fallstricke des modernen Lebens.

Bullrich Mitarbeiter 1931.

Historische Bullrich Blechdose.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  21

Warema Lamaxa.

Let’s go outside During warm weather, we all love to flock outside. Warema develops custom-fit solutions, so you can individually manage sunlight in the garden, on the balcony or terrace, and enjoy the sunshine to the fullest. Aside from the practical smart sun shading systems, the diverse portfolio they offer also includes products for the precise controlling of indoor climate and light settings. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE  I  PHOTOS: WAREMA

Warema is all about increasing our personal well-being through the perfect use and control of sunlight. For over 60 years, the European market leader for technical sun protection for the private and corporate sector has been focusing on the interplay between digital innovation and custom-fit production. The Bavarian family business has turned into a full-service provider for external and internal sun shading systems, outdoor living products and state-of-theart control systems. Awnings are one of the most important sun shading products you can have for your favourite place in the garden or on the terrace, and Warema ensures that 22  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

there’s the right kind for everyone. Its range includes approximately 200 differently coloured frames with up to five different surfaces, as well as fabrics with 300 design variations. The sophisticated yet sturdy Perea pergola awnings are not only true design statements but also combine high functionality with convenient control. This weatherproof awning defies intense sunlight as well as sudden showers and is equally suitable for windy locations. Integrated LED stripes in the guide rail create a relaxed atmosphere after dark. You can conveniently operate them through the Warema Mobile System.

Warema’s Lamaxa slat roof is also perfect for designing your ideal outdoor space. Whether it’s free-standing in the garden or directly connected to the architecture of the building, the elegant slat roofs efficiently protect from sunlight and rain, but also function as sight protection. Thanks to the convenient radio control of the slats, the intensity of the light can be individually managed. Depending on the model, the slats can be almost entirely retracted. LED lighting, heating units and side awnings make the slat roof almost independent of the season and can be operated via an app. No matter if it’s awnings or slat roofs, Warema’s products allows us to spend more time out in the fresh air, even when it’s getting a little colder. As a sunlight manager, Warema has made it its goal to increase people’s quality and life – and they have certainly managed to do so via their range of products. www.warema.com/en

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Brands – Made in Germany

Ab nach draußen Bei warmen Temperaturen drängt es uns alle nach draußen. Damit man das sonnige Wetter aber auch so richtig genießen kann, entwickelt Warema passgenaue Lösungen, mit denen das Sonnenlicht im Garten, auf Balkon oder Terrasse ganz individuell gemanagt wird. Das vielfältige Portfolio beinhaltet neben den praktischen und intelligenten Schattenspendern auch Produkte zur gezielten Steuerung von Raumklima und Lichtinszenierung. Bei Warema dreht sich alles um das persönliche Wohlbefinden durch die perfekte Nutzung und Lenkung des Sonnenlichts. Der europäische Marktführer für technische Sonnenschutzprodukte im privaten und gewerblichen Bereich setzt seit über 60 Jahren auf das Zusammenspiel zwischen digitaler Innovation und maßgefertigter Produktion. Das bayerische Familienunternehmen hat sich zum Komplettanbieter für außen- und innenliegenden Sonnenschutz, Outdoor Living Produkte und modernste Steuerungssysteme entwickelt. Die Markise ist sicherlich eines der wichtigsten Sonnenschutzprodukte für den Lieblingsplatz im Garten oder auf der Terrasse. Warema stellt sicher, dass für jeden Geschmack das passende

dabei ist und hat circa 200 unterschiedliche Gestellfarben in bis zu fünf Oberflächenarten sowie verschiedene Tuchstoffe in über 300 Dessin-Varianten im Sortiment. Die edlen und zugleich stabilen Perea Pergola-Markisen setzen nicht nur eindrucksvolle Akzente in Sachen Design, sondern kombinieren hohe Funktionalität mit bequemer Bedienung. Diese wetterfeste Markise bietet intensiver Sonne, aber auch plötzlichen Schauern gekonnt die Stirn und ist ebenso für windige Standorte geeignet. Nach Einbruch der Dunkelheit sorgen die integrierten LEDStripes in den Führungsschienen für eine entspannte Stimmung. Sie können bequem über die Funksteuerung Warema Mobile System gesteuert werden.

Für die Gestaltung der Outdoor-Zimmer eigenen sich allerdings auch Waremas Lamaxa Lamellendächer wunderbar. Egal ob mitten im Garten oder direkt an die Architektur des Hauses angeschlossen: die eleganten Lamellendächer bieten effizienten Sonnen-, Regen- und Sichtschutz. Dank der komfortablen Funk-Steuerung der Lamellen, lässt sich die Intensität des Lichteinfalls nach Wunsch regulieren. Je nach Modell können die Lamellen sogar nahezu komplett ein- und ausgefahren werden. LED-Beleuchtung, Heizstrahler und Seitenmarkisen machen die Lamellendächer fast saisonunabhängig und können per App bedient werden. Ob Markise oder Lamellendach, die Produkte von Warema erlauben es uns mehr Zeit an der frischen Luft zu verbringen und zwar auch dann noch, wenn es etwas kühler wird. Als Sonnenlichtmanager hat Warema es sich zum Ziel gesetzt, die Lebensqualität der Menschen zu erhöhen – und das ist tatsächlich gelungen. www.warema.de

Warema Perea.

Warema Lamaxa.

Warema Terrea.

Warema Perea.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  23

A Wenger commemorative edition of the Model 1890, which was limited to 1893 copies.

Swiss steel The Swiss Army Knife, that pocket-toolbox, is a global icon, representative of Swiss ingenuity, design and craftsmanship. ‘The Little Red Knife’, of which there are hundreds of designs and millions made and in use, has been on epic journeys to the North Pole, the Amazon, the top of Mount Everest and even into space. TEXT: ERIC BRYAN   I  PHOTOS: PHOTOPRESS VICTORINOX

Swiss Army Knives have played roles in a seemingly endless variety of adventures, from rescues and other emergencies to repairing broken-down vehicles in remote tracts of desert or tundra. Karl Elsener Karl Elsener founded a cutlery workshop in Ibach in 1884 and began producing goods for local consumption. Elsener consulted with the military in 1890 about designing a rugged, compact implement which would fulfil several functions required by 24  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

soldiers in the field. Within a year, Elsener presented the prototype of the Schweizer Offiziersmesser (Swiss Officer’s Knife). Besides a blade and screwdriver, this experimental model had a can-opener and a reamer. The scales (handles) were made of oak (subsequently changed to a fibre material). Elsener exceeded the military’s expectations, and in 1891 he began provisioning the army with the knife, known as the Model 1890. The initial batch was manufactured by Wester & Co

in Solingen, Germany, but Elsener persevered in labouring to build Swiss production power to rival Germany’s. Elsener improved the Model 1890 and developed a two-spring design which allowed the fitting of tools to both sides of the knife. The new knife had six tools, but was also lighter than the previous model. Elsener registered his creation, the Officer’s and Sports Knife, on 12 June 1897. Though the Swiss Army didn’t contract to acquire the 1897 model, Elsener’s design was so well made, that soldiers simply bought the knives themselves. Elsener’s mother, Victoria, had been supportive of her son’s aspirations, and when she died in 1909, he adopted the brand

Discover Germany  |  Design Feature  |  Swiss Steel

name ‘Victoria’ for his knives. At this time, Elsener also registered the emblem of a Swiss Cross on a shield, as a trademark. Theo Wenger Wenger has its origins with the Paul Boéchat & Cie Cutlery Works, established in 1893 at Courtetelle in the Delémont Valley. As they had with Elsener, the Swiss government contracted with Boéchat to manufacture knives for the army. A business group from Delémont took over the company in 1895, renamed it Fabrique Suisse de Coutellerie SA, and built a new plant in Courtetelle. In 1897 or 1898, the struggling business brought Theo Wenger onboard as a fixer and general manager, a move which retrieved the Courtetelle factory from closure. Fabrique Suisse de Coutellerie then purchased A. Mertens, Schweizer Britanniametallwarenfabrik, a metalgoods maker in Basel.

The premises of the 1884 Elsener cutlery workshop, Ibach.

Wenger’s next step was the construction of a factory in Delémont. The project was approved in 1899, and in 1900, the new works were established. The firm moved its production facilities to Delémont, and before the end of the year, the new factory was up and running.

Competition and contract Elsener and Wenger were now in opposition, both supplying knives to the Swiss Army. In the spirit of Swiss impartiality and neutrality, the government formed a plan which would be fair to each maker, and beneficial to the economies of the Schwyz and Jura cantons: in 1908, the government split the Swiss Army Knife contract down the middle between Wenger and Victorinox.

By 1902, the company, now called Fabrique Suisse de Coutellerie et Services (Schweizer Besteck-Fabrik) S.A, had more than 150 employees. In 1907, Wenger bought the business. This created the limited partnership Wenger et Cie.

Karl Elsener died in 1918, and his son Carl took over. In 1921, Elsener began producing the first stainless steel knives. He adopted the brand name Victorinox through a combination derived from ‘Victoria’ and ‘inox’, the latter an abbrevi-

Left: Victorinox’s Swiss Champ displaying its dizzying array of tools. Right: Elsener’s 1897 Officer’s and Sports Knife, the first model to have tools on both sides of the knife.

ation for the term acier inoxydable (stainless steel). Evolving almost in parallel, in 1922, Wenger established Wenger Co. S.A. Though Theo Wenger fell ill in 1925 and passed away in 1928, the company forged ahead. Through the years Wenger and Victorinox continued in competition throughout the 20th century. As Victorinox was first, they assumed the slogan ‘The Original Swiss Army Knife’. However, Wenger’s knives were also authentic, so they took on the motto ‘The Genuine Swiss Army Knife’. In 2005, Wenger became a subsidiary of Victorinox, and in 2013, Wenger knives merged with Victorinox knives. While the Wenger factory in Delémont continued production and some items were carried over into the Victorinox line, all Swiss Army knives are now made under the Victorinox name. Wenger continues to produce watches and other products under the Wenger brand. Victorinox is headed by Karl Elsener’s great-grandson, Carl Elsener Jr. Beloved the world over for its durability, quality and endless usefulness, the Swiss Army Knife’s design is officially recognised by both the Munich State Museum of Applied Art and the New York Museum of Modern Art. Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  25

26  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Discover Germany | Star Feature  |  Tanja Mairhofer

Tanja Mairhofer

“It’s about letting go” Tanja Mairhofer can do many things. Since 2007, she has presented the popular Sendung mit dem Elefanten on KiKa and WDR, while being part of numerous film and TV productions, such as Matula and Hubert und Staller, as an actress. In 2017, she also made her author’s debut with Schluss mit Muss. The multi-talent speaks to Discover Germany about her latest children’s book and more. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF   I  PHOTO: MATHIAS VIETMEIER

After being born in South Africa, Tanja Mairhofer grew up in France and Austria and found her current home in Munich with her family. “Home is where my family is and this is Munich. Here, I live with my husband and our children. But it was Austria for a long time because my parents are Austrians, I grew up there and I lived in Vienna for a while too,” explains Mairhofer, and adds: “Munich is my chosen home because I simply love the Bavarian cosiness. The clocks are ticking somewhat differently here, so that Munich, despite being a big city, feels quite homely with its many oases of relaxation like the English Garden and the city’s proximity to numerous mountains and lakes. People still uphold traditions here and you can still come across the good old Munich in some places, such as at the ‘Kocherlball’ at the Chinese tower.”

“It was a coincidence, really” At the beginning of her career, Mairhofer worked as a presenter at the music channels MTV and VIVA, before approaching acting projects. She recalls: “It was a coincidence, really. I actually wanted to become a journalist and worked in MTV’s editorial team, so behind the camera. At some point, somebody asked me if I could also imagine working as a presenter in front of the camera. And it worked out well.” Since then, a lot has happened. Mairhofer pursued acting and has been part of many TV productions and films, like the popular Matula series. At the moment, she primarily presents children’s shows, such as Sendung mit dem Elefanten on KiKa and WDR. “It’s so much fun to entertain children and the beautiful thing about Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  27

Discover Germany  |  Star Feature  |  Tanja Mairhofer

presenting is that it’s authentic. You don’t slip into any role and simply are who you are in front of the camera,” Mairhofer smiles. The importance of idleness For a few years now, Mairhofer has also started to write and publish books alongside her screen career. “I actually write almost every day because writing is like meditation for me. Through it, I become an observer of my thoughts and most of my texts that I write aren’t actually supposed to be seen by the public,” she smiles. One of her writings that most definitely was supposed to be published and read by the public, however, is the book Schluss mit Muss, which loosely translates to ‘Stop the Must’. The book deals with an important topic: healthy idleness in a world where you seem to have to constantly better yourself. Mairhofer explains: “Often, we run after some goals that don’t really bring our lives any further when we finally achieve them. That’s why I question quite a lot and Schluss mit Muss is about that, amongst other topics. To make decisions easier in life, I suggest asking yourself the following five questions: Do I actually want it? Does it bring me further, humanly or mentally? Do I have enough idleness for it? Does it benefit me in any way? Does it increase my well-being?”And if something doesn’t quite work out for us? “Humour,” she exclaims. “Humour really helps a lot. With a bit of distance, you can laugh about a lot. The beautiful thing about failing is that you often notice how good it is to let things go, while the world nevertheless keeps turning.” Trust and letting go Mairhofer’s latest book publication is MAXI ist doch kein Angsthörnchen, which was published on 10 September – a beautifully illustrated children’s book that seeks to strengthen the confidence of children, while encouraging parents to give more freedom to their kids.“The idea for this story came to me because I’m overly careful as a mother. Over the years, my daughter Romy has shown me that she can master a lot of things on her own and that I can indeed relax a bit. That’s what the book is about,” explains Mairhofer. 28  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Big and small readers can look forward to a cute, and at the same time, exciting animal story with the dearest of characters and beautiful illustrations by Matthias Derenbach. The book deals with a rather contemporary topic: how to overcome fear and to strengthen self-confidence. Mairhofer adds: “After all, it’s about letting go and trusting – trusting yourself and also your child’s abilities. Additionally, there are some topics in the book that I feel strongly about. For example, I grew up in a generation where women had to be nice and friendly at all times and I simply thought it was necessary to say that it’s fine to speak up, like the hedgehog in the book does. Or that it’s super courageous to ask for help if need be, so that we can grow and learn from each other.”

After having achieved so much already, what else is planned? Mairhofer answers: “I’m currently writing a fourth book, a yoga book for children which will be published in the spring of 2020. And, of course, I will continue presenting Die Sendung mit dem Elefanten on WDR.”“Besides all of this, I have planned to be calmer, but apart from that, I’m really content and thankful for what I have. A long-term project is to travel when the children are a bit older – travelling to really remote places. Until then, we will carefully examine every corner of Europe.” MAXI ist doch kein Angsthörnchen, published by EDEL KIDS BOOKS, is out now.

Discover Germany  |  Wine & Dine  |  Selected Delicacies

Patrick Marxer.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE  I  PHOTOS: DASPURE AG

Organic delicacies from Switzerland

Ökologische Delikatessen aus der Schweiz

Food refiner DasPure (the pure) lives up to its name. Founder Patrick Marxer proves that you can show ecological and social responsibility without sacrificing fine taste. From smoked fish to unique sausage specialities and Swiss miso – this range has everything.

Lebensmittelveredler DasPure macht seinem Namen alle Ehre. Gründer Patrick Marxer beweist, dass man ökologische und soziale Verantwortung zeigen kann, ohne dabei auf feinen Geschmack verzichten zu müssen. Von geräuchertem Fisch, über einzigartige Wurstspezialitäten und Swiss Miso ist alles dabei.

Eight years ago, Patrick Marxer had no idea that he would soon run an extremely successful delicatessen business. Aside from his passion for new aromas, he wanted to contribute to sustainability. “The modern life of excess and arrogance doesn’t work for me,” Marxer says.

Vor acht Jahren ahnte Patrick Marxer nicht, dass er einmal ins Delikatessengeschäft einsteigen würde – und das sehr erfolgreich. Neben der Leidenschaft für neue Aromen wollte er einen Beitrag zur Nachhaltigkeit leisten. „Wir leben in einem Überschuss und in einer Arroganz, die für mich nicht stimmt“, so Marxer.

Animal welfare and processing aged animals like dairy cows or sows are part of his concept. “Particularly with regard to the farmers, we try to pay good prices for animals, which have lost value in our society,” he adds. The meat is refined using traditional methods, resulting in unique flavours.

Artgerechte Tierhaltung und die Verwertung alter Tiere, wie Milchkühe oder Mutterschweine, sind Teil des Konzepts. „Wir versuchen, vor allem im Hinblick auf die Bauern, einen guten Preis für Tiere zu zahlen, die in unserer Kultur leider keinen großen Wert mehr haben“, fügt er hinzu. Nach traditioneller Art wird dann veredelt und das Resultat ist ein ganz besonderer Geschmack.

DasPure is an expert on all smoked fish varieties. From Swiss salmon from Lostalo, local farmed and wild fish to wild salmon from Alaska and Irish organic farmed salmon – it’s a gourmet’s dream, especially for the Christmas season.

DasPure ist eine Top-Adresse für alle Rauchfischarten: sei es Swiss Lachs aus Lostalo, einheimischer Zucht- und Wild Fisch oder auch Wildlachs aus Alaska und Irischer Bio-Zuchtlachs - besonders zur Weihnachtszeit ein Gourmet-Traum.

The sheep sausage or the pork bratwurst with green curry aroma are also not to be missed, or maybe you would prefer pumpkin miso?

Auch die Schafswurst, oder die Schweinsbratwurst mit grünem CurryGeschmack muss man probieren. Oder doch lieber Kürbiskern-Miso? Am besten einfach online stöbern oder in Wetzikon vorbeischauen.

Check out the online shop or visit DasPure in Wetzikon. www.daspure.ch 30  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine  |  Discover Germany’s Culinary Highlights

Schwäbische Sterneküche im Traditionsbetrieb Gourmet-Küche mit authentisch-schwäbischen Wurzeln kennzeichnen ‚ursprung – das Restaurant‘ in Zang auf der Ostalb. Dafür haben Anna und Andreas Widmann ihren ersten Michelin-Stern erhalten und tragen so den familiengeführten Traditionsbetrieb in die nächste Generation. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN  I  FOTOS: URSPRUNG – DAS RESTAURANT

Das ‚ursprung‘ ist ein besonderer Ort, der schwäbische Naturküche mit Tiroler Gastlichkeit verbindet: Chef Andreas Widmann entstammt einer Familie von Gastronomen, die in Zang neben dem Restaurant ‚ursprung‘ auch das Gasthaus Löwen betreibt – und das bereits in der achten Generation. Anna Widmann stammt aus Österreich. „Bei uns entsteht vieles aus diesen beiden Traditionen, ist aber zugleich up-todate“, sagt Küchenchef Andreas Widmann. „Uns geht es nicht allein um die Gourmetküche, sondern um ein Gesamterlebnis hier vor Ort.“ Die Ostalb mit all ihren Facetten erlebbar zu machen, steht für Andreas Widmann im Mittelpunkt. Dazu gehören neben dem Restaurant auch die

Übernachtung im familiengeführten Hotel und den luxuriösen Chalets. Erst 2017 gegründet, ist das ‚ursprung‘ eine echte Erfolgsgeschichte. So erhielt das Restaurant nicht nur jüngst den ersten Stern, Andreas Widmann wurde zudem in die Gourmet-Liga der ‚Jeune Restaurateurs‘ aufgenommen. „Wir glauben, dass wir gerade hier bei uns – mitten auf der Schwäbischen Alb – unserer gastronomischen Kreativität freien Lauf lassen können“, sagt Andreas Widmann. Der Name ‚ursprung‘ ist Programm: Bereits beim Bau kamen ursprüngliche Baustoffe und traditionelle Handwerkskunst zum Einsatz. Heute stehen schwäbische Gourmet- Kochkunst und lokale Produk-

te im Fokus. An fünf Abenden wird ein Acht-Gänge-Menü serviert, das auf fünf verkürzt werden kann und eine eigenständige schwäbische Terroirküche präsentiert. Der Service unter der Leitung von Anna Widmann umsorgt mit natürlicher Herzlichkeit und spannenden Weinen.

www.loewen-zang.de

Widmann’s Alb liegt in der idyllischen Ostalb und lädt zum Wohlfühlen und Erholen ein – im Hotel, im Restaurant oder den Tagungsräumen.

Anna und Andreas Widmann in ihrem 2017 eröffneten ‚ursprung - das Restaurant‘, das nach kürzester Zeit mit einem Michelin-Stern ausgezeichnet wurde.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  31

Cannstatter Wasen, Stuttgart. Photo: © Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH, Jean-Claude Winkler

Top ten beer festivals that rival Munich’s Oktoberfest From Saturday 21 September to 6 October this year, Munich will hold its worldrenowned Oktoberfest once again. More than six million visitors from all over the world will flock to the city’s Theresienwiese area to eat wurst, enjoy some fun rides and to celebrate German beer – and plenty of it, at that! But did you know that there are plenty of other beer festivals and Oktoberfest alternatives all over the DACH region to consider?

While Munich’s Oktoberfest is undoubtedly the best-known one, others around the territories impress just as much. Discover Germany takes a look at the DACH region’s top ten beer festivals that can rival Munich’s huge Oktoberfest.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

1) Straubing’s Gäubodenvolkfest

When millions of people indulge in German beer tradition and put their finest ‘trachten’ (lederhosen for the men and dirndls for the women) on, it’s undoubtedly Oktoberfest time: during which days and nights are spent eating pretzels, washing them down with booze, and dancing in giant festival tents. However, while Oktoberfest is a huge 32  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

spectacle not to be missed, even if just once in your lifetime, the sheer numbers of visitors and waiting times might be a turn-off for some people. That doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy some proper Oktoberfest time, though, as there are plenty of other beer festivals all across the DACH region well worth considering.

If you want to head to Bavaria, due to the theory that Bavarians just simply do beer festivals better, but think that the Oktoberfest might be a bit too crowded for you, why not head to the state’s second-largest folk festival, instead? It’s slightly less crowded and is held in summer – therefore guaranteeing warm temperatures and good weather. We are talking about the ‘Gäubodenvolksfest’ in

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine Feature  |  Top Ten Beer Festivals That Rival Munich’s Oktoberfest

Straubing, which is an 11-day celebration held in the middle of August. 2) Cannstatter Wasen, Stuttgart From 27 September to 13 October, around four million visitors will flock to Stuttgart, the capital of Germany’s BadenWürttemberg state. Here, the ‘Cannstatter Wasen’, sometimes also called the ‘Cannstatter Volksfest’, will be held. It is an annual three-week festival that is steeped in tradition and is sometimes referred to as the Stuttgart Beer Festival, as the atmosphere here comes really close to Munich’s Oktoberfest vibe. For almost 200 years, this festival has enjoyed enormous popularity, due to its special atmosphere with an exciting funfair, beautiful festival tents, a colourful flea market and many other great attractions. Fun fact: the ‘Cannstatter Wasen’ isn’t only one of Baden-Württemberg’s biggest festivals, but also one of Europe’s biggest funfairs.

Munich Oktoberfest. Photo: © München Tourismus, Tommy Loesch

3) Freimarkt, Bremen In northern Germany, in Bremen to be precise, the ‘Freimarkt’ is another event not to be missed. Held from 18 October to 3 November this year, the event is one of the country’s oldest funfairs and is known for its great atmosphere. Some highlights are the big Ferris wheel, the exciting roller coasters and the multifaceted culinary delights, such as fried dough, spicy liquorice and smoked eel. And don’t forget to taste the local beer, of course. With around four million visitors annually, it is slightly smaller than its Bavarian cousin, and the queues are slightly shorter too – we think it’s a great Oktoberfest alternative to consider. 4) Kulmbach Beer Week Good food, good company, good atmosphere – it is therefore with good reason that the Kulmbach Beer Week attracts around 120,000 visitors every year. Held in Bavaria’s Kulmbach, the Kulmbach Beer Week is a smaller alternative to Oktoberfest and thus attracts crowds that are searching for a slightly quieter atmosphere. It was held from 27 July to 4 August this year, and attracted beer lovers from near and far. Besides hearty Franconian cuisine and local bands, four different breweries offer their festival beers

Munich Oktoberfest. Photo: © München Tourismus, Tommy Loesch

which have been brewed specially for Beer Week. Definitely a beer lover’s dream! 5) Bergkirchweih, Erlangen If you are looking for a somewhat quieter event but with a nevertheless unmissable atmosphere, the ‘Bergkirchweih’ in Germany’s Erlangen might be your best

bet. In 2020, from 28 May to 8 June, visitors can look forward to a tradition-steeped event of the very special kind. Held under old, impressive chestnut trees that are adorned with lanterns, the event has a rather unique charm that attracts young and old alike. Enjoy a cold beer and regional, as well as international, delicacies, Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  33

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine Feature  |  Top Ten Beer Festivals That Rival Munich’s Oktoberfest

right under the trees, before going on some fun rides. 6) International Berlin Beer Festival

Munich Oktoberfest. Photo: © München Tourismus, Frank Bauer

Munich Oktoberfest. Photo: © München Tourismus, Tommy Loesch

Of course, the trendy capital of Berlin has its own Oktoberfest alternative too! While other German beer festivals tend to be more traditional, showcasing local brews, the Berlin alternative focuses on both local and international beers too, which makes for a really fun event. From 2 to 4 August this year, all varieties and brands of beer were served at a mile-long festival in the hip Friedrichshain district. The event celebrates beer like no other, as around 350 breweries from almost 90 countries serve approximately 2,400 different beer specialities. Various stages along the street offer live music, shows and fun entertainment programmes. And, of course, culinary delights from near and far round off the beer mile’s offering. 7) Altausseer Kirtag Germany’s smaller neighbour of Austria also has plenty of Oktoberfest alternatives on offer. One example is the Altausseer Kirtag festival in Bad Aussee, in the Austrian state of Styria, which is held from 31 August to 2 September this year. This cultural highlight still follows general rules that were implemented back in 1961 and, therefore, a sense of tradition can especially be felt here. The reasons why so many people flock here? Free entry, 120 exciting stands, a funfair, no loudspeaker music, solid-quality products on offer, cheap prices and, last but not least, the best traditional grilled chicken far and wide! 8) Vienna Oktoberfest Of course, Austria’s capital of Vienna also plans its own Oktoberfest – just like almost any bigger city in Europe and the world. Also called the ‘Wiener Wiesn Fest’ the event is held from 26 September to 13 October this year and will attract locals and tourists alike. Look forward to Austrian beer, local food, stars of the folk music scene, as well as traditional outfits and an overall great atmosphere. 9) Züri Wiesn

Munich Oktoberfest. Photo: © München Tourismus, Tommy Loesch

34  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

If you happen to be in Switzerland, however, don’t despair about potentially missing out! Not surprisingly, Switzerland has

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine Feature  |  Top Ten Beer Festivals That Rival Munich’s Oktoberfest

Merry-go-round at Munich‘s Oktoberfest. Photo: © Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus e.V., Saskia Wehler

many Oktoberfest alternatives. We suggest heading to Zurich for an especially authentic one – the ‘Züri Wiesn’. Held from 18 September to 12 October, it is a classical beer festival with huge beers, authentic outfits, loud music and dancing on tables. Make sure to book a table in the beer tents, however, so as not to be disappointed upon arrival, as the event is fully booked quickly. 10) German-Swiss Oktoberfest, Lake Constance If you are looking for an Oktoberfest alternative that is traditional, a bit quieter and offers breathtaking views of the natural surroundings, we suggest choosing the German-Swiss Oktoberfest on beautiful Lake Constance (20 September to 6 October). Featuring only two beer tents, it impresses via its relaxed atmosphere, while still offering all the Oktoberfest essentials, such as sweet and savoury treats, plenty of fairground rides and tasty beers. Special events are the children’s Oktoberfest, the ladies-only area, the international brass band competition, the traditional festival parade, daily live acts and the golf tournament. Interesting combination, right?

Munich Oktoberfest. Photo: © München Tourismus, Tommy Loesch

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  35

36  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Discover Germany | Star Interview  |  Andrea Paluch

Andrea Paluch

“The wolf is an enrichment” Born 1970 in Hannover, author Andrea Paluch is known for her numerous novels and successful children’s books. She speaks to Discover Germany about the importance of the wolf in Germany, her latest book Ruf der Wölfe, which she wrote with her husband - Robert Habeck, and much more. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF  I  PHOTO: PRIVAT

You live with your children and your husband, Green Party politician Robert Habeck, in Flensburg and Berlin. What do you love about these cities?

You have worked with your husband again for the exciting new children’s book Ruf der Wölfe. How did you think of the idea for the book?

A. Paluch: I love Flensburg’s border location with Denmark and the water. It’s a virtual paradisiac place in summer. Berlin, on the other hand, is full of culture and input, so that I’m always on the go and feeling astonished. Back in Flensburg, I then can relax and enjoy the peace again.

A. Paluch: When the iron curtain fell and the theoretic possibility emerged that wolves from the east would soon migrate to Germany, we thought about what would happen. How does society react on the return of untamed nature into civilization? The book developed from these thoughts.

You studied literature, linguistics and English language, and write great books today. What do you love most about writing? Why could you never live without it?

Why is it so important to convey this topic to children?

A. Paluch: I could never live without it because it’s simply so much fun. Writing is something that I can do better than everything else and to constantly develop oneself is very satisfying. You have written books together with your husband before he went into politics. How is it to write books on your own today? What has changed since back then? A. Paluch: Writing on your own is lonely, as you’re silent. I don’t discuss and review the texts anymore in a team as I did in the past, and rather think about them now. The quality of reading out loud obviously suffers from that. I have to start speaking the texts out loud again – even if it’s strange on your own.

A. Paluch: As the return of wolves has recently been called a ‘wolf problem’ and the topic is so omnipresent in the media, we believe that it’s important for children to be able to form an opinion on this. For this, our story offers a free space for fantasy, and the factual part at the end offers information.

der to protect herd animals, one should use the practice of our ancestors and use guard dogs. What do you wish for Germany and the world? A. Paluch: I wish that the exploitation of human, animal and nature stops. Do you have tips for young aspiring writers? A. Paluch: You learn writing through practice and training – just like in sports or playing instruments. You simply have to do it and let yourself be criticised. What else do you have planned for this year? Do you have any other news for us? A. Paluch: I am currently working on three different book projects, which will hopefully get published next year.

How important is the wolf to Germany? A. Paluch: The wolf is a provocation for the clearly structured, modern life which has to be as predictable as possible. For the ecological system, the wolf is an enrichment. Today, people understand that the eradication or extinction of species is disarranging dynamics amidst these systems and therefore jeopardises our livelihoods. How should people deal with wolves in your opinion? A. Paluch: Not at all, preferably. Wolves are shy and tend to avoid humans. In or-

Ruf der Wölfe (EDEL KIDS BOOKS) – out now.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  37

Discover Germany  |  Culture  |  Museum of the Month

The Salon Bleu.

The Museum of Music Automatons.

The Britannic’s organ.

M USE UM OF TH E MONTH TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF  I  PHOTOS: MUSEUM FÜR MUSIKAUTOMATEN

An extraordinary showcase of music history – in the most melodic of museums

Musikgeschichte außergewöhnlich inszeniert – im klingenden Museum

Nowadays, we are used to streaming music online, but how did people in the 19th century listen to music? The Museum of Music Automatons in Switzerland’s Seewen in the Canton of Solothurn takes you on a journey through music’s beautifully sounding history.

Heute sind wir an das Streamen von Musik im Internet gewöhnt. Aber wie haben Leute im 19. Jahrhundert Musik gehört? Das schweizerische Museum für Musikautomaten in Seewen SO nimmt Besucher mit auf eine Reise durch die Musikgeschichte.

The museum’s founder, Heinrich Weiss, had developed a fascination for music automatons and gathered up a large collection, which he opened to the public by 1979. In 1990, the founder gifted his museum to the Swiss Confederation – thus turning it into a state institution. Today, the museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of Swiss cylinder and disc music boxes, clocks and jewellery containing musical mechanisms and other mechanical music automatons from the past three centuries.

Der Museumsgründer, Dr. h.c. Heinrich Weiss, machte sein Museum mit der großartigen Sammlung von Musikautomaten 1979 der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich und schenkte es 1990 der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft - seither ist es eine staatliche Institution. Das klingende Museum beherbergt eine der weltweit größten Sammlungen von Schweizer Musikdosen und Plattenspieldosen und eine vielfältige Auswahl an Musikautomaten aus den vergangenen drei Jahrhunderten.

A guided one-hour tour (Thursday to Sunday, 12.20, 2 and 4 pm) will introduce you to a multitude of fascinating music automatons, which combine precision mechanics with melodies from yesteryear. They all play live for their audience. Families and schools can combine this tour with the popular interactive ‘Zauberklang’ (magical sound) tour. Visitors will come face-toface with the mighty Britannic organ from the sister ship of the RMS Titanic and discover the story behind this extraordinary, self-playing instrument on a 20-minute guided tour. You can round off your visit to the melodic museum by paying a visit to the museum shop full of intricacies, and its restaurant. 38  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Auf dem geführten Rundgang von 60 Minuten (Dienstag - Sonntag, 12.20, 14, 16 Uhr) entdecken Sie die Welt der Musikautomaten, verblüffende technische Details und viele nostalgische Melodien – live gespielt. Für Familien und Schulklassen gibt es damit verbunden den beliebten interaktiven Zauberklang-Rundgang. Auf einer Kurzführung von 20 Minuten lernen Sie ein weiteres Highlight kennen: die mächtige selbstspielende Britannic-Orgel vom Schwesterschiff der Titanic und ihre erstaunliche Geschichte. Ein Abstecher in den Museumsshop und ins Restaurant runden den klingenden Museumsbesuch ab. www.musikautomaten.ch

Discover Germany  |  Culture  |  Exhibition of the Month

Herbert W. Franke, acclaimed pioneer of algorithmic art, at the vernissage of Automat & Mensch with several of his works from 1953/54, which he created on a self-built analogue computer system.

Herbert W. Franke (right) and Wilfried Maret (left), curator of the exhibition Algorithmic Art 2000+ in Zug, with a collection of Franke’s latest computer art.

A work from the series Math Art (1979-85).

E X HIBITIO N OF THE MON TH

New forms of artistic expression Art is not always about the production of static objects: sometimes, art is also about dynamics that render a design alterable. TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: SPACE PRESS

“As an artist, I always try to build a tangible bridge between art and science. Amongst other things, I focus on the construction of dynamic designs that enable observers to become a productive part in the creation of art – and thus become artists themselves,” says Herbert W. Franke, internationally acclaimed pioneer and visionary of algorithmic art. Franke, the grand seigneur of computer art and holder of many prestigious awards, looks back on an impressively vast oeuvre. He works as a publicist, is co-founder of the trendsetting Ars Electronica, and one of Germany’s most renowned authors of after-war science fiction. Foremost, however, Franke, whose name and physical-theoretical 40  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

works are closely linked to speleological research such as the dating of dripstones, is a highly respected and renowned pioneer of computer-generated art – a passion that has accompanied him for the biggest part of his life: ”When, as a child, I was given a camera, I was fascinated by the many possibilities it offered. At first, I used it to remember things, and later to record beautiful things. During my physics studies, I became aware of the beauty of physical structures – an awareness that initiated my further engagement with art. In the 1950s, I started aesthetic experiments with cameras and x-ray machines. Further experiments inspired me to initiate the design of an analogue computer which was able to calculate graphic elements.”

The rest is history. His first computergenerated graphics followed in 1967 and, since then, Franke has designed a cornucopia of digital works – amongst them, dynamic as well as interactive programmes. The ongoing significance of Franke’s art becomes visible in the number of exhibitions that have put his works on display. Up until June 2019, Algorithmic Art 2000+ in Zug invited its visitors to an artistic journey through Franke’s fantastic imagery. And up until 15 October 2019, you may find Franke’s groundbreaking designs at the exhibition Automat & Mensch, in the Kate Vass Gallery in Zurich – an exhibition that juxtaposes Franke’s works, such as oscillograms from 1953/54 and contemporary generative art, and thus contextualises Franke’s oeuvre and the historical development and broader spectrum of generative art. www.art-meets-science.info

S P E C I A L T H E M E : E V E N T S & L O C AT I O N S

Celebrating events of the special kind Looking for a unique location for your next event? Look no further! We have chosen some of the DACH region’s top event locations in the following special theme. Find out what makes them so wonderful, what exactly they offer and much more. PHOTOS: PIXABAY

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  41

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Event Location of the Month

Tagungsraum – Oberlichtsaal.

Weinverkauf Weingut Wasem.

Innenhof. Foto: © Rüdiger Moosler

E V E NT L O CATI ON OF THE MONTH

Professionell tagen in historischem Ambiente Historische Räume kombiniert mit moderner Architektur, Tagungstechnik, erstklassiger Gastronomie und der Weintradition der Rotweinstadt Ingelheim schaffen das ideale Ambiente für Board Meetings, Firmentagungen oder private Feiern: Das Kloster Engelthal unter Leitung der Winzer-Familie Wasem bietet einen Rundumservice für alle Gelegenheiten und unterschiedliche Branchen. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN

Das Konferenzzentrum im Kloster Engelthal ist vielseitig und eignet sich für Tagungen von zwei bis 120 Personen, oder für Feiern von bis zu 600 Personen. Moderne Veranstaltungstechnik wie Beamer, Leinwand, Flipchat, Metaplantafel oder Telefonkonferenz-Tools gehen hier eine Verbindung ein mit dem Charme und dem Ambiente des historischen Gebäudes. „Wir bieten modernes Tagen in historischen Gemäuern“, sagt der Geschäftsführer Gerhard Wasem. „Das besondere, historische Ambiente sorgt dafür, dass Teilnehmer sich nicht wie auf der Arbeit fühlen, nicht wie im Büro.“ Und das schafft eine Arbeitsatmosphäre, die Gäste zu schätzen wissen. „Wir haben zudem eine eigene Küche im Haus, die sieben Tage die Woche geöffnet ist“, sagt Gerhard Wasem, so dass 42  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

das Kloster nicht nur Räumlichkeiten und Technik bietet, sondern zusätzlich erstklassiges Catering – von den Kaffeepausen bis zum Mittagessen. Abendessen ist im Konferenzzentrum oder im angrenzenden Restaurant möglich, das die Familie Wasem ebenso betreibt, wie ein Hotel mit 51 Zimmern. Gäste sind hier also rundum versorgt. Das erstmalig 1290 erwähnte Kloster Engelthal gehört zum Weingut Wasem, das die Familie seit 1912 am heutigen Standort in Ingelheim führt. Die Weinbautradition der Familie geht allerdings sehr viel weiter zurück und ist erstmals für das Jahr 1726 nachgewiesen. Ingelheim gilt heute als die Rotweinstadt schlechthin. Bereits im frühen ersten Jahrtausend wurde hier Wein angebaut und so wundert es kaum, dass auch im Kloster der

Wein im Mittelpunkt steht: Weinwanderungen oder eine Weinprobe sind ideal als Teambildungsmaßnahme, oder um den Tag ganz entspannt ausklingen zu lassen. Gerade einmal 30 bis 45 Minuten vom Frankfurter Flughafen entfernt, liegt das Kloster Engelthal in unmittelbare Nähe der Rheinmetropole – und dennoch im Grünen und in ruhiger Lage, so dass Gäste bei Board Meetings oder Tagungen ganz ungestört arbeiten können. Als Weingegend und mit Ingelheim vor der Haustür „wird es hier aber nie langweilig“, sagt Gerhard Wasem. Er und sein Team unterstützen nicht nur bei der Organisation der Tagung oder Konferenz, sondern helfen auch, ein besonderes Rahmenprogramm zusammenzustellen. www.wasem.de Familie Wasem.

Discover Germany | Special Theme  |  Events & Locations

A restful sleep where the stars celebrated Once a party hotspot where celebrities danced through the night, the Nürnberger Straße 50-55, centrally located between Kurfürstendamm, Zoo and the famous KaDeWe, now houses the elegant Ellington Hotel. The design hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, fine dining and many original architectural features. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN

During the 1920s and early 1930s, Berlin was in the grip of the jazz age, and where now the Ellington Hotel welcomes its guests, the ‘Femina’ ballroom, with table telephones and tube mail, attracted flappers and partygoers. The ballroom later became the ‘Badewanne’, Berlin’s most fashionable jazz club. In the 1970s, international stars like David Bowie, Iggy Pop or Barbara Streisand would party all night in the discotheque, then called ‘Dschungel’. Today, the nights are quieter: the 285 light rooms and suites provide modern comfort for business visitors as well as holidaymakers and city explorers. As a special design feature, the en-suite bathrooms are integrated into the living space.

The two tower suites offer unique views over the famous Kurfürstendamm and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The hotel was lovingly refurbished, but nonetheless, so much about it is still reminiscent of its glamorous history. Many Hotel facade. Photo: © Amin Akhtar

original features have been retained in the interior: for example, the foyer with its high glass doors or the magnificent stone staircase. Ellington Hotel offers its guests a one of a kind combination of vintage and modern design elements, as well as a fantastic culinary experience – either in the sleek buffet restaurant or the Restaurant DUKE, where the head chef reinvents French haute cuisine with exciting new flavours. www.ellington-hotel.com Tower suite. Photo: © Andreas Rehkopp

Events in perfekter Kulisse Der Erfolg von Kongressen, Messen oder Workshops steht und fällt nicht nur mit den Organisatoren, sondern auch mit der passenden Location. Die IKuM - Ingelheimer Kultur und Marketing GmbH hat sich auf die Themen Kultur, Kongress, Event, Tourismus und Stadtmarketing spezialisiert. Herzstück hierbei ist die kING Kultur- und Kongresshalle Ingelheim, die, je nach Art der Veranstaltung, zwischen 60 bis 900 Zuschauern Platz bietet. In Ingelheim gelegen und von Frankfurt am Main schnell erreichbar, ist die kING die perfekte Kulisse sowohl für kulturelle Ereignisse wie klassische Kon-

Foto: © Rainer Oppenheimer

zerte oder Theateraufführungen als auch für Tagungen, Kongresse oder Workshops. Die kING verfügt über eine einzigartige Akustik und eine hervorragende Medientechnik. Das moderne Schwenkparkett ermöglicht eine flexible Bestuhlung - den Möglichkeiten der Veranstalter sind nahezu keine Grenzen gesetzt. „Auf Wunsch“, so betont Geschäftsführer Michael Sinn, „agiert unser Team auch als In-House Agentur und kümmert sich um Abspra-

Foto: © Heike Rost

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE

chen mit Caterern usw. oder organisiert attraktive Rahmenprogramme, wie beispielsweise Weinproben.” Was die kING kann, hat sie u.a. schon bei der BKA Herbsttagung unter Beweis gestellt. Am 3. Dezember beherbergt die kING bereits zum zweiten Mal die ‚TechXperience‘, eine Branchenveranstaltung über die neuesten Trends in der Veranstaltungstechnik. „Wir freuen uns auf dieses spannende Event, bei dem wir unsere wandelbare Seite zeigen werden“, so Sinn. www.king-ingelheim.de

Foto: © Heike Rost

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  43

Joseph Beuys, The Couple, 1952 - 1953, plaster, wax, wood, 77 x 60 x 20.5 cm, Installed in vitrine: 164 x 160 x 72 cm, courtesy BASTIAN, © Joseph Beuys Estate    

Joseph Beuys: Important Sculptures from the 1950s – in London For the very first time, five unique early sculptures, made by Joseph Beuys in the 1950s, are being exhibited in the UK. From 20 September to 16 November, BASTIAN is pleased to present the sculptures together with various documentary photographs. The newly established London gallery branch of the Berlin-based headquarters is thus giving a rare insight into the early works of one of the most influential artists of the second half of the 20th century. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Last February, Berlin-based gallery BASTIAN opened its first international branch in London, and since then, it has shown continuous dedication to illustrating and promoting post-war German art in the UK. Following a solo show of German painter Ulrich Erben, this month, 44  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

BASTIAN showcases early sculptures by Joseph Beuys, which is a perfect opportunity to explore the beginning of Beuys’ artistic journey. Heiner Bastian, the founder of the gallery, was a close friend of Joseph Beuys and

worked as his assistant for a very long time. Since 2016, Bastian’s son Aeneas Bastian has been successfully leading the gallery and brings Beuys’ works to London this September. The exhibited pieces are from a time when Beuys had just found his own artistic language based on a deep comprehension of the inner logic of mythology. Hence, mythical references can be found throughout this stunning exhibition. “In his drawings and sculptures, Beuys documented his ‘leitmotiv’, the path of transformation from ‘nature to culture’ in our civilization,” says the gallery. “A wanderer

Discover Germany | Culture Feature  |  Joseph Beuys: Important Sculptures from the 1950’s – in London

between worlds, he became an artist/anthropologist, a shaman interested in natural phenomena, psychological processes and archetypal early-Christian motifs. In his visions, he imagined a modern world that would recognise the importance of our ancient spiritual spheres, as visible in the language of his work.” A process of transformation is reflected by the sculpture The Couple, which Beuys created in 1952 to 1953. Here, two bodies, that of a woman and a man, are laid out next to each other on a bare stone base and are presented within a glass vitrine. According to the gallery, it at first evokes a feeling of infinite peace, the viewer then notices a deep cut in the woman’s throat – suggesting the idea that sleep and death are interconnected, as described in Homer’s Odyssey. In Beuys’ work, however, both bodies, passing from sleep to death, represent the intact state of mind and soul. In the artist’s words: ‘I would

say man does not consist only of chemical processes, but also of metaphysical occurrences. The provocateur of the chemical processes is located outside the world. Man is only truly alive when he realizes he is a creative, artistic being [...]’. Another sculpture, Hammer for the Hard of Hearing, which Beuys made between the years of 1959 and 1960, sees a dried cod with hand-painted red coloured crosses of paper – for Beuys, this was a way to charge the matter with a spiritual kind of content, the gallery explains. Hung beside a seemingly makeshift hammer of wood and glass, both objects represent a deliberate interdependency of an organic, natural material with a man-made tool, the silent hammer, as he points out. The work’s title playfully alludes to the notion of sound as sculptural material and the contradiction of the silent hammer, which would break when used. Like with all the other incredible pieces of Beuys, one sim-

ply has to experience it, and the gallery makes exactly that possible, in London. Since the artist’s death in 1986, Beuys has been the celebrated subject of various major exhibitions, not only in Germany and the UK, but also across the globe. This includes exhibitions at Tate Modern in London, at De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on Sea, at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, at Moscow Museum of Modern Art and at Hamburger Bahnhof in Berlin. As this new exhibition at BASTIAN is held at the same time as London’s legendary art festival Frieze, this is a perfect way to visit a great range of outstanding art shows in the British capital. One thing is crystal clear: London is certainly calling. www.bastian-gallery.com Joseph Beuys, Hammer for the Hard of Hearing, 1959 - 1960, two objects in vitrine - first object: stockfish, newspaper, oil paint (Braunkreuz), needles, 58.5 x 38.5 x 6 cm; second object: wood, glass, cord, oil paint (Braunkreuz), 26.5 x 11.5 x 4.5 cm, installed in vitrine: 183 x 154.5 x 63.5 cm, courtesy BASTIAN, © Joseph Beuys Estate

Joseph Beuys, Untitled (Sybilla), 1951, slate, engraving, watercolour, 33.5 x 46 cm, Mounted by the artist in zinc case sized 39.5 x 50.5 x 3 cm, Installed in vitrine: 183 x 154.5 x 63.5 cm, courtesy BASTIAN, © Joseph Beuys Estate     

BASTIAN 8 Davies Street London W1K 3DW Left: Joseph Beuys, Hammer for the Hard of Hearing, 1959 - 1960, two objects in vitrine - first object: stockfish, newspaper, oil paint (Braunkreuz), needles, 58.5 x 38.5 x 6 cm; second object: wood, glass, cord, oil paint (Braunkreuz), 26.5 x 11.5 x 4.5 cm, installed in vitrine: 183 x 154.5 x 63.5 cm, courtesy BASTIAN, © Joseph Beuys Estate   Right: Joseph Beuys, Untitled (Two Elks), ca. 1951, slate, engraving, watercolour, 33.5 x 39.5 cm, Mounted by the artist in zinc case sized 39.5 x 50.5 x 3 cm, Installed in vitrine: 183 x 154.5 x 63.5 cm, courtesy BASTIAN, © Joseph Beuys Estate    

Dates: 20 September – 16 November Opening hours: Tue – Sat, 10am – 6pm Contact: london@bastian-gallery.com

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  45

S P E C I A L T H E M E : E D U C AT I O N G U I D E - G E R M A N Y ’ S T O P T H R E E U N I V E R S I T I E S

One of the world’s most popular study destinations Thinking of studying in Germany? The country ranks amongst the most popular study destinations in the world and boasts one of the highest volumes of ranked universities in the global top university rankings. Read on to discover why Germany is a great country to choose when it comes to education. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: PIXABAY

46  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Discover Germany | Special Theme  |  Education Guide - Germany’s Top Three Universities

Many rankings reveal that Germany is, in fact, one of the world’s most popular non-Anglophone study destinations – only the US and the UK welcome more international students annually. And as much as Germany’s tourist destinations are characterised by variety, so too are Germany’s top universities, colleges and higher-education institutions. The country not only boasts some of the most prestigious institutions, but it is also notable that almost every major German city you can think of has at least one university ranked among the world’s best. This has firmly established the country well within the world’s higher education elite. On top of world-class universities and higher-education institutions, Germany offers a high quality of life, as well as extensive support and scholarship options for international students, and great postgraduation employment prospects. And what’s even better: there are almost no tuition fees at public universities at undergraduate level, which also includes EU and international students in all states (with the exception of Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU students have to pay some tuition fees). While tuition fees are mostly free, students do need to pay a relatively low nominal fee which covers student support, administration and other costs. How to apply? If you’re interested in joining one of Germany’s great educational institutions, there are varying application routes depending on a few factors. If you have a European qualification, then you would have to prove your German proficiency unless you’re choosing a course taught in English. After that, you can directly apply for any course. Non-EU students may have to sit the ‘Feststellungsprüfung’ entrance examination, to test their eligibility, but high-achieving students may be able to bypass this. For other routes, ways of application and exemptions, check out each respective school’s website, where all information can be easily found. For three of Germany’s top university picks, read the following special theme.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  47

Discover Germany | Special Theme  |  Education Guide - Germany’s Top Three Universities

Personal atmosphere.

Studying in one of seven great cities: Dortmund, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Berlin.

Project work.

Take your career to the next level Are you currently employed and thinking about your next career move? The International School of Management (ISM) can help with precisely that. With its special focus on contemporary issues such as the increasing digitisation of working environments, the private business school is the perfect partner when it comes to high-quality part-time programmes that advance any career in the fields of management and economy. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: SILVIA KRIENS PHOTOGRAPHY, COPYRIGHT: INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

International, individual, inspiring: founded in 1990 with the incentive to offer degrees that meet the needs of the economy, the state-recognised ISM has grown into one of Germany’s best private business schools. With campuses in Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Berlin, the ISM offers numerous programmes for every life situation. ISM president Prof. Dr. Ingo Böckenholt explains: “The ISM stands out with practice-orientated, international studies in a personal atmosphere. This, in combination with excellent education, sets the ISM apart from other business schools in Germany.” In our modern times, part-time courses have become increasingly popular. More employees continue working in their cur48  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

rent jobs while studying to progress their careers. Prof. Dr. Böckenholt explains: “Lifelong learning is essential in today’s society.” And that’s why the ISM currently offers various undergraduate and graduate part-time programmes, while new programmes are constantly being developed. If students want to advance their functional knowledge in business administration, statistics, accounting and economics, the undergraduate parttime schemes, which are held weekly on Friday evenings and Saturdays, are their best bet. The part-time Master’s programmes, which are held every Saturday, on the other hand, teach how to design robust marketing strategies, amongst other interesting things. Or, how about the popular part-time Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degree

which creates an ideal foundation for future leadership positions for those who have already gained work experience? Master’s graduate Daniela Eder, who chose to study at the ISM while working as an expert for corporate and group strategy at the Deutsche Telekom AG in Bonn, reveals just how far a part-time programme at the ISM can bring students: “The ISM has given me a broad knowledge about management-relevant topics. Especially the learned soft skills in the fields of communication, project management, decision-making and pyramidal communication are an important foundation for my current professional tasks.” All programmes can, of course, be studied full-time, and dual degree programmes are also on offer. Whichever programme you choose, practice-orientated studies are always combined with outstanding teachings, an international focus and phenomenal student support at the ISM. ism.de

Discover Germany | Special Theme  |  Education Guide - Germany’s Top Three Universities

Photo: © Matej Meza, Universität Bremen

Photo: © Michael Ihle, Universität Bremen

Photo: © Universität Bremen

Photo: © Alasdair Jardine, Universität Bremen

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Diverse, efficient and European

Vielfältig, leistungsstark und vor allem europäisch

Bremen, Germany’s smallest state, is now not only renowned for being home to the Town Musicians, but has also firmly established itself as a scientific location of excellency. Recently, the University of Bremen became a pioneer in a wider European context: as part of the network YUFE, Young Universities for the Future of Europe, it is helping to design one of the first ‘European’ universities.

Dass für Bremen nicht nur die Stadtmusikanten stehen, sondern das kleinste Bundesland Deutschlands ebenfalls als exzellenter Wissenschaftsstandort von sich reden macht, ist längst kein Geheimtipp mehr. Die Universität Bremen ist nun auch auf europäischem Parkett Vorreiterin: Im Netzwerk YUFE – Young Universities for the Future of Europe gestaltet sich eine der ersten europäischen Universitäten mit.

Efficient, diverse, cooperative and open to reform – that’s the University of Bremen. Around 23,000 people study and work on the international campus, and it’s their shared goal to contribute to the further development of society. With around 100 degree courses, the range of subjects is extensive. As one of Europe’s leading research universities, it maintains close partnerships worldwide. The university’s competence and dynamic has attracted numerous companies to the technology park around the campus, and today, it’s a significant location for innovation – with the university at its centre.

Leistungsstark, vielfältig, reformbereit und kooperativ – das ist die Universität Bremen. Rund 23.000 Menschen lernen und arbeiten auf dem internationalen Campus. Ihr gemeinsames Ziel ist es, einen Beitrag für die Weiterentwicklung der Gesellschaft zu leisten. Mit gut 100 Studiengängen ist das Fächerangebot der Universität breit aufgestellt. Als eine der führenden europäischen Forschungsuniversitäten pflegt sie enge Kooperationen weltweit. Ihre Kompetenz und Dynamik haben zahlreiche Unternehmen in den Technologiepark rund um den Campus gelockt. Dadurch ist ein bedeutender Innovationsstandort entstanden – mit der Universität Bremen im Mittelpunkt.

Its engagement on a European level shows once more how seriously the University of Bremen takes its social responsibility. The YUFE-alliance is creating one of the very first European universities together with its partners. “We are making a clear commitment to Europe and will conceptualise and design the university in a new way,” the university’s president, Professor Bernd Scholz-Reiter, enthuses.

Dass sie ihre gesellschaftliche Verantwortung ernst nimmt, zeigt die Universität Bremen auch mit ihrem Engagement auf europäischer Ebene. Im Rahmen der YUFE-Allianz baut sie mit ihren Partnern eine der ersten europäischen Universitäten auf. „Damit geben wir ein starkes Bekenntnis zu Europa ab und werden die Universität umfassend neu denken und gestalten“, freut sich Universitätsrektor Professor Bernd Scholz-Reiter. www.uni-bremen.de Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  49

Old Abbey, Essen-Werden Campus, Folkwang University of the Arts. Photo: © Heike Kandalowski

Interdisciplinary art education in an international environment The Folkwang University of the Arts is one of the most internationally important education centres for music, theatre, dance, design and research. Since 1927, the university has united the different disciplines and, as a result of that, has become a cultural brand. Among the alumni are world-renowned artists like the dancer and choreographer Pina Bausch and the violinist Peter Zimmermann.

and further education programmes. “The disciplines range from old music to pop, opera to musical, and from physical theatre, photography, design, dance and acting to teacher education,” says Groß.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN

On its own seven stages and together with theatres, concert halls, museums, galleries and former mining sites in the region, the university organises more than 400 public events annually. This way, students from all disciplines can gain practical experience and connect with other artists, cultural institutions and the public.

“We have a worldwide unique educational concept,” says spokesperson MaikenIlke Groß. Next to connecting the different arts, this includes studying at unique places in listed buildings, as well as those with prize-winning architecture. The newest example is the design faculty’s campus at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein, a monument to German industrial culture. With other campuses in Essen-Werden, Duisburg, Bochum and Dortmund, the Folkwang University of the Arts lies in one of Europe’s economic and cultural centres, the Ruhr Metropolis. An international and cosmopolitan profile The Folkwang University of the Arts was founded more than 90 years ago. “The interaction of different disciplines and cultures is typical for Folkwang – then as much as today,” says Maiken-Ilke Groß. “Our approx. 1,600 students come from all over the world. More than 400 50  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

international teachers support them during their studies.” Folkwang cooperates with 150 European and international universities and one of Germany´s largest musicology library completes the excellent education. The unity of the arts in focus The Folkwang University of the Arts aspires to educate personalities with great competence, a wide educational horizon and a high level of individuality, creativity and social responsibility. The university orientates on social realities so that the arts as an innovative and creative accent can become a living factor in society. Folkwang: Music, Theatre, Dance, Design, Academic Studies In total, Folkwang offers more than 40 different courses, most of them with the internationally recognised degrees bachelor, master and artist diploma. Above that, the university provides PhD

www.folkwang-uni.de info@folkwang-uni.de www.facebook.com/folkwang Instagram: @folkwang_uni The most important facts: — Approx. 1,600 students from all over   the world, 400 international teachers,   150 international partner universities — Range of studies include music, theatre,   dance, design and academic studies — Connection of the arts and   interdisciplinarity are core ideas — 90 years of tradition — Qualification test acts as criteria to enter   the university

Discover Germany | Special Theme  |  Education Guide - Germany’s Top Three Universities

Interdisziplinäres Studium der Künste mit internationalem Flair Die Folkwang Universität der Künste ist eine der international bedeutsamsten Ausbildungsstätten für Musik, Theater, Tanz, Gestaltung und Wissenschaft. Seit 1927 vereint sie die verschiedenen Disziplinen und ist so zu einem kulturellen Markenzeichen geworden. Zu den Alumni gehören international bekannte Künstlerinnen und Künstler, wie die Tänzerin und Choreographin Pina Bausch oder der Violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann. „Wir haben ein weltweit originäres Ausbildungskonzept“, sagt Maiken-Ilke Groß, Pressesprecherin an der Folkwang Universität der Künste. Dazu gehört neben der Verbindung der Künste auch das Studieren an besonderen Orten in denkmalgeschützter und preisgekrönter Architektur. Jüngstes Beispiel ist der neue Campus des Fachbereichs Gestaltung auf dem Gelände des UNESCOWelterbes Zollverein, einem Denkmal deutscher Industriekultur. Mit weiteren Campus in Essen-Werden, Duisburg, Bochum und Dortmund liegt die Folkwang Universität der Künste in einem der zentralen wirtschaftlichen und kulturellen Zentren Europas, der Metropole Ruhr.

Internationales und weltoffenes Profil Die Folkwang Universität der Künste entstand vor über 90 Jahren, zunächst als ‚Folkwangschule für Musik, Tanz und Sprechen‘ sowie ‚Folkwangschule für Gestal-

tung‘. „Das Zusammenwirken unterschiedlicher Disziplinen und Kulturen ist typisch für Folkwang – damals wie heute“, sagt Maiken-Ilke Groß. „Unsere rund 1.600 Studierenden kommen aus der ganzen Welt. Ihnen stehen etwa 400 internationale Lehrende zur Seite.“ Kooperationen mit 150 Partnerhochschulen im europäischen und internationalen Ausland sowie eine der größten musikwissenschaftlichen Bibliothek Deutschlands vervollständigen das exzellente Studienangebot.

Die Einheit der Künste im Fokus Es ist der Anspruch der Folkwang Universität der Künste, Persönlichkeiten auszubilden, die von exzellenter künstlerischer Kompetenz, einem breiten Bildungshorizont und einem hohen Maß an Individualität, Kreativität und gesellschaftlicher Verantwortung geprägt sind. Dabei orientiert sich die Hochschule an den gesellschaftlichen Realitäten, so dass die Künste Foto: © Veronika Kurnosova

als innovative und kreative Akzente zu einem lebendigen Faktor der Gesellschaft werden.

Folkwang: Musik, Theater, Tanz, Gestaltung, Wissenschaft Insgesamt bietet die Hochschule über 40 verschiedene Studiengänge, die meisten mit den international anerkannten Abschlüssen Bachelor, Master und Artist Diploma. Darüber hinaus gibt es Promotions-, Habilitations- und Weiterbildungsprogramme. „Die Disziplinen reichen von der Alten Musik bis Pop, von Oper bis Musical, Physical Theatre, Fotografie, Design, Tanz, Schauspiel bis zur Lehramtsausbildung“, sagt Groß. Auf sieben eigenen Bühnen sowie in Theatern, Konzerthäusern, Museen, Galerien und Zechen der Region organisiert die Hochschule jährlich mehr als 400 öffentliche Veranstaltungen. So bekommen Studierende aller Disziplinen frühzeitig Praxiserfahrung und erleben den Austausch mit anderen Künstlerinnen und Künstlern, Kulturinstitutionen und dem Publikum. www.folkwang-uni.de info@folkwang-uni.de www.facebook.com/folkwang Instagram: @folkwang_uni Foto: © Marie Laforge

Foto: © Christian Clarke

Foto: © Elsa Wehmeier Foto: © Veronika Kurnosova Musik, Theater, Tanz, Gestaltung, Wissenschaft an der Folkwang Universität der Künste.

Quartier Nord, Campus Welterbe Zollverein.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  51

Discover Germany  |  Travel  |  Hotel of the Month, Germany

HO TE L O F THE MON TH, GERMA NY TEXT & PHOTOS: YACHTHOTEL CHIEMSEE GMBH, TRANSLATION: BARBARA GEIER

Yachthotel Chiemsee: Bliss by the ‘Bavarian sea’

Yachthotel Chiemsee: Das ‚Bayerische Meer‘ lässt grüßen

Surrounded by lush nature, Yachthotel Chiemsee on the western shore of Bavaria’s biggest lake provides guests with the utmost relaxation from the moment the rays of the morning sun shed their golden light onto the impressive property.

Am Westufer des größten bayerischen Sees lassen die ersten morgendlichen Sonnenstrahlen das Yachthotel Chiemsee in goldenem Licht erstrahlen. Eingebettet in üppiger Natur sind hier Spezialisten für genussvolle Entspannung und nachhaltige Erholung am Werk.

The four-star hotel enjoys a prime location between Munich and Salzburg and aims at providing guests with every possible amenity. Altogether, 100 tasteful rooms and suites are comfortably and luxuriously furnished, including some that offer splendid views of the Chiemsee lake.

Das Vier-Sterne-Haus besticht mit seiner Traumlage zwischen München und Salzburg und bietet dem Gast alle nur erdenklichen Annehmlichkeiten und Genüsse. Die insgesamt 100 Zimmer und Suiten, teils mit einmaligem Blick auf den Chiemsee, sind geschmackvoll, komfortabel und luxuriös eingerichtet.

The onsite lake restaurant, headed by chef Maurice Kirchner, uses fresh, regional and seasonal ingredients to lovingly prepare culinary delights, presenting a combination of classic and modern interpretations on the plate.

Im Seerestaurant garantieren eine liebevolle Zubereitung, frische, regionale und saisonale Zutaten geschmackliche Hochgenüsse. Die Kreativität des Küchenteams unter der Leitung von Küchenchef Mauric Kirchner spricht für optische Raffinesse klassischer und moderner Interpretationen.

Yachthotel Chiemsee is ideal for golfing, hiking, cycling or Egal ob für den aktiven Sportler zum Golfen, Wandern, Radeln oder swimming in the lake and enjoying the Schwimmen im Chiemsee direkt vom hoteleigenen Yachthotel Chiemsee GmbH hotel’s beach. No matter the time of year, Badestrand aus… das Yachthotel Chiemsee ist eine Harrasser Straße 49 guests can be certain to find something on Reise wert und hält eine Vielzahl an saisonalen AnD – 83209 Prien am Chiemsee offer that will turn their holidays into a very geboten ganzjährig bereit! Phone: +49 (0)8051 6960 special experience. info@yachthotel.de www.yachthotel.de 52  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Apartments Edenlehen.

HO TE L O F TH E MONTH , A USTRI A

Arrive, breathe, indulge Visitors can find an exclusive place of relaxation in Austria’s Mayrhofen in the Ziller valley – the family-owned four-star Hotel Edenlehen. Located 633 metres above sea level, the hotel doesn’t only offer breathtaking views of the Ziller valley’s mountain range, but has also been widely renowned for great Austrian hospitality since the ‘50s. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF  I  PHOTOS: HOTEL EDENLEHEN

A lot has happened since the family Hundsbichler founded the hotel in the ‘50s, and the small farm Bed & Breakfast gradually turned into a four-star hotel over the years. “The guests of yore became friends of today – and that across generations,” smiles Mrs. Hundsbichler. Today, Hotel Edenlehen impresses with unparalleled service, a breathtaking setting, its multifaceted cuisine and a tasteful ambiance. The surrounding region is another highlight: in summer, guests can go mountain biking, climbing or hiking in the Ziller valley Alps, play golf or try Nordic walking. In winter, visitors can look forward to après-ski events and ski and snowboard pistes of all difficulty levels. 54  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Feel good Whether a romantic vacation for two or a fun family holiday – Hotel Edenlehen offers rooms in all categories, from elegant suites to cosy family rooms or single and double rooms which were all furnished with impressive attention to detail. In a culinary sense, the hotel doesn’t leave anything to be desired, as the hotel’s very own restaurant lives and breathes sustainability through its focus on seasonality and using their own produce. Fine wines from the wine cellar round off the hotel’s culinary offering.

the relaxation oasis with loungers, the sun terrace, the relaxation room, the pool bar and the atrium with waterfall. Additionally, the oasis of wellbeing impresses with the ‘Tiroler Schwitzstube’ sauna, the herbal steam room, the grotto, the spa showers, the Kneipp baths, the vitamin bar, the drinking fountain, an infrared heat cabin and the solarium. Numerous massages and a gym complete the hotel’s dazzling selection of wellbeing facilities. Apartments Edenlehen

Relax

Since the end of March, Hotel Edenlehen has offered something new for people that prefer a little more privacy: the Apartments Edenlehen. Visitors can now find 14 new apartments in four different categories, just two minutes’ walk from the hotel. The self-catered apartments impress via their mix of tradition and modernity, and the roof-top spa area, with several saunas, infrared heat cabin, wellness loungers, sun terrace and tea bar.

Pure relaxation is catered for too, through the large garden, a heated outdoor pool, the indoor pool with massage nozzles,

www.edenlehen.com www.apartments-edenlehen.com

Discover Germany  |  Travel  |  Hotel of the Month, Austria

Ankommen, durchatmen, genießen Im österreichischen Mayrhofen im Zillertal finden Besucher im familiengeführten Vier-Sterne-Hotel Edenlehen einen exklusiven Ort der Erholung. Auf 633 Höhenmetern gelegen, bietet das Hotel nicht nur einen herrlichen Blick auf die Zillertaler Bergwelt, sondern steht seit den 50er Jahren auch für österreichische Gastfreundschaft. Seit die Familie Hundsbichler das Hotel in den 50er Jahren gegründet hat, ist einiges passiert. Aus einer kleinen Bauernhof-Frühstückspension enstand nämlich über die Jahre ein Vier-Sterne-Haus. „Die Gäste von damals wurden zu Freunden von heute und dies über Generationen hinweg“, lächelt Frau Hundsbichler. Heute glänzt das Hotel Edenlehen mit einem unvergleichlichen Service, einer traumhaften Kulisse, der facettenreichen Kulinarik und dem gediegenen Ambiente, das viel Raum für Entspannung lässt. Die umliegende Region ist ein weiteres Highlight: im Sommer können Gäste im Hochgebirgs-Naturpark Zillertaler Alpen wandern gehen, einen Kletterkurs besuchen, Golf spielen, Mountainbike fahren oder Nordic Walking ausprobieren. Im Winter dürfen sich Besucher auf Skiund Snowboard-Pisten in allen Schwierig-

Apartments Edenlehen – Edenlehen Spa.

keitsgraden und unvergleichliche Après-Ski Events freuen.

Wohlfühlen Egal, ob romantischer Urlaub zu zweit oder Familienurlaub - das Hotel Edenlehen bietet Zimmer in diversen Kategorien. Ob elegante Suite, gemütliches Familien-Zimmer oder Einzel- und Doppel-Zimmer, alle Zimmer sind mit viel Liebe zum Detail im alpenländischen Stil eingerichtet. Kulinarisch lässt das Hotel Edenlehen außerdem keine Wünsche offen. Das hoteleigene Restaurant lebt Nachhaltigkeit durch seinen Fokus auf Saisonalität und Produkte aus eigener Erzeugung. Edle Tropfen aus dem Weinkeller runden das kulinarische Angebot ab.

Entspannen Für pure Entspannung ist durch die großzügige Gartenanlage, den beheizten Außenpool,

Hotel Edenlehen – Restaurant Andreas Stube.

den Innenpool mit Massagedüsen, die dazugehörende Relax-Oase mit Liegewiese, die Sonnenterrasse, den großzügigen Ruheraum, die Poolbar und den Lichthof mit Wasserfall gesorgt. In der Wohlfühloase stehen außerdem die ‚Tiroler Schwitzstube‘, das Kräuterdampfbad, die Felsengrotte, die Erlebnisduschen, das Kneippbecken, die Vitaminbar, der Trinkbrunnen, die Infrarot-Wärmekabine und das Solarium zur Verfügung. Diverse Massageanwendungen und ein Fitnessraum runden das Entspannungs-Angebot ab.

Apartments Edenlehen Seit Ende März bietet das Hotel ein neues Angebot für diejenigen, die mehr Privatsphäre suchen: die Apartments Edenlehen. Zwei Gehminuten vom Hotel entfernt finden Besucher 14 neue Selbstversorgungs-Apartments in vier verschiedenen Kategorien, die durch einen Mix aus Tradition und Moderne bestechen. Ein Highlight ist der Roof-Top-Spa Bereich mit diversen Saunas, Infrarotkabine, Wellnessliegen, Sonnenterrasse und Teebar. www.edenlehen.com www.apartments-edenlehen.com

Apartments Edenlehen – Luxus Apartment Edenlehen für vier bis sechs Personen.

Hotel Edenlehen - Doppelzimmer Ahorn.

Hotel Edenlehen – Pool.

Hotel Edenlehen.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  55

Photo: © Basel Tourism

SPECIAL THEME: FOCUS ON BASEL - THE CITY'S HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019

Get acquainted with Switzerland’s culture capital Situated on the Rhine River in north-west Switzerland, Basel borders France and Germany and is popular with tourists for many reasons. Not only does Basel impress with a gorgeous, medieval old town that is dominated by the 16th-century, red-sandstone town hall, it also offers world-class museums and other cultural institutions, shopping opportunities, restaurants and more. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

View from inside the Museum Tinguely. Photo: © Basel Tourism

56  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Focus on Basel - The City's Highlights of 2019

With around 170,000 inhabitants, Basel is Switzerland’s third-largest city after Zurich and Lucerne. As more and more people decide to take holidays closer to home, the city has seen a surge of tourism in recent years. And for good reason: Basel has a lot to offer. With a Mediterranean climate and as many as 300 days of sunshine a year, people of Basel tend to enjoy the outdoors and know how to properly live with a ‘joie de vivre’. Let’s take a look at some other top reasons why you should plan a trip to Basel soon. Cultural highlights Did you know that in 1967, Basel’s inhabitants voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso for the city’s Museum of Fine Arts? The artist was so moved that he ended up giving three paintings and a study to Basel. And this exceptional love for art has been preserved everywhere in the city. Generally known as the culture capital of Switzerland, it seems no wonder that you can find top-class theatres, music venues and art wherever you go in Basel. Whether you decide to stroll through the beautiful old town or want to visit one of the city’s over 40 diverse museums,

Photo: © Basel Tourism

Photo: © Basel Tourism

there’s culture to be explored on every corner. Fans of urban art will also find their fair share on a multitude of buildings and walls throughout the city. History and cityscape A city full of contrasts, Basel impresses with buildings from the 15th century, as well as with contemporary architectural creations from world-renowned architects. There are few other cityscapes where this diversity has been so harmoniously implemented. Whether you want to stroll through the old town or take a look at some modern architecture, Basel has something for everyone on offer.

Art lovers in Vitra Schaudepot. Photo: © Basel Tourism

Shopping opportunities Basel also has a lot to offer for shopping enthusiasts. Not only does the city boast shops of many top brands as well a modern shopping malls, it also offers somewhat different shopping experiences, like its fabulous flea markets on the Rhine. Here, real treasures can always be found if you’re willing to have a good old rummage! Or head to the city market on Markplatz for some culinary delights and more. Want to find out more about where to go and what to see in Basel? Then, be sure to read the following special theme on the city’s highlights of 2019.

Photo: © Basel Tourism, Andreas Zimmermann Fotografie

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  57

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Focus on Basel - The City's Highlights of 2019

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE  I  PHOTOS: BASLER EDELSTEIN HANDELS AG BEHAG

Switzerland’s richest gemstone mine

Die ergiebigste EdelsteinMine der Schweiz

The radiance of gemstones and the exceptional beauty of their colours and forms have captivated our imagination for thousands of years.

Seit Jahrtausenden begeistern Edelsteine durch ihre immense Strahlkraft und die außerordentliche Schönheit ihrer Farben und Formen.

Basel-located shop Edelstein-Mine has inspired customers with its comprehensive, often varying selection of high-quality gemstones since 1996. “We are currently stocking about 80 different types of stones in countless forms and colours. Wherever possible, our stones are kept in their natural condition and are therefore allowed to display their very own unspoilt, exceptional beauty,” stresses owner Guido Burkart.

Bereits seit 1996 begeistert die Basler Edelstein-Mine mit ihrem umfassenden, oft wechselnden Sortiment hochwertiger Edelsteine ihre Kunden. „Wir führen momentan circa 80 verschiedene Steinsorten in unzähligen Formen und Farben. Unsere Edelsteine sind möglichst naturbelassen, und präsentieren sich damit in ihrer ganz eigenen und besonderen Schönheit“, betont Inhaber Guido Burkart.

Customers looking for affordable, genuine jewellery and expert advice will find Edelstein-Mine the perfect choice for them. Here, one can find stones and minerals, but also gold or silver jewellery with precious stones, or rare necklaces: for example, with Paraiba tourmalines or large Peridot beads. This outstanding selection always serves to strengthen Edelstein-Mine’s reputation as a reliable trader offering the widest and most up-to-date collection of fine-quality gemstones, as well as the provider of the best service in Basel and surrounding areas. “We simply enjoy what we do,” says owner Esther Burkart. “Amongst other things, we have our own repair service and manufacture our own jewellery. As we maintain a global supplier network, we are able to respond optimally to our clients’ needs, and are thus also able to fulfill unconventional requests.” 58  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Kunden, die bezahlbaren, echten Schmuck und fundierte Beratung suchen, sind bei der Edelstein-Mine genau richtig. Hier finden sie nicht nur einzelne Steine und Mineralien, sondern auch Gold- oder Silberschmuck mit Edelsteinen und seltene Colliers beispielsweise mit Paraiba-Turmalinen oder grossen Peridot-Kugeln. Mit diesem beeindruckenden Angebot festigt die Edelstein-Mine ihren Ruf, nicht nur das größte, aktuellste und qualitativ beste Angebot in Basel und Umgebung zu haben, sondern auch mit viel Wissen und Erfahrung ihren Kunden den besten Service zu bieten. „Wir haben ganz einfach Spaß an dem, was wir machen“, stellt Inhaberin Esther Burkart fest. „In der Edelstein-Mine bieten wir u.a. einen eigenen Reparaturservice an, unsere Ketten produzieren wir selbst. Da wir zudem weltweit hervorragend vernetzt sind, können wir optimal auf die Bedürfnisse unserer Kunden eingehen, und somit auch ausgefallene Wünsche erfüllen.“ www.baselstein.ch

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Focus on Basel - The City's Highlights of 2019

TEXT: HANNAH KROLLE  I  PHOTOS: HOTEL WETTSTEIN

Hotel Wettstein: Hotel Wettstein: Local colour with modern standard Lokalkolorit mit modernem Standard In the heart of Kleinbasel, only a few minutes from the Rhine, the team at Hotel Wettstein pleases its guests with renovated rooms, a cosy garden and the local colour of the Kleinbasel area.

Im Herzen Kleinbasels, nur wenige Gehminuten vom Rhein entfernt, begeistert das Team von Hotel Wettstein seine Gäste mit frisch renovierten Zimmern, einem lauschigen Garten und Kleinbasler Lokalkolorit.

Since its opening in 1964, the settlement has been privately owned. Today, Hotel Wettstein offers 73 beautifully furnished rooms that live up to all expectations of a modern hotel. The owners have committed themselves to regionality and the tradition of the area. Hence, all suppliers and partners are chosen by location. Furthermore, the art in the rooms depicts scenes from 'Vogel Gryff', the most important bank holiday in Kleinbasel. And with a dedication to craftsmanship, Swiss spring-system beds contribute to a good sleep.

Seit der Gründung 1964 ist das Haus in Privatbesitz und verfügt über 73 charmant eingerichtete Zimmer, die sämtliche Standards eines modernen Hotelbetriebs erfüllen. Den Besitzern ist es ein Anliegen, ihren Gästen die Kleinbasler Tradition zu vermitteln. So stammen nicht nur sämtliche Lieferanten und Servicepartner aus der Region, sondern zahlreiche Kunstwerke zeigen Szenen des sogenannten ‚Vogel Gryffs', dem höchsten Kleinbasler Feiertag. Für einen erholsamen Schlaf sorgen die nach Schweizer Handwerkskunst gefertigten Federkernbetten.

Central location on the Rhine The central location on the Rhine invites all guests to linger in the area. Sports enthusiasts will find the most beautiful jogging routes in the surrounding areas. For longer distances, bicycles, including e-bikes, are provided for free. The constantly tended garden, meanwhile, is an ideal retreat from the hustle of the Swiss metropolis. And on top of this, Hotel Wettstein offers a modern fitness centre and conference room, as well as an underground car park with a charge point for electric vehicles. The beatifully light-flooded welcoming area and a rich breakfast on offer every day, round off an enjoyable visit at Hotel Wettstein.

Zentrale Lage am Rhein Die zentrale Lage am Rheinufer lädt zum Verweilen ein. Sportbegeisterte finden dort die schönsten Joggingrouten der Umgebung. Um weitere Distanzen zurückzulegen, stellt Hotel Wettstein kostenlos Fahrräder, darunter auch E-Bikes, zur Verfügung. Der gepflegte Garten des Hauses ist ein idealer Rückzugsort vom geschäftigen Treiben der Schweizer Metropole. Darüber hinaus bietet Hotel Wettstein seinen Gästen einen modernen Fitnessund einen Konferenzraum für bis zu zehn Personen sowie eine Tiefgarage, die über eine Ladestation für Elektrofahrzeuge verfügt. Die lichtdurchflutete Eingangshalle und ein reichhaltiges Frühstücksbuffet runden den Besuch im Hotel Wettstein ab. www.hotelwettstein.ch Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  59

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Focus on Basel - The City's Highlights of 2019

40 years of exploring new ground This year, the legendary Cartoonmuseum Basel is celebrating its 40th anniversary. As the only Swiss museum entirely dedicated to all areas of narrative drawing, this place doesn’t only stand for topical discussion about our society and culture, but it also continues to showcase the developments of our time. The museum celebrates 40 years by exhibiting the works of big contemporary artists such as Tardi and Joann Sfar.

as with the rest of the art on offer, you really shouldn’t miss. www.cartoonmuseum.ch

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE  |  FOTOS: VICTORIA LOMASKO

Four decades ago, collector Dieter Burkhardt laid the foundation for the Cartoonmuseum Basel and created a space where cartoons, caricatures and other narrative drawings were finally put into the well-deserved limelight. Today, it’s clear that from the initial idea, a well-respected institution has grown, which also brings international cartoon artists to Switzerland. “When it comes to the museum’s maxim, the anniversary year is no exception,” museum director Anette Gehrig explains. “Contemporary illustrators with the most significant artistic and storytelling voices

60  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

are part of the programme.” A true highlight is the recently opened exhibition of Victoria Lomasko, which runs until 11 November 2019. In addition, the Russian artist is working as ‘Artist in Residency’ at the atelier of the Christoph Merian Foundation for a month. Gehrig describes Lomasko as a brave and reflected artist and journalist: “With her reports, she makes people who are pushed to the edge of society visible and documents the resistance. She draws on location and impresses with her rich, perfectly stylised streak.” A large mural presents the heart of the exhibition, which,

Top: 18+, 2018. Bottom left: Verbotene Kunst. Moskauer Ausstellung, 2013. Bottom right: Pussy Riot, 2018.

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Focus on Basel - The City's Highlights of 2019

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE  I  PHOTOS: GRAND HOTEL LES TROIS ROIS

A symphony of aromas, colours and flavours

Eine Symphonie aus Aromen, Farben und Geschmack

Innovative, Michelin star-winning haute cuisine in exclusive surroundings - Basel invites you to enjoy precisely this.

Innovative, Michelin-Stern prämierte Haute Cuisine in exklusiver Umgebung - Basel lädt ein.

Steeped in history, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is the perfect location for restaurant Cheval Blanc, by Peter Knogl, and the unique menu of culinary highlights it offers guests.

Das Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl im geschichtsträchtigen Basler Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois offeriert Gaumenfreuden der Extraklasse.

“I like to select and prepare quality products and turn them into dishes charged with colours, forms, taste and sun,” says award-winning star chef Peter Knogl, who has set and maintained Cheval Blanc’s benchmark for exclusive gourmet cuisine at the highest level for several years. Knogl’s innovative recipes complement French haute cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences. They concentrate on the essential, all the while aiming for a harmonious symbiosis of the ingredients within each dish. “I am satisfied when my creations inspire a feeling of comfort and wellbeing in my guests. In order to achieve this, and to meet my own standards, I only work with the best products – they ensure my creations’ authenticity and straightforwardness, while remaining focused on the original taste of each respective product.” In autumn, gourmets can look forward to the ‘Four Hands Dinners’, when Peter Knogl, together with star chefs Christian Bau and Jacob Jan Boerma, will widen the horizon of modern gourmet cuisine even further. As part of the Excellence Gourmet Festival in October, Knogl will treat his guests to some of his exclusive creations on a short boat trip on the Rhine.

„Ich mag es einfach, Qualitätsprodukte auszusuchen und zuzubereiten, und diese dann in Gerichte voller Farben und Formen, Geschmack und Sonne zu verwandeln“, so der prämierte Sternekoch Peter Knogl, der die Messlatte für die exklusive Gourmetküche des Cheval Blanc seit mehreren Jahren auf höchstem Niveau hält. Knogls innovative Rezepte bereichern die französische Haute Cuisine mit mediterranen und asiatischen Einflüssen. Sie konzentrieren sich auf das Wesentliche und suchen dabei stets die meisterhafte Symbiose der Zutaten. „Ich bin dann zufrieden, wenn meine Kreationen meinen Gästen Wohlgefühl vermitteln. Hierfür und um meinen eigenen Ansprüchen an moderne Haute Cuisine gerecht zu werden, verwende ich ausschließlich die besten Grundprodukte. Nur so bleiben meine Kreationen authentisch und schnörkellos und stellen den Eigengeschmack des jeweiligen Produkts in den Mittelpunkt.“ Im Herbst dürfen sich Gourmets wieder auf die ‚Four Hands Dinners’ freuen: Hier erweitert Peter Knogl zusammen mit den Sterneköchen Christian Bau beziehungsweise Jacob Jan Boerma den Horizont moderner Gourmetküche. Im Oktober verwöhnt Knogl beim Excellence Gourmet Festival während einer Kurzreise auf dem Rhein seine Gäste mit exklusiven Kreationen. www.chevalblancbasel.com Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  61

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Focus on Basel - The City's Highlights of 2019

Left: House posts in the BIG exhibition. Middle: Museum building with folded roof by Herzog & de Meuron. Right: Cult house of the Abelam from Papua New Guinea.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF  I  COPYRIGHT: MUSEUM DER KULTUREN BASEL, PHOTOGRAPHERS: OMAR LEMKE, DEREK LI WAN PO

Seeing the world with different eyes

Die Welt mit anderen Augen sehen

Cultural treasures from five continents, exhibitions on familiar day-to-day topics, an attractive blend of architecture, present shopping and gastronomy – the Museum der Kulturen Basel (MKB), one of Europe’s most important anthropological museums, offers a unique all-round experience in the perfect location.

Kulturschätze aus fünf Kontinenten, Ausstellungen zu vertrauten Alltagsthemen, attraktiver Architekturmix, Geschenkshopping und Gastronomie – das Museum der Kulturen Basel (MKB), eines der bedeutendsten ethnografischen Museen Europas, bietet an bester Lage ein einmaliges Rundumerlebnis.

The Indonesian Asmat people believe that the first human was carved out of wood, and visitors to the BIG exhibition can marvel at their wood carvings. Guests may have to tilt their heads back somewhat, however, as the monumental house posts showcase all dimensions alongside the Abelam’s 16metre-high cult house from Papua New Guinea – MKB’s largest object. These objects show new perspectives and give deep insights into other cultures and mindsets so that visitors see the world with different eyes.

Der erste Mensch wurde aus Holz geschnitzt, glauben die Asmat, ein Volk in Indonesien. Ihre Schnitzkunst können die Besucherinnen und Besucher in der Ausstellung GROSS bewundern. Dabei müssen sie den Kopf in den Nacken legen. Die monumentalen Hauspfosten sprengen zusammen mit dem Kulthaus der Abelam aus Papua-Neuguinea – mit 16 Metern das grösste Objekt des MKB – alle Dimensionen. Sie zeigen neue Perspektiven auf, lassen tief in andere Kulturen und deren Denkweisen blicken, so dass die Besucherinnen und Besucher die Welt mit anderen Augen sehen.

The MKB focuses on thematic exhibitions which have a connection to visitors’ everyday lives. They give food for thought, while offering new insights and aesthetic indulgence. Objects from the collection, which comprises over 320,000 pieces, partly world-renowned ones, are presented here for visitors to marvel at. Particularly special treasures are the Tikal plates, which were produced for Mayan rulers in the eighth century. Another highlight is the museum’s folded roof designed by modern architects Herzog & de Meuron. The picturesque courtyard invites for relaxation, while the carnival exhibition and the museum bistro Rollerhof can be found in the surrounding medieval buildings. Those who want to buy an exhibition souvenir or a present can find a wide selection of fairtrade products in the museum shop. 62  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Das MKB fokussiert auf thematische Ausstellungen, die eine Verbindung zum Alltag des Publikums haben. Sie regen zum Nachdenken an, vermitteln neue Erkenntnisse und bereiten ästhetischen Genuss. Präsentiert werden stets Objekte aus der Sammlung, die über 320.000 Objekte zählt – zum Teil von Weltruf. Ein besonderer Schatz sind die Tikal-Tafeln, die im 8. Jahrhundert für Maya-Herrscher hergestellt wurden. Alle Augen auf sich zieht zudem das gefaltete Dach mit seinen modernen Ziegeln der Architekten Herzog & de Meuron. Der malerische Innenhof lädt zum Verweilen ein, während in den umgebenden mittelalterlichen Gebäuden die Fasnachtsausstellung oder das Museumsbistro Rollerhof besucht werden kann. Wer ein Ausstellungsandenken oder exklusives Geschenk mitnehmen möchte, findet eine grosse Auswahl an FairtradeProdukten im Museumsshop. www.mkb.ch

Sun and beach chairs covered with sand.

Behind the scenes of Norderney Germany’s East Frisian island of Norderney is looking for a new island blogger. Sounds tempting! But what really motivates young people to move to an island with 6,000 residents, four hours’ drive away from a town with more than 100,000 inhabitants? Discover Germany asked the vacating blogger and some of his possible successors. TEXT: HANNAH KROLLE  I  PHOTOS: DIEKE GÜNTHER

'One island. 52 weeks. Countless moments of happiness. Blog about Norderney!' With these words, the 'Staatsbad' of Norderney attracted 335 applicants from all over the world to become the future blogger of the island. Equipped with a camera, pocket money and an apartment, the winner moves to the East Frisian island for a year and blogs about his experiences during a parachute jump, a wellness treatment or water sports. Establish contacts, make friends and do a lot of sport – these were Dieke Günther’s personal resolutions when he started 64  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

his year as the blogger of Norderney. At the time, he was 18 years old and had just graduated from high school. Having grown up in Südbrokmerland, a municipality on the North Sea coast, Dieke first got acquainted with the place, which would become his future home, on a school trip. Speaking the local accent himself, he applied with a video message and succeeded in asserting himself against 70 competitors. Soon after, the young man found himself living on the island and starting to write his blog. In simple, catchy words and with the help of appealing pictures, he describes his

feelings during a mud treatment in the local thermal bath, the breathtaking view over the island during a parachute jump, or the easiest way to cover beach chairs. Each entry starts with the slogan “He! Ik bün't, Dieke!”, which means “Hey, it's me, Dieke!” in the typical North German dialect. Dieke ends his job this summer and the Staatsbad is in search of a successor. The 12-member headed team of the editorial department of Checkpoint Berlin, a satirical newsletter of the Tagesspiegel, about Berlin politics, economy and society, applied to become Norderney's future blogger with a song. A cup of coffee in hands, sunglasses on and accompanied by cello and guitar, they sing: 'Wir kapern jetzt Norderney, Berliner Schnauze dabei, wir drehen jedes Sandkorn um, wir schnüffeln dann im Rathaus herum' ('We're capturing Norderney, Berlin muz-

Discover Germany  |  Travel Feature  |  Behind the Scenes of Norderney

zle aboard, we're turning every grain of sand and snooping around in the town hall'), and so on. After every strophe, they discuss their projects as the potential blogger on the island.“We are a group of 12 people with diverse interests and expertise. One of us would focus on all the plant and animal life on the island, another on outdoor activities and another on cultural events. Our curiosity and open mind for what is new unites us as a group,” says Ann-Kathrin Hipp. The young journalist from the Rhineland, who now calls Berlin her home, isn't afraid of the dark winter months on the island, either. “When I think about Norderney, sailing and surfing comes to my mind at first. But what happens in winter when it's grey outside and nobody really looks at the island?” she asks.

Dieke enthuses about the breathtaking view over the East Frisian islands during his parachute jump.

Nina Isringhausen has a similar motivation. “I want to know what Norderney is like when tourism doesn't determine the day. When everything else falls away. I want to know why people stay, why they come here and why they drive out.” Considering that the 23-year-old woman from Dortmund has lived and worked several times on the island, during the summer months, she knows the facets of the island very well. “People may ask: 'You have been so often on Norderney, why do you want to spend one more year there?'. That's true. I've seen the island in spring when families with handcarts stride from beach to beach and when football clubs, which obviously only consist of passive instead of active members, come to the island later in the year. But this island is more. Questions, curiosity, to look behind the facade – that's what appeals to me.” Whoever wins, Norderney fans will be sure to hear a lot about their favourite island – for every time of the year and off the beaten path. www.diekesnorderney.de The new blogger will be announced here: www.norderney.de/meinezeit.html You will also find the application videos of the top-ten candidates.

Mud bath in the 'bade:haus'.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  65

SPECIAL THEME: EXCLUSIVE BUSINESS PROFILES

Meet the DACH region’s innovators We take a look at some of the DACH region’s top innovators, their great ideas and their thought processes in the following special theme. PHOTOS: PIXABAY

66  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Discover Germany  |  Exclusive Business Profiles  |  Bavaria’s Top Company

EOS headquarters in Krailling near Munich/Germany.

Industrial, powder-based 3D printing build process.

The special 3D printing honeycomb structure of the Hexr helmet. Photo: © Hexr

Hexr’s custom-fit bicycle helmet. Photo: © Hexr

A visionary in industrial 3D printing Industrial 3D printing has only really started to appear in the public eye in the past five to ten years. But did you know that some visionary thinkers, like the German company EOS, have been developing and innovating in this field for the past 30 years?

pressure hydraulic block for the airbus A380, which offers the same performance as the conventional component, while being 35 per cent lighter.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: EOS

Future outlooks

EOS is one of the world-leading innovators in powder-based 3D printing, processing a variety of polymers and metals. Their high-end additive manufacturing solutions enable customers from many sectors to design and manufacture a variety of products. While the topic of 3D printing has today become omnipresent, EOS now celebrates its 30th anniversary, which marks the family-owned company’s impressive transformation from start-up to global player. Behind the company’s unprecedented success stands the visionary founder Dr. Hans J. Langer, who recognised future market trends at an early stage. Already in 1989, when EOS was founded in Munich’s outskirts, Dr. Langer had a clear goal in sight: to create physical components from digital data. He was convinced that this technology would enable an entirely new world of manufacturing. And he was right!

Benefits for businesses In the first 20 years of its history, EOS primarily focused on using 3D printing to accelerate product development and go to market - as such going far beyond what conventional manufacturing technologies could offer. Over the last few years, EOS’ 3D-printing technology has truly arrived in serial manufacturing and is one of digitisation’s big impulse generators. In this context, 3D printing plays a pivotal role because it connects the digital and the material world. The benefits: clients can shorten research and development times, reduce production costs and foster lightweight constructions, amongst other things. Many companies already work with EOS and are showcasing what is already possible in the field today. For example, the start-up Hexr works with EOS technologies to produce custom-fit bicycle helmets, while in the aerospace sector, Liebherr used the technology to build a high-

Today, the goal for many companies is to develop manufacturing towards digitisation. While businesses stand under increasing pressure to develop new products quicker than their competitors, they are sometimes slow in adopting additive manufacturing (AM) and integrating it into their organisation because the needed expertise is still hard to find. EOS offers relief with its Additive Minds consulting division, as it supports customer to speed up their AM learning curves, minimising investment risk, adding extra value and as such enabling them to enjoy the full potential of AM. All in all, EOS has 30 years of experience under its belt, offers industry-specific 3Dprinting solutions and supports businesses from their introduction to the technology through to the development of entire manufacturing facilities. We think it’s high time to embrace industry 4.0 with EOS! www.eos.info Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  67

Team photo.

RE AL E STAT E COMPA N Y OF THE M O N T H , A U S T R IA

A secure investment: holiday apartments in Tyrol’s best locations Owning a holiday property not only offers the chance for relaxation, but is also a worthwhile investment. The Tirol Real Estate sells investor apartments in the best Tyrolean locations – in the middle of breathtaking Alpine landscapes and in the best ski and hiking resorts. Professionally managed and rented out to tourists, investors will find an uncomplicated and secure investment they can use for their own holidays as well. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN  I  PHOTOS: TIROL REAL ESTATE

“Tyrol is Austria’s most important tourism destination,” says owner and manager Mag. (FH) Michael Karlinger.“From winter to summer, the region offers everything guests could hope for. That makes it most attractive for investments.” With four to six per cent per year, the return is significantly higher compared to classic real estate, as is the increase in value, since building plots in tourism destinations are scarce. The owner is added to the land register, which offers the greatest possible security. “Compared to traditional investor flats, there is also less financial risk, because with normal rental properties there is always the chance that tenants won’t pay rent over a long period 68  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

of time,” says Mag. (FH) Michael Karlinger. “Our investor apartments are rented out to ever-changing guests instead.” Future owners do not have to invest much time or work, though. An experienced manager will take responsibility for the business operations, including bookings and cleanings. Next to a first-class property, buyers will therefore also receive professional rental management and great support. “We accompany clients from the beginning to the end, and also help with finding the best financing solution.” In short: Tirol Real Estate clients get a full-service package.

Buying an investor apartment also has a practical advantage: owners can use the apartment six weeks a year for their own dream holidays. At the moment, Tirol Real Estate offers investor apartments in top locations in Seefeld, Mösern near Seefeld, Sölden and Längenfeld in the Ötztal, in Westendorf in the Kitzbühel Alps, in Ehrwald in the Zugspitze area and in Serfaus. The 17 fully equipped Lakeside apartments in Seefeld, with great views over the lake and surrounding mountain panorama, are situated directly between the lake and a nine-hole golf course. The eight flats in the Panorama Residence in Mösern, just around the corner, will be finished for the winter season 2019, and lie in the hiking and skiing paradise of the Seefelder plateau. In total, Tirol Real Estate offers the best holiday domiciles in first-class locations – at dream spots for mountain and ski enthusiasts. www.tirolrealestate.com

Discover Germany  |  Exclusive Business Profiles  |  Real Estate Company of the Month, Austria

Eine sichere Investition: Ferienappartements in bester Tiroler Lage Die eigene Ferienimmobilie bietet nicht nur Erholung, sondern lohnt sich auch als Investment. Die Tirol Real Estate bietet Investoren-Appartements in den besten Tiroler Lagen – inmitten atemberaubender Alpenlandschaft und in den besten Ski- und Wanderresorts. Professionell verwaltet und an Touristen vermietet, finden Investoren hier eine unkomplizierte und sichere Anlage, die sie selbst für Urlaube nutzen können. „Tirol ist das wichtigste Tourismusgebiet in Österreich“, sagt Unternehmensinhaber Mag. (FH) Michael Karlinger. „Hier gibt es von Winter- bis Sommertourismus alles, was das Gästeherz begehrt. Das macht die Region besonders attraktiv für ein Investment.“ Verglichen mit klassischen AnlegerWohnungen bieten Investoren-Appartements eine deutlich höhere Rendite von ca. vier bis sechs Prozent pro Jahr. Auch die Wertsteigerung ist besser, da Grund und Boden in Tourismusorten knapper wird. Durch den Eintrag des Eigentümers ins Grundbuch ist zudem größtmögliche Sicherheit geboten. „Ein weiterer Vorteil ist, dass es hier kein Mieter-Risiko gibt, wie bei klassischen Anleger-Wohnungen, bei denen immer die Gefahr besteht, dass Mieter über einen län-

geren Zeitraum hinweg nicht zahlen“, sagt Mag. (FH) Michael Karlinger. „Vielmehr werden die Appartements an immer wieder wechselnde Gäste vermietet.“ Arbeit oder großen Zeitaufwand haben zukünftige Eigentümer dabei nicht. Ein erfahrener Appartement-Betreiber kümmert sich um die vollständige Abwicklung, die Buchung der Mieter oder Reinigungen. Käufer erhalten also nicht nur eine erstklassige Immobilie mit hoher Rendite, sondern auch professionelles Vermietungsmanagement und gute Betreuung. „Wir begleiten den Klienten von Anfang bis zum Ende und helfen ihm auch beim Finden der besten Finanzierung.“ Kurz: Bei Tirol Real Estate bekommen Käufer ein komplettes Rund-um-sorglos-Paket.

Lakeside Apartments Seefeld.

MountainView Apartments Westendorf.

Interior MountainView Apartments.

A CASA Elegance Längenfeld.

Darüber hinaus hat ein InvestorenAppartement einen ganz praktischen Vorteil: Die Besitzer können selbst bis zu sechs Wochen ihr eigenes Appartement nutzen. „Für einen traumhaften Urlaub in Tirol“, sagt Karlinger. Derzeit vertreibt Tirol Real Estate AnlegerAppartements in Top-Lagen in Seefeld, Mösern bei Seefeld, Sölden und Längenfeld im Ötztal, Westendorf in den Kitzbüheler Alpen, Ehrwald in der Zugspitz-Arena und in Serfaus. Die 17 voll ausgestatteten Lakeside Appartements in Seefeld zum Beispiel liegen direkt zwischen See und Neun-LochGolfplatz und bieten einen Ausblick auf den See und das umliegende Bergpanorama. Die acht Appartements der Panorama Residence im nahe gelegenen Mösern werden zur Wintersaison 2019 fertig gestellt und liegen direkt im Wander- und Skiparadies des Seefelder Plateaus. Tirol Real Estate bietet damit Feriendomizile in erstklassiger Lage – an Traumorten für Berg- und Ski-Enthusiasten. www.tirolrealestate.com

Terrassen-Aussicht Panorama Residences Mösern.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  69

Innovative password management Made in Germany ‘Inspiring security’ – that’s the credo of the experienced specialist TESIS SYSware. Increase security and lower IT costs? The innovative software products for automated password & access management by TESIS SYSware make it possible. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE  I  PHOTOS: TESIS SYSWARE SOFTWARE ENTWICKLUNG

When it comes to highly secure software solutions, TESIS SYSware is not only a pioneer, but also a veteran in the field. For 30 years, the Munich-based expert has been dedicated to developing software, which makes automated password and directory management more secure and effective. Password security has been an important issue for a long time. But it has become even more pressing due to the legal requirements following the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as well as hacker attacks becoming bigger and more frequent. The long-term experience of TESIS SYSware brings a clear advantage, which is reflected in the cross-platform Self Service Password Manager ‘ASPR’. Renowned international companies from the automotive sector, but also large governmental organisations and hospital chains, already benefit from the automated and highly secure password management, which is also easy and quick to use. ASPR is compatible with many target systems 70  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

and allows employees to reset or change their passwords themselves, without being dependent on the IT department. If an employee has forgotten a password, there are various authentication options, which companies can choose from and combine. This ranges from the classic questionanswer-method, User-ID and password for other systems the user is authorised for, to the ‘four-eyes principle’ and smartcard. The state-of-the-art ‘Face Liveness Detection’ (BioID®) is another option.

has lots of online accounts, which should be protected accordingly by complex passwords. However, many of us only use one or two passwords for all log-ins, making us extremely vulnerable. In order for private users to be able to benefit from the vast experience of TESIS SYSware as well, a new product will be launched in autumn. “The knowhow from ASPR will be available to everyone,” Dr. Peter Gerathewohl explains. “It’s not only about creating secure passwords, but also about changing them regularly.” TESIS SYSware will continue to make life more difficult for hackers. www.tesis-sysware.de

Another product, the DIVA Access Manager, allows employees to request access rights to directories independently – again, without having to contact the IT department. “Our products are proven to be highly accepted by the users and hence they free up the workload of the companies’ IT,” says Dr. Peter Gerathewohl, TESIS SYSware CEO. Aside from the challenges presented to businesses, every modern human being

CEO Peter Gerathewohl.

CEO Christian Tilly.

Discover Germany  |  Exclusive Business Profiles  |  Trust in Germany’s Top Safety & Security Companies

Innovatives Passwort-Management made in Germany ‚Inspiring security‘ – so lautet das Motto des erfahrenen Spezialisten TESIS SYSware. Sicherheit erhöhen und IT-Servicekosten senken? Die innovativen Softwareprodukte für automatisiertes Password & Access Management von TESIS SYSware machen es möglich. Wenn es um hochsichere Software-Lösungen geht, ist TESIS SYSware nicht nur ein Pionier, sondern auch ein alter Hase in der Branche. Bereits seit 30 Jahren widmet sich der Münchner Experte der Entwicklung von Software, die automatisiertes Passwort- und Directory-Management sicherer und effektiver macht. Das Thema Passwort-Security ist schon lange überaus wichtig. Allerdings hat sich die Lage zum einen durch gesetzliche Vorgaben gemäß der EU-Datenschutzgrundverordnung (EU-DSGVO) und zum anderen durch immer größere und häufigere HackerAttacken verschärft. Hier bringt die jahrelange Erfahrung von TESIS SYSware einen klaren Vorteil, der sich in ihrem plattformübergreifenden Self Service Passwort Manager ‚ASPR‘ widerspiegelt. Namenhafte internationale Unternehmen aus der Automobilbranche, aber auch große Behörden und Klinikketten profitieren bereits von der automatisierten und hochsicheren Passwortverwaltung, die zudem auch noch ein-

fach und schnell zu bedienen ist. Dank ASPR, welches mit vielen Zielsystemen kompatibel ist, können Mitarbeiter ihre Passwörter selbst zurücksetzen oder ändern, ohne auf die Hilfe der IT-Abteilung angewiesen zu sein. Sollte ein Mitarbeiter ein Passwort vergessen haben, gibt es verschiedene Authentifizierungsmöglichkeiten, aus denen die Unternehmen beliebig viele auswählen können. Dies reicht von der klassischen Frage-Antwort-Methode, sowie User-ID und Passwort von Drittsystemen bis zum Vier-Augen-Prinzip und Smartcard. Auch die hoch moderne Gesichtserkennung mit ‚Face Liveness Detection‘ (BioID®) ist als Option vorhanden. Ein weiteres Produkt, der DIVA Access Manager, ermöglicht es Mitarbeitern Zugriffsrechte auf Verzeichnisse selbst zu beantragen – ebenfalls ohne die IT-Abteilung in Anspruch nehmen zu müssen. „Unsere Produkte haben nachweislich eine sehr hohe Akzeptanz bei den Anwendern und entlasten dementsprechend die Unternehmen-IT“, so Dr. Peter Gerathewohl, Geschäftsführer bei TESIS SYSware.

Neben den Herausforderungen für Unternehmen hat auch jeder moderne Mensch eine Fülle von Accounts, die entsprechend mit komplexen Passwörtern geschützt werden sollten. Viele von uns nutzen allerdings nur ein oder zwei Passwörter für alle Zugänge und das macht es sehr unsicher. Damit in Zukunft auch Privatpersonen von TESIS SYSwares jahrzehntelanger Erfahrung profitieren können, kommt im Herbst ein neues Produkt auf den Markt. „Hier wird das Know-How, welches in ASPR steckt, für jeden zugänglich“, erklärt Dr. Peter Gerathewohl. „Dabei geht es nicht nur um das Erstellen von sicheren Passwörtern, sondern auch darum, sie in regelmäßigen Abständen zu ändern.“ So wird es den Hackern ein ganzes Stück schwerer gemacht. www.tesis-sysware.de

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  71

SPECIAL THEME: GERMAN ARCHITECTURE 2019

What Germans do best Germans are famous for being good at what they do. And one of the things they do is that they create awesome architecture. Every major European style can be found in the country, from Roman to Baroque and Modern architecture. In the following special theme, we speak to some of Germany’s top architects to find out more about their projects. PHOTOS: PIXABAY

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  73

Regensburg Museum ‘Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte‘.

Insight and Innovation At wörner traxler richter, it is all about analysing the task in its planning phase and applying the insights freely, thus turning them into architectural innovation.

ity as well as the attractive supply of space for the museum’s various functions.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI  I  PHOTOS: WÖRNER TRAXLER RICHTER PLANUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH, FRANK BLÜMLER

The redesign of the Frankfurt-based WEFRA advertising company premises reinterprets the complex as “a merchant ship on course for a big journey”. By adding a new building, the design reacts to the contrasting environmental aspects of the forest on one side and the traffic on the other. The ensemble now ‘opens’ to the attractive south and ‘closes’ like a bulwark towards the west. The new, pillar-free layout of the working areas allows for flexible usage.

When Heinrich Wörner started out in 1971, in Frankfurt am Main, he immediately won a prestigious competition for the Alfried Krupp Hospital in Essen, a project which put the human being front and centre. Realised in close cooperation between client, architects and designers, as well as the future users, it resulted in a most innovative and sustainable project. More commissions soon followed and the office started growing rapidly, opening branches in Hamburg (1981), Dresden (1991) and Munich (2011). By end of the ‘90s, Petra Wörner, Stefan Traxler and Martin Richter joined as partners. The four offices today count a total of 140 employees. 74  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Health and science Among a multitude of projects in the medical science and care sectors, wörner traxler richter has recently finished a new building for the FELIX PLATTER university geriatrics centre in Basel. The BIM-based ‘grassroots’ project became the quickest-ever realisation of a hospital building in Switzerland. Public and corporate landmark projects For the Regensburg Museum ‘Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte’, which opened in June, wörner traxler richter analysed the urban building context of the Regensburg Old Town district. Their design won the firstt prize of a prestigious international competition, due to its quality and flexibil-

The ever-changing tasks of architecture nowadays, be it for society, corporate planning or simply about human beings and ideas, are the motor which keeps wörner traxler richter going – by creating innovation from insightful analysis. wtr-architekten.de

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  German Architecture 2019

Erkenntnis & Innovation Bei wörner traxler richter geht es seit knapp 50 Jahren immer wieder darum, aus der Planungsphase destillierte Erkenntnisse in architektonische Innovation zu verwandeln. Als Heinrich Wörner 1971 in Frankfurt am Main sein erstes eigenes Büro gründete, war der erste Großauftrag nicht weit: Das neue Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus in Essen sollte nach Wunsch des Kunden den Menschen in allen Abläufen in den Mittelpunkt stellen. In interdisziplinärer, enger Zusammenarbeit mit der Krupp-Stiftung, Architekten, Designern und Nutzervertretern entstand ein innovatives Projekt, welches auch aus heutiger Sicht von Nachhaltigkeit geprägt ist. Weitere Aufträge folgten bald und das Büro begann sich rapide zu vergrößern, mit Standorten in Hamburg (1981), Dresden (1991) und München (2011). Ende der 90er Jahre traten Petra Wörner, Stefan Traxler und Martin Richter als Partner bei und heute zählen wörner traxler richter 140 Angestellte, mit insgesamt 16 Mitarbeitern auf der Führungsebene.

WEFRA: Lounge mit Blick in die Konferenz.

Gesundheits- und Forschungssektor als Hauptaufgabe Neben vielen anderen komplexen Projekten im Gesundheitssektor vollendeten wörner traxler richter dieses Jahr die Universitäre Altersmedizin FELIX PLATTER in Basel. Das interdisziplinär durchgeführte, BIM-basierte Projekt war nicht nur wegweisend in der Durchführung, es markiert auch die landesweit schnellste Umsetzung für ein neues Spital in der Schweiz.

Öffentliche Institutionen und Unternehmensarchitektur Das neue Regensburger Museum ‚Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte‘ eröffnete mit einer großen Zeremonie im Juni. Der von wörner traxler richter im Kontext mit der umgebenden Regensburger Altstadt erstellte Entwurf gewann den 1. Preis aufgrund seiner Qualität und Flexibilität und dem attraktiven Flä-

FELIX PLATTER: Privatzimmer.

chenangebot für die verschiedenen Museumseigenen Aktivitäten. Das Re-Design der Frankfurter WEFRAWerbeagentur umfasst einen Neubau welcher das Gesamtensemble nicht nur neu interpretiert sondern sich auch stark an der Umgebung und vollständigen Nutzung des Grundstückes orientiert. Das Ensemble ist nun ,offen‘ zur attraktiven, baumbestandenen Nordseite, introvertiert nach Norden und ,wie ein Bollwerk‘ nach Westen gegen die Verkehrstrassen abgeschirmt. Die neuen, säulenfreien Büroflächen erlauben eine flexible Nutzung von offenen Gemeinschafts- bis hin zu Einzelbüros. Die sich wandelnden Aufgabenstellungen der heutigen Architektur – sei es für Gesellschaft, Unternehmen, oder einfach für Menschen und Ideen – treiben wörner traxler richter weiterhin an, mit großem Enthusiasmus aus der Erkenntnis der Sachverhalte heraus Innovation zu schaffen. wtr-architekten.de

FELIX PLATTER: Empfangshalle.

WEFRA: Blick gen Süden.

WEFRA: Blick von Westen.

Universitäre Altersmedizin FELIX PLATTER, Basel.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  75

Tehran Airport competition entry: The modular roof canopy is designed based on the Iranian architecture heritage. © HADI TEHERANI ARCHITECTS, rendered by Panoptikon

Design that is both functional and unique At Hadi Teherani, architecture and design have merged seamlessly and fruitfully for decades. The Tehran-born Hamburger continues to bring to life functional, futuristic and atmospheric interpretations, from door handle through to an entire airport.

complex approach: each detail refers to the vision of the whole.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI

“Everything is part of the whole, from concept to art direction and communication design through to the graphical presentation. This holistic approach concerns

“The design is already present – you only have to distill it from the constellation of assignment and setting,” states the architect. To him, the frame conditions are the decisive factor: “Other than in the free arts, architects need to stick to the specifications of the task. Creation can only develop from the functionality of the concept.” The architect, who has lived in Hamburg since his first school year, studied in Braunschweig and then further developed his craft at the Cologne-based 76  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Joachim Schürmann office, where he filled his creative “tool box” as he calls it – the basic equipment which he still uses today. His modernist, ‘Bauhaus’-influenced approach creates a formal language that embraces both the exterior and the interior. It is this exact formal language that his clients respond to with enthusiasm. Today, Hadi Teherani unites architecture, interior and product design under one roof. The remedy for success behind this

Cultural rediscovery

Hadi Teherani. Photo: © Roger Mandt, Berlin

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  German Architecture 2019

even my personal life.” As of a few years ago, the 65-year-old has also started to respond to requests from Iranian clients from his native city. Ever since, he has started to develop a new affinity to the Persian culture.“I have rediscovered all the beautiful elements of this wonderful and rich culture – reaching from the beautiful language (Farsi) through to the amazing architectural heritage with its formal references – a real treasure trove that I am exploring with enthusiasm.”With a branch office in Tehran, the first few projects, such as a fully equipped residential complex, have been successfully executed. Just recently, Hadi Teherani has made a bid for the new Tehran airport, an exclusive international competition in which only four offices have taken part. On design and branding The latest in a large range of Teherani design items are glasses, produced in cooperation with the HARBOUR brand. The applied 3D-laser print technique allows for an ultra-light, personalised frame: the ‘GRID’ frame weighs just over 20 grammes, including sun-protective glasses. The patented, high-quality design refers to natural structures, as is often the case with Teherani designs. In this case, the Fibonacci sequence, also to be found in the head of a sunflower, provided the inspiration for the unique yet recognisable creative principle.“In architecture, we create a prototype once, and in one

GRID - a capsule collection for HARBOUR glasses. Photo: © Martin Hass

place only. A patented design, however, bears a whole different range of opportunities when it comes to recognition.” Recognition, as well as branding, are topics that Teherani deems of high importance nowadays, in a broader sense, as well as when it comes to architecture. He sees a lot of potential in the wide recognition of landmark buildings, expressed by the public by applying names to recognisable objects such as the London ‘Gherkin’ or his own ‘crane houses’ in Cologne. Flare of Frankfurt Just recently finished, the office/residential/ hotel complex, situated on the Frankfurt ‘Rundschau’, site has already won the ICONIC AWARD 2019. The project stands

Flare of Frankfurt. Photo: © Neolith

HEWI Range 270 door handle. Architekture en minature. Photo: © HEW

for the holistic Teherani approach that is to incorporate the geometries and design principles found on-site: the highly recognisable, three-dimensional trademark elements visible on the street-side facade have been developed from the ground plan through to design details in a logical, consistent manner. Finding the grace in everyday life Another big step towards product design was the cooperation with the HEWI brand. The ‘Range 270’ door handle, winner of the ICONIC AWARD 2019 in the ‘product’ category, is a high-quality utilitarian object, developed from function to form. The simple, stylish object will provide a noted ease with every use and, in true Bauhaus tradition, is available as a serial product. To combine functionality, nature and humanity is a high priority for Hadi Teherani: “Lately, I have worked on a practical yet elegant walking aid for older residents, which is designed to provide an elegance and a joy in their everyday lives. In the past, walking aids used to be beautiful and were made of precious materials, why should that not be the case today?” Well-designed daily culture for the elderly has, to the architect, a lot to do with dignity: “All that eventually remains to us is our grace, isn’t it?”

Flare of Frankfurt. Photo: © Neolith

Tehran Airport competition entry: The modular organisation of the building would allow for a flexible expansion strategy to be laid out. © HADI TEHERANI ARCHITECTS, rendered by Panoptikon

The new object is planned to be available by Christmas time. www.haditeherani.com Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  77

SPECIAL THEME: SWISS ARCHITECTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS 2019

One of Europe’s top architecture meccas The Alpine country of Switzerland sports dozens of innovative, eye-popping buildings and gorgeous interior designs by internationally renowned architects, making it one of Europe’s top architecture meccas. Discover Germany takes a look at which buildings should be visited on your next trip. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: PIXABAY

Zentrum Paul Klee. Photo: © Bern Tourism, swiss-image.ch/Bern Tourism/Zentrum Paul Klee

78  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Swiss Architects and Interior Designers 2019

There are many reasons to visit Switzerland, including great museums, the natural surroundings, enchanting old towns, bustling city centres, exciting exhibitions or the wonderful food (think chocolate, cheese, wine). However, what many visitors overlook is the wealth of impressive architecture from past and present. After all, in addition to many medieval buildings, the country has a vast range of contemporary architecture on offer. Let us take a look at some of these. Zentrum Paul Klee Built in Bern by architect Renzo Piano, this impressive building houses a museum complex which honours artist Paul Klee. Its distinctive look enchants with three steel and glass ‘hills’ and it looks almost like the building grows right out of the grassy field. Messe Basel, New Hall The ‘Messe Basel’ can be found in Basel. Built by the famous pair of architects, Herzog & de Meuron, the extension to the Messe Basel exhibition centre has become a trademark of Basel’s cityscape. The star architects replaced two of the older halls with an extension that stacks three new ten-metre-high halls on top of each other. The brushed aluminium clads make this extension a real eye-catcher not to be missed. Monte Rosa hut Built in 2009 in Zermatt, the ‘Monte Rosa hut’ is a mountain refuge of the special kind. Designed by the ETH Zurich team, it is “Switzerland’s most complex wooden building”, according to them. Not only

looking impressive, the Monte Rosa hut also has stainless-steel foundation, an aluminium outer shell and a computercontrolled energy-management system with solar panels. In other words – it combines cutting-edge architecture with sustainable technology. Tschuggen Grand Hotel The five-star luxury hotel’s spa area is something rather extraordinary, visually. Designed in 2003 by Swiss-born Mario Botta and associate architects GPL

Tschuggen Arosa Salvatore, the spa area’s outer appearance reminds visitors of the calm and sacredness of the mountain landscape that surrounds the hotel. It needs to be seen to be believed!

In the following special theme, we take a look at some of Switzerland’s top architects, as well as Switzerland’s interior design elite and their impressive projects. Get inspired!

Tschuggen Grand Hotel. Photo: © Switzerland, swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  79

Hotel Belvedere Restaurant La Fontana. Photo: © Hotel Belvedere

Where design visions become reality Swiss interior design firm Krucker Partner AG creates custom-made solutions and turns design visions into interior reality within the hospitality and healthcare sector. With a great deal of heart, extensive know-how and an unbeatable network, Krucker Partner AG offers an all-round package and supervises projects from the first sketch to the final pillow. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

It all started in 2002, when Leo Krucker and Felix Rosenkranz founded their own company in Luzern. Originally, the team worked as general contractors and realised sophisticated interior design projects of well-known interior design firms. But because more and more happy customers were asking for a closer collaboration, Krucker Partner AG expanded and added its very own interior design department. Today, interior design is a fundamental pillar of the company, which has established itself as one of the top firms in the market that is still led by its founders. The versatility of interior design Especially for interior design and particularly within the hospitality sector, every 80  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

project brings new challenges. “Sometimes the work has to start with the entire structure of a building, other times it’s smaller improvements, which have to be cleverly integrated,” Verena Zaugg-Faszl, interior designer at Krucker Partner AG, explains. What most fascinates and motivates the team around head of design Ivo Christow, is the collaboration with the different clients. Often, they work with owner-led hotels and the relationship with the client is accordingly close. Zaugg adds enthusiastically: “It’s always exciting to figure out new approaches for each individual client. There are hotel owners who would like to be involved in all creative processes, and then those who give us their full

trust and, after the first concept, they prefer to just see the final sample room.” Another pillar of Krucker Partner AG is the healthcare sector. Here, the creative team designs and realises not just single surgeries, but also entire clinic centres. With each new challenge, not only does it add to the firm’s experience, but it also means its network grows further, which is an important element of the company. It’s the key to being able to offer all-inclusive packages, aside from just the building services and interior design. In-depth research leads to a solid concept foundation At Krucker Partner AG, great importance is placed on comprehensive research and a well-thought through concept foundation – essential steps, which happen before the actual concept is even being developed. “We want to create depth with our ideas and don’t just take the first best thing. This means time and creativity have to be invested, because that’s the base for

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Swiss Architects and Interior Designers 2019

Wo Designvisionen Wirklichkeit werden Das Schweizer Innenarchitekturbüro Krucker Partner AG entwirft maßgeschneiderte Lösungen für die Innenausstattungsvisionen der Hotellerie- und Gastronomiebranche, sowie im Gesundheitswesen. Mit viel Herzblut, jahrelangem Know-How und einem unschlagbaren Netzwerk bietet die Krucker Partner AG ein Rundum-Paket und betreut Projekte von der ersten Skizze bis zum letzten Kissen. Angefangen hat alles 2002 als Leo Krucker und Felix Rosenkranz ihre eigene Firma in Luzern gründeten. Ursprünglich fungierte das Team als Generalunternehmer und realisierte anspruchsvolle Innenausstattungprojekte für bekannte Innenarchitekturbüros. Da sich aber immer mehr zufriedene Kunden eine noch gesamtheitlichere Zusammenarbeit wünschten, wurde die Krucker Partner AG 2013 um eine eigene InnenarchitekturAbteilung erweitert. Heute ist die Innenarchitektur eine fundamentale Säule des Unternehmens, das sich als Top-Adresse in der Branche etabliert hat und weiterhin von den Gründern geleitet wird.

Die Vielseitigkeit der Innenarchitektur Gerade in der Innenarchitektur und insbesondere in der Hotel- und Gastronomiebranche birgt jedes Projekt neue Aufgaben und Probleme. „Manchmal muss die Arbeit bei der gesamten Gebäudestruktur anfangen, manchmal sind es nur kleinere Eingriffe, die es geschickt zu integrieren gilt“, erklärt

Sorell Rigiblick. Foto: © Vreni Giger / Sorell Hotels

Verena Zaugg-Faszl, Innenarchitektin bei der Krucker Partner AG. Was das Team um den Head of Design Ivo Christow allerdings am meisten fasziniert und antreibt, ist die Zusammenarbeit mit den unterschiedlichen Bauherren. Es wird häufig mit inhabergeführten Hotels gearbeitet und die Bindung zum Kunden ist dementsprechend eng. Zaugg fügt enthusiastisch hinzu: „Es ist immer wieder spannend mit den individuellen Charakteren unterschiedliche Wege zu finden. Es gibt Hoteliers, die an möglichst allen Kreativprozessen beteiligt sein möchten und solche, die uns ihr volles Vertrauen geben und nach dem ersten Konzept als nächstes erst wieder das fertige Musterzimmer sehen möchten.“ Ein weiteres Standbein der Krucker Partner AG ist der Bereich Gesundheitswesen. Hier designt und realisiert das kreative Team nicht nur einzelne Arztpraxen, sondern sogar komplette Operationszentren. Mit jeder

neuen Herausforderung wächst der Erfahrungsschatz und natürlich das Netzwerk aus Lieferanten und Partnern, welches eine wichtige Komponente des Büros darstellt. Denn nur so kann neben der Innenarchitektur und den Bauleistungen auch ein allumfassendes Gesamtpaket angeboten werden.

Gute Recherche führt zu einer fundierten Konzeptbasis Bei der Krucker Partner AG wird überaus großen Wert auf eine umfassende Recherche und eine tiefgreifende Konzeptbasis gelegt – wichtige Schritte, die vor der Ausarbeitung des Konzepts geschehen. „Wir wollen mit unseren Ideen Tiefe schaffen und nicht das erstbeste nehmen. Hier gilt es Zeit und Kreativität zu investieren, denn auf dieser Basis baut alles Weitere auf und man kann sich immer wieder auf sie zurückbesinnen, wenn es einmal hakt“, so Zaugg. Das Konzept fängt also nicht mit der Innenarchitektur an, sondern umfasst alle Bereiche eines Restaurants oder Hotels. Allerdings macht diese trotzdem einen großen Teil aus, denn der erste Eindruck des Gastes ist von der Innenarchitektur stark geprägt – fällt dieser erstmal negativ aus, ist das schwer zu korrigieren, egal wie fantastisch die Speisen sind.

Sorell Rigiblick. Foto: © Vreni Giger / Sorell Hotels

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Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Swiss Architects and Interior Designers 2019

everything else to build on, and if there are any problems, you can always go back to it,” Zaugg says. Hence, the concept doesn’t start with the interior design, but includes all aspects of a restaurant or hotel. The interior design still takes on a prominent role, however, because the guest’s first impression is shaped greatly by the interior design – if that impression is negative, it’s hard to correct it, regardless of how delicious the food might be. Sticking with your own style

Sunstar Grindelwald. Photo: © Daniela Fricke

Wirtshaus zur Krone Winterthur. Photo: © Sorell Hotels

At Krucker Partner AG, project and building managers work hand in hand and very closely together with the interior designers. That way, the best possible solutions can be developed to find the ideal balance between powerful design and budget, which is particularly important in the price-sensitive field of hotels. Thanks to its immense experience, Krucker Partner AG knows what’s crucial, and it confidently decides when a compromise makes sense. They stand by their own style without ever losing sight of innovations. Regardless of whether a project is small or big, Krucker Partner AG is always fully dedicated. The team is just as proud of socalled ‘small face-lifts’, as it is of large projects abroad. The Sporthotel Pontresina, for example, has been a client for almost 20 years: every few years, a new stage of renovation is being realised. Krucker Partner AG is always particularly happy about a long-standing, trusting partnership such as this, and the joint achievements it brings. Currently, the firm is working on a new design project of note: the former women’s prison in Berlin Lichterfelde is being turned into a boutique hotel called ‘The Knast’ (the clink). “Through collaboration with Marc Aeberhard of Luxury Hotel & Spa Management Ltd, we were asked to design the hotel rooms,” Zaugg says. “The old cell structures will remain true to the original, with existing vaults and barred windows. But what the interior design looks like will stay a secret until the hotel opens.” We can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Sporthotel Pontresina. Photo: © Sporthotel Pontresina

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www.krucker-partner.ch

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Swiss Architects and Interior Designers 2019

Inspiration findet das Team der Krucker Partner AG überall, egal ob im Alltag oder auf Kunstveranstaltungen. Meistens entstehen die Ideen aber beim Brainstorming des Teams wie Christow verrät: „Wenn man hierfür Personen aus unterschiedlichen Disziplinen hat, sprühen die Ideen nur so und einem kreativen, neuen Konzept steht nichts mehr im Weg.“

Dem eigenen Stil treu bleiben Projekt- und Bauleiter arbeiten bei der Krucker Partner AG Hand in Hand und sehr eng mit den Innenarchitekten zusammen. So werden die bestmöglichen Lösungen entwickelt, was vor allem in der Hotellerie als preissensible Branche bedeutet, den optimalen Weg zwischen ausdrucksstarkem Design und Kostenfaktor zu finden. Die Krucker Partner AG weiß dank ihres Erfahrungsschatzes was zählt und kann zielsicher beurteilen, wann auch ein Kompromiss sinnvoll sind. Sie bleibt ihrem eigenen Stil treu, ohne jemals den Blick für Neues zu verlieren.

Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna, Gebärzimmer. Foto: © Daniela Fricke

Unabhängig davon wie klein oder groß die verschiedenen Projekte sind, ist die Krucker Partner AG mit Herzblut bei der Sache. Auf sogenannte kleine ‚Faceliftings‘ ist das Team genauso stolz wie auf große Auslandsprojekte. Das Sporthotel Pontresina ist zum Beispiel bereits seit fast 20 Jahren ein zufriedener Kunde, wobei hier alle paar Jahre eine neue Umbauetappe realisiert wird. Über dieses langjährige Vertrauen und die gemeinsame Entwicklung freut sich die Krucker Partner AG besonders.

Hotel Bohemia Playa del Ingles. Foto: © Hotel Bohemia

Zurzeit arbeitet das Büro an einem absoluten Design-Highlight: Aus einem ehemaligen Frauengefängnis in Berlin Lichterfelde entsteht das Boutique-Hotel ‚The Knast‘. „Durch die Zusammenarbeit mit Marc Aeberhard von Luxury Hotel & Spa Management LTD wurden wir für die Konzeption der Hotelzimmer angefragt“, erzählt Zaugg. „Die alten Zellenstrukturen werden originalgetreu beibehalten, mit bestehenden Gewölben und vergitterten Fenstern. Wie das Interior dazu aussieht, bleibt aber noch eine Überraschung bis das Hotel eröffnet wird.“ Wir sind sehr gespannt.

www.krucker-partner.ch

Ivo Christow: Head of Design. Foto: © Regina De Paolis

Verena Zaugg: Konzept, Entwurf, Planung. Foto: © Regina De Paolis

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Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Swiss Architects and Interior Designers 2019

AIR restaurant at Zurich International Airport.

Clienia Private Clinic Schlössli, Oetwil am See.

Andy Gobeli, interior architect and project manager.

AIR restaurant at Zurich International Airport.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI  I  PHOTOS: RENÉ DÜRR ZÜRICH

Design, emotion and technology

Design, Technik und Emotion

Ever since 2001, the experienced team at Modularis AG has been working on interior solutions meeting the highest functional, ergonomic and aesthetic demands – from commercial and private objects through to clinics, hotels and gastronomy.

Seit 2001 dreht sich bei dem inhabergeführten Team der Modularis AG alles um Einrichtungslösungen, die den höchsten funktionalen, ergonomischen und ästhetischen Ansprüchen gerecht werden – von Gewerbe- und Wohnobjekten über Kliniken bis hin zur Hotellerie.

For such atmospheric, grand-scale projects as the AIR restaurant at Zurich International Airport, Modularis proved just the right partner.

Auch für atmosphärisch orientierte Projekte wie das Flughafen-Restaurant AIR in Zürich war Modularis genau der richtige Ansprechpartner:

The name of the restaurant says it all. The comprehensive concept for restaurant, bakery, bar and terrace is all about the history of aviation and the airport itself – from here, people have headed off to explore the world since the late ‘40s. Planned by the Detail Design GmbH, the idea was to present an ‘honest design statement’ with memo value. Modularis was commissioned to design the mobile elements. The guideline was to create stylish, upholstered furniture that would meet the extremely high demands on fire safety. For the one-of-a-kind objects, the complete material segments were ordered separately and assembled into unique pieces. The result is a high-quality, experience-orientated environment for tourists, business travelers and employees alike. Modularis is currently working on prestigious interiors for the Baloise Park Basel and the University Hospital Zurich, as well as for various projects for the public sector.

Der Name für das umfassende Konzept aus Restaurant, Bakery, Bar und Terrasse gibt unmissverständlich vor, worum es bei diesem ‚FlughafenCulinarium‘ geht – nämlich um die Luftfahrt und die Bedeutung des Züricher Flughafens selbst, von wo man seit den 40er Jahren auf stählernen Flügeln in die weite Welt abheben kann. Mit der außergewöhnlichen Gestaltung des Gastronomie-Konzeptes plante und realisierte die Detail Design GmbH als Innenarchitekt und Generalplaner ein ,ehrliches Design-Statement‘ mit Erinnerungswerten. Modularis AG wurde mit der Umsetzung der mobilen Einrichtung beauftragt. Die Vorgabe war hier, Polstermöbel zu entwerfen, welche einerseits ihrer Nutzung gerecht werden und andererseits die extrem hohen Anforderungen an den Brandschutz erfüllen. Für die größtenteils voll gepolsterten Objekte wurde der komplette Aufbau der Materialschichten einzeln beschafft und jeweils zu Unikaten verarbeitet. Entstanden ist ein wertiges, einzigartiges und Erlebnis-orientiertes Gesamtkonstrukt für Touristen, Geschäftsreisende und Mitarbeiter zugleich. Modularis arbeitet zur Zeit für groß angelegte Projekte wie den Baloise Park Basel, das Universitätsspital Zürich, sowie für den öffentlichen Sektor. www.modularis.ch

84  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Glass diamond Hotel Vieux Manoir, Murten. Photo: © Walter Mair

Architecture and interior design with a personal touch Architecture and interior design firm GREGO, in Zurich, designs spaces with captivating atmospheres and which promote an individual character throughout. The two founders, Jasmin Grego and Stephanie Kühnle, not only keep innovating their own craft and growing with every new challenge, but they also work with a very personal approach. The results are interiors in which we humans thrive and feel a wonderful sense of well-being.

right choice. Their firm not only enjoys a great reputation, but it also has a large client base and gets recommended frequently by their happy customers.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Jasmin Grego and Stephanie Kühnle met on the very first day of their studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH). Both standing in front of the noticeboard, they quickly realised that they were able to answer each other’s questions. Looking back, it is clear that this was a match made in heaven, 86  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

because now, so many years later, they still complement each other perfectly and have created the ideal environment for running a company for architecture and interior design together. The decision to work together on day one of knowing each other was certainly the

Jasmin Grego and Stephanie Kühnle. Photo: © Lionel Henriod

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Swiss Architects and Interior Designers 2019

Glass diamond Hotel Vieux Manoir, Murten. Photo: © Walter Mair

Just like the work dynamic between Grego and Kühnle has not changed over the years, their passion and fascination for the craft remains unaltered. “Architecture and interior design allow us to think and act in different systems. On the one hand, there is the vision, which is a place where thoughts can move freely and where entire worlds can be developed,” says Grego. “On the other hand, there is the reality we live in, where ideas and visions have to be tested, developed further and then realised. Construction makes our visions and thoughts finally visible. We can materialise them and turn them into something palpable. This is incredibly fascinating and we learn a lot through it. We continue to grow

Glass diamond Hotel Vieux Manoir, Murten. Photo: © Walter Mair

and our work keeps presenting exciting new challenges.” “Once a project is realised, it needs to be able to live and function independently.” The client base of GREGO is varied and includes hotels, restaurants and bars, stores, office buildings, exhibition spaces, retirement homes and private buildings. But what most of the projects Grego and Kühnle work on have in common, is that they are usually highly complex with a significant focus on details. The duo’s speciality is the creation of rooms with a lot of atmosphere and iden-

Hotel Nomad, Basel. Photo: © Julien Vonier

tity. For them, it is not so much about having their own unique signature style, but instead, it’s about having a signature workflow. Grego adds: “We don’t just develop stylistic and formal worlds, but also create concepts regarding content and strategy.” Aside from great technical expertise, having a sense of human understanding is equally important to designing a space successfully. Years of experience of working with so many different people are a true advantage in the field. Grego and Kühnle recognise that they have learned from each and every client, which enables them to design such personal projects and prototypical architecture and interior design.

Hotel Nomad, Basel. Photo: © Julien Vonier

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  87

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Swiss Architects and Interior Designers 2019 Hotel Couronne, Solothurn. Photo: © Julien Vonier

Hotel Couronne, Solothurn. Photo: © Julien Vonier

The clients and the future users take centre-stage. Their wishes and requirements are worked out in close discussion with the team around Grego and Kühnle. That way, they create custommade solutions for individual projects. It’s important that a project will become its own entity once it’s realised. As Grego puts it: “Of course we don’t build the projects for ourselves. Once a project is realised, it needs to be able to live and fully function independently.” Life is the greatest source of inspiration Grego and Kühnle are passionate observers. Hence, life presents the greatest source of inspiration. “There are as many different lifestyles as there are people

George Bar & Grill, Zurich. Photo: © Julien Vonier

88  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Hotel Couronne, Solothurn. Photo: © Julien Vonier

on this planet,” Grego says. “In addition, there is history and the resulting forms of culture. It’s an infinite pool of inspiration.” Art, film and architecture also play into account when the team is coming up with new ideas and, of course, the client’s vision is the foundation for all projects.

interior designs,” she explains. “It’s our goal to design new and individual rooms with high recognition value, which promote and form identity through their atmosphere. We aim to create specific sensory experiences through a space.”

Depending on the task at hand, individual storyboards are made and they build the base for the resulting dramatic composition of each room. Another component, as Grego points out, is the development and definition of the right atmosphere. “The translation of this work into concrete construction with corresponding definitions of colour and material allows us to develop forms for architecture and

The team at GREGO consists of architects and interior designers with a great deal of experience in interior construction. It’s important to Kühnle and Grego that each employee does not only bring her or his individual skillset and talent, but also their very own way of thinking and of designing. Hence, it is that kind of in-depth yet flexible knowledge the company is based on.

Great listeners, avid observers

George Bar & Grill, Zurich. Photo: © Julien Vonier

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Swiss Architects and Interior Designers 2019

Restaurant Take Away Metzg, Zurich. Photo: © Julien Vonier

The human factor plays a big part both internally and for the interaction with clients. In order to design a project successfully, the team has to understand specific lifestyles, the residents and users, as well as the daily rituals and functional requirements each task brings. Thus, listening and observing is part of the early design process. But the same principle applies to the craft itself: studying the quality and character of an already existing building, or examining the special concept and the architectural idea of a new construction. Depending on the project, there are various work models the team follows. This

Hotel Guarda Val, Sporz. Photo: © Walter Mair

Restaurant Take Away Metzg, Zurich. Photo: © Julien Vonier

includes working with external architects and designing the interior design, but the firm also offers to design the entire architecture: for example, for reconstruction, renovation or conversion projects. Upon request, they also hand over projects when they are what’s called ‘löffelfertig’ in German, and this means that all you need to move in is your suitcase, as everything else from bedding to cutlery is already there. Making a lasting impact GREGO often gets recommended by clients and they also frequently get asked to do the private homes of people who have stayed in hotels they designed. It’s safe to say their work speaks for itself.

Hotel Guarda Val, Sporz. Photo: © Walter Mair

The success of their concepts is also evident when looking at hotel rankings, where their clients often and consistently remain ahead of the crowd. “People seem to feel good in our rooms, which is lovely,” Grego adds with a smile. “We are grateful for our clients’ ongoing trust in our skills. Long-term clients have turned into genuine friends.” Passion, precision and know-how, but also a great deal of insight into and experience with human nature, are the main ingredients for GREGO’s ongoing success in the design business.

www.grego.ch

Hotel Guarda Val, Sporz. Photo: © Walter Mair

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  89

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Swiss Architects and Interior Designers 2019

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE  I  PHOTOS: 85D INNENARCHITEKTUR GMBH

Inspiring rooms

Räume, die begeistern

Stimulating colours, elevating materials, intelligent wall layouts – professional interior architecture should know how to effectively accentuate the functions of a room.

Anregende Farben, inspirierende Materialien, intelligente Wandverläufe – professionelle Innenarchitektur vermag die Funktionen von Räumen eindrucksvoll zu unterstreichen.

“Commercial offices, gastronomy, stands or living spaces - our demands on ourselves and the quality of our designs are always high: meet the requirements of both our clients and of the respective room functions,” says Silvan Derungs, catalyst of ideas and owner of interior architectural office 85d in Swiss Niederuzwil.

„Egal, ob Gewerbe, Gastronomie, Messebau oder Wohnräume - unser Anspruch an uns und die Qualität unserer Arbeit ist gleichermassen hoch. Den Anforderungen unserer Kunden als auch den jeweiligen Raumfunktionen soll genüge getragen werden“, so Silvan Derungs, Ideenkatalysator und Inhaber des Innenarchitekturbüros 85d im schweizerischen Niederuzwil.

Interior architecture goes beyond the mere decoration of rooms: “For us, interior architecture rises above the mere conception of rooms. Only designs focusing on room functions and their users will generate significant added value. Before we sketch structures, we get to know the people behind them. We focus on the orientation of an object, the incidence of light and the materials, in order to identify what particular spaces may require.” The new design of a commercial building in Niederuzwil, for example, uses light structures, natural material and colours, which appeal to visitors and employees alike. The entrance area and its vegetation wall enhances the indoor climate and is a classic example for 85d’s out-of-the-box thinking. “While we don’t want to attract attention at all cost, our designs are beyond the so-called norm. We are and will remain hungry for innovative ideas. It’s the only way we can continue to improve.” 90  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Innenarchitektur ist mehr als nur die Ausstattung von Räumen: „Für uns übersteigt Innenarchitektur die bloße Konzeption von Räumen. Denn nur Designs, die auf Raumfunktion und Nutzer fokussieren, können nachhaltig Mehrwert generieren. Bevor wir Strukturen zeichnen, lernen wir die Menschen dahinter kennen. Wir beschäftigen uns mit der Ausrichtung eines Objekts, dem Lichteinfall und den Materialien, um zu erkennen was den Räumen fehlt.“ Für die Neukonzeption eines Gewerbeobjekts in Niederuzwil wurden beispielsweise leichte Strukturen, natürliche Materialien und Farben verwendet, welche Besucher und Angestellte gleichermaßen zu überzeugen vermögen. Der Eingangsbereich mit seiner begrünten Wand, die für eine Verbesserung des Raumklimas sorgt, ist ein Paradebeispiel für das out-ofthe-box Denken von 85d. „Ohne um jeden Preis auffallen zu wollen, liegen unsere Entwürfe durchaus jenseits der sogenannten Norm. Wir sind und bleiben hungrig nach innovativen Ideen. Nur so können wir stetig besser werden.“ www.85d.ch

Messe Frankfurt, Relaunch of Congress Center (Invited international competition).

Open minds think alike From prototype to corporate design, Ramseier & Associates Ltd. count on a flexible, innovative architectural approach paired with 30 years of expertise. TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI  I  PHOTOS: RAMSEIER & ASSOCIATES LTD.

When architect Andreas Ramseier speaks to CEOs about a unique solution for new headquarters, a signature building or a new corporate design from shell to interior through to branding, they always end up on the same wavelength pretty quickly. “On approaching a new project, I like to start with a sole element which symbolically stands for the mission of the company and take it from there. The result is something new growing out of the task itself.” 92  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

From core to corporate In the case of the Margarete Steiff Museum, it was the renowned toymanufacturer’s signature ear button (‘Knopf im Ohr’) – which in itself stands for coherent quality and iconic design. From this tiny element, the idea of a futurist, elliptical layout for the museum building was born. Reminding one of Richard Serra’s steel sculptures, the slightly conical building presents the brand and company history on a gross floor area of 2,400 square metres. Ramseier & Associates Ltd. won the assignment to design and

plan the new museum near Ulm through an invited competition. The building also houses a restaurant and museum shop, as well as a workshop. The inclusive idea of corporate design of course goes back to the early and groundbreaking influences of the 1920s/30s Bauhaus era, merging the interior with

Partners Andreas and Zoé Alexa Ramseier.

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Swiss Architects and Interior Designers 2019

the exterior through to integrating the landscape to create a complete, wholesome life/work environment. This ‘360º – idea’ has been an ongoing inspiration for Andreas Ramseier, and still today marks his own work, highly valued by established corporation names such as the Swatch Group or Porsche. The newly designed headquarters for the Beisheim Holding in Baar was finished just recently and has already earned multiple awards. A building in the city of Zug, originally stemming from the ‘80s, houses the headquarters on the penthouse level on a gross floor area of 1,600 square metres. The new layout creates an interplay between the various individual work, meeting and resting areas. Both futurist and warm in expression, the organic, floating interior design creates a welcoming and inspiring environment. Along slightly tilted wall surfaces, daylight is directed straight into the central area. Homogeneous, curved ice-birch walls separate the various spaces, producing a friendly, light atmosphere. Carpets and lighting round up the holistic design. A futurist design also marks the Ramseier design for the Swatch Group Headquarters in Biel, following an invitation to an international competition. Two connected buildings, with a layered structure of floor levels (much like multiple-lid watches), form a complete and organic ensemble.

Margarete Steiff Museum Ulm (1st prize in competition).

Beisheim Holding GmbH Baar, Corporate Headquarters.

Swatch Group Headquarters Biel (Invited international competition).

The Park Hotel Zug’s new interior has won Ramseier & Associates Ltd. a first prize and repeats elliptical patterns, ‘rounding up’ the various dining and meeting areas as well as the bar, while also creating an almost nautical quality. Floating curtains add to the general elegance and guests might imagine sitting down in a futurist version of a stylish ‘20s ocean liner. Groundbreaking sustainable technology Sustainability plays an important role at

Zurich Development Center, Zurich (1st prize in competition).

Glatt Tower shopping center Zurich, substainable renovation.

Ramseier & Associates Ltd. Prof. Andreas Betz, who is teaching on the subject, regularly advises the architects on each of their projects as part of the team. This often results in applying the latest in innovative, sustainable technology, such as introducing energy-saving, polychrome glass panes for the renovation of the Glatt Tower, a Zurich landmark building. The complete redesign is planned to be finished in 2020. Whether a subterranean shopping centre the size of a football field (St. Gallen), or a new congress center for the Zurich Park Hyatt, the overall motto at Ramseier & Associates Ltd. stays the same: ‘Always Innovative!’. This open-minded approach and the ability to create fitting prototypes has gained the architects the most interesting commissions both in the past and at present. A study for the relaunch of the Congress Center Messe Frankfurt, the Geneva-based Centre de la Confederation Shopping Gallery and Centre Balexert (both first prize winners), as well as the aforementioned, innovative Glatt Tower shopping centre renovation in Zurich, are among the multiple inspiring projects that Ramseier architects will be working on in 2019 alone. www.ramseier-assoc.com Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  93

S P E C I A L T H E M E : G E R M A N Y ’ S R E C R U I T M E N T C O N S U LTA N T S

Welcome to the world of recruitment The task of finding the perfect candidate is without question a challenging one. Companies need an experienced partner to help recruit employees, who are not only qualified but who will also thrive in the individual corporate structures. In this special theme, we present Germany’s top recruitment consultants. PHOTOS: PIXABAY

94  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Germany’s Recruitment Consultants

Barbara Sellke mit Christian Wulff. Foto: © KD Busch/compamedia

Mit Vertrauen und Menschenkenntnis zur Topassistenz Damit Topführungskräfte an der Spitze bleiben, brauchen sie Topassistenzen an ihrer Seite – daran besteht kein Zweifel. Allerdings ist es eine echte Herausforderung Kandidaten zu finden, die nachhaltig perfekt passen. Hier ist die Personalberatung Sellke. Personalized Executive Assistant Search genau der richtige Partner. In diesem Jahr feiert das Unternehmen von Barbara Sellke sein zehntes Jubiläum und schaut stolz auf ein höchst erfolgreiches Jahrzehnt zurück. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE  I  FOTOS: BARBARA SELLKE

Zehn Jahre ist es her seit Barbara Sellke ihr Beratungsunternehmen gründete, an der Energie, dem Elan und der Leidenschaft für ihren Beruf hat sich nichts geändert. Kunden und Kandidaten liegen ihr gleichermaßen am Herzen. Hier gibt es keine schnelle Abfertigung – im Gegenteil. Mit viel Fingerspitzengefühl, Intuition und einem fundierten Fachwissen wählt Sellke die Kandidaten sorgfältig und vor allem zielsicher aus. Sie nimmt sich Zeit, um die Wünsche ihrer Kunden umfassend zu verstehen. Diese individuelle Betreuung zahlt sich aus, denn die Kunden können sich darauf verlassen, dass nur wirklich hochqualifizierte Persönlichkeiten vorgeschlagen werden. Das spart Zeit und Kraft. Als Personalberaterin hat sich Barbara Sellke immer schon beiden Seiten ver-

pflichtet gefühlt. Sie weiß, dass mit Bewerbern nicht immer ganz professionell umgegangen wird und kennt ebenso die Anforderungen der Kunden sehr gut. Neben der Qualifikation steht also auch die Persönlichkeit der Kandidaten im Vordergrund, denn wie Sellke erklärt, geht die Arbeit einer Assistentin auf Führungsebene heute meist über die klassischen organisatorischen und administrativen Aufgaben hinaus. Executive Assistants sind, so Sellke, erster interner wie externer Kontaktpunkt sowie Ruhepol für ihre Führungskraft. Sie überwachen, lenken und steuern. „Je vertrauensvoller und intensiver das Mikroteam Führungskraft und Assistenz zusammenarbeitet, umso effektiver wird die Zusammenarbeit mit dem Management-Team sein“, erklärt sie.

Dabei ist die Grundlage für ihre Arbeit klar definiert: „Ich setze auf tiefes Vertrauen und höchste Qualität. Denn eine reibungslose Zusammenarbeit funktioniert nur, wenn beide Komponenten zusammenkommen.“ Damit nach der Einstellung einer neuen Assistenz ein gutes Arbeitsklima entsteht, begleitet und coacht Sellke auf Wunsch auch nach der Probezeit. So werden unterschiedliche Erwartungen abgestimmt, bevor sie zu Problemen führen. Was vor zehn Jahren am Küchentisch mit Laptop und Hund begann, ist heute eine Größe in der Branche. Dafür wurde Sellke beim fünften Deutschen MittelstandsSummit vom Bundespräsidenten a.D. Christian Wulff als Top-Consultant ausgezeichnet, die wichtigste Ehrung für mittelstandsorientierte Berater. Nun wird in die Schweiz und nach Österreich expandiert. Vieles hat sich also geändert, doch ein paar fundamentale Dinge hat Sellke behalten: Ihre echte Liebe zu ihrem Beruf, ihre Herzlichkeit… und ihren Hund. www.sellke.eu Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  95

Recruitment consulting with passion, determination and instinct The Düsseldorf-based head for work GmbH is a personnel recruitment agency that specialises in recruiting experts and managers in finance and accounting, sales and marketing, human resources and IT. Speed, quality and transparent communication are the company’s trademarks. Experienced consultants will find exactly the right candidate for each vacancy. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN  I  PHOTOS: HEAD FOR WORK GMBH

head for work GmbH convinces clients and candidates alike and mainly through one thing – accomplishments. The consultancy distinguishes itself from competitors because it works with passion, conviction and pleasure. Candidates and clients are advised by top-educated consultants, who conduct their work with great enthusiasm, are approachable and create true added value. “We always maintain an open and honest communication with all parties and give them a realistic assessment of the current job market,” says managing director and founder Denis Drago. 96  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

When it comes to recruitment, the main focus is placed on people, because added value is only possible when a company finds exactly the right type of person for the job. And here is where the expertise of head for work GmbH is concentrated, because not only professional qualifications are important, the candidate’s attitude, for example, is just as significant as the recruiting company’s internal culture. “To identify this and bring it all together is our task,” says Denis Drago.“If we have all necessary information about a company’s vacancy, we will develop criteria. Based on this data, a profile of the optimum candi-

date is created. Besides qualifications, the character and personality are core aspects.” Instinct and empathy help consultants to find the right candidate. head for work GmbH consists of a team of experienced experts: founder Denis Drago has more than ten years of experience in recruitment consulting and always dreamed about founding his own company. As managing director, he inspires people and recognises potential. A dynamic and motivated team assists him in the operational side of the business. The company has found opportunities for many young talents – not only through consultancy, but also within the firm. Young consultants who joined as trainees have found personal and professional success. This is an experience they now use in recruitment processes with clients and candidates. www.headforwork.de

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Germany’s Recruitment Consultants

Personalberatung mit Leidenschaft, Entschlossenheit und Fingerspitzengefühl Die Düsseldorfer head for work GmbH hat sich als Personalberatung auf die Vermittlung von Fach- und Führungskräften in den Bereichen Finanz- und Rechnungswesen, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources und IT spezialisiert. Schnelligkeit, Qualität und transparente Kommunikation sind dabei die Markenzeichen. Für jede Stelle finden die Berater den exakt richtigen Kandidaten. Die head for work GmbH überzeugt Kunden und Kandidaten vor allem durch eines: Leistung! Als Personalberatung unterscheidet sich das Unternehmen von Mitbewerbern durch Leidenschaft, Überzeugung und Spaß an der Arbeit. Kandidaten und Kunden bekommen top ausgebildete Berater, die Ihren Job mit Begeisterung machen, nahbar sind und somit einen echten Mehrwert bieten. „Wir pflegen immer eine offene und ehrliche Kommunikation mit beiden Parteien und geben immer eine reale Einschätzung zum Bewerber-Stellenmarkt“, sagt Geschäftsführer und Gründer Denis Drago. Menschen stehen bei der Personalvermittlung im Fokus, denn damit dieser Mehrwert

möglich ist, bedarf es für ein Unternehmen den exakt richtigen Typ Mensch. Und den hilft die head for work GmbH zu finden. Ausschlaggebend ist dabei nicht allein die fachliche Seite: die Einstellung von Kandidaten ist hier ebenso wichtig, wie die Kultur im Unternehmen. „Das zu identifizieren und zusammenzubringen ist unsere Aufgabe“, sagt Denis Drago. „Wenn wir alle nötigen Informationen vom Unternehmen für die vakante Position haben, dann erstellen wir intern anhand der Kriterien ein Kandidatenprofil. Neben den fachlichen Qualifikationen stehen vor allem Charakter und Persönlichkeit eines Menschen im Vordergrund.“ Fingerspitzengefühl

und Empathie hilft Beratern, den passenden Kandidaten zu finden. Das Unternehmen besteht aus einem Team erfahrener Experten: Gründer Denis Drago hat über zehn Jahre Berufserfahrung in der Personalberatung und hatte immer den Traum, sich selbstständig zu machen. Als Unternehmensleiter reißt er Menschen mit und erkennt ihre Potentiale. Unterstützung im operativen Geschäft erhält er von seinem dynamischen und motivierten Team. Die head for work GmbH hat vielen jungen Talenten ein Zuhause gegeben – nicht nur in der Personalvermittlung, sondern auch im eigenen Unternehmen. Junge Consultants, die als Trainees ins Unternehmen kamen, haben hier persönlich und beruflich zum Erfolg gefunden. Diese Erfahrung geben sie heute in der Personalvermittlung an Klienten und Kandidaten weiter. www.headforwork.de

Foto: © Pixabay

Foto: © Pixabay

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  97

A compass for a successful career in Germany Dedicated recruiters should provide intensive support to employer and employee alike, particularly when highly qualified specialists from abroad are involved. TEXT: SILKE HENKELE  I  PHOTOS: NEW START GERMANY

“We asked ourselves what kind of support we would need if we started our lives anew in a foreign country. Very quickly, we came up with the importance of cultural, social and structural integration – and made this the overarching motto of our services. We help foreign employees not only with finding a suitable workplace, but also provide them with a compass for the necessary orientation in their new home country,“ explains Patrik Kershi, founding member and CEO of New Start Germany Ltd. in Hannover, an affiliate of Interces GmbH, the point of contact for German applicants. New Start Germany’s focus is on the branches of medicine, care, electrical and civil engineering and IT: “Sectors in which it is often difficult to find suitable employees here in Germany,” says Kershi. Abroad, however, the supply of qualified employees in these particular industries is large: “We receive many CVs from candidates from Europe and around the globe. However, 98  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

before we contact potential employers, we check the applicants’ language level, as well as their professional qualifications. This gives the employer a good impression of the potential new colleague’s training level; whereas the future employee gets to know the value of their work on the German job market. A win-win situation for both sides.” Approximately 75 per cent of all applicants have completed a university degree from a recognised university – a very attractive number. “One of our first clients was a highly qualified doctor from Albania which

we placed at a Berlin hospital. She is well integrated and feels happy here in Germany. Her supervisors and colleagues appreciate the quality of her work. Her employer has just contacted us and asked for other candidates. In this, we see us and our approaches confirmed: not only our candidates but also our services are outstanding!” With a view to the future, Kershi and his team are planning a cooperation with a private university in Albania, to help students with their choice of subjects to prepare them for the demands of the German job market. They have also planned the formation of two foreign subsidiaries to provide even better support for foreign applicants. www.newstartgermany.com

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Germany’s Recruitment Consultants

Ein Kompass für eine erfolgreiche Karriere in Deutschland Engagierte Personalvermittler betreuen Arbeitgeber und Arbeitnehmer gleichermaßen intensiv. Letztere besonders dann, wenn es sich um hochqualifizierte Fachkräfte aus dem Ausland handelt. „Wir fragten uns, welche Unterstützung wir selbst bei einem Neustart in einem neuen Land benötigen würden. Schnell landeten wir beim Thema kulturelle, soziale und strukturelle Integration - machten diese zum Motto unserer Dienstleistungen. Wir helfen ausländischen Arbeitnehmern damit nicht nur, in Deutschland eine passende Arbeitsstelle zu finden, sondern geben ihnen einen Kompass an die Hand, an dem sie sich immer wieder orientieren können“, erklärt Patrik Kershi, Gründungsmitglied und Geschäftsführer der New Start Germany Ltd. in Hannover, einer Tochtergesellschaft der Interces GmbH, dem Ansprechpartner für deutsche Arbeitnehmer. Den Hauptaugenmerk legt New Start Germany auf die Branchen Medizin, Pflege, Elektround Bauingenieurwesen und IT - „Gebiete, in denen es oft schwer ist, in Deutschland

geeignete Arbeitnehmer zu finden”, so Kershi. Im Ausland hingegen ist das Angebot an qualifizierten Arbeitnehmern in diesen speziellen Branchen groß: „Wir erhalten enorm viele Lebensläufe qualifizierter Kandidaten aus Europa und der ganzen Welt. Bevor wir uns allerdings mit potentiellen Arbeitgebern in Verbindung setzen, überprüfen wir zum einen das Sprachniveau des Bewerbers, zum anderen dessen berufliche Qualifikation. So bekommen Arbeitgeber einen guten Eindruck vom Ausbildungsniveau des potentiellen neuen Mitarbeiters. Gleichzeitig ist der zukünftige Arbeitnehmer über den Wert seiner Arbeitskraft am deutschen Arbeitsmarkt informiert. Eine win-win-Situation für beide Seiten.” Circa 75 Prozent der Bewerber verfügen über einen abgeschlossenen und anerkannten Universitätsabschluss - Zahlen, die überzeugen!

„Eine unserer ersten Kundinnen war eine hochqualifizierte Ärztin aus Albanien, die wir an ein Berliner Krankenhaus vermittelten. Dort ist sie hervorragend integriert. Sie fühlt sich wohl in Deutschland und überzeugt ihre Vorgesetzten und Kollegen mit hervorragender Arbeit. Der Arbeitgeber hat vor kurzem weitere Kandidaten bei uns angefragt. Wir sehen uns und unseren Ansatz darin bestätigt: Nicht nur unsere Kandidaten, sondern auch unsere Dienstleistungen überzeugen!” Für die Zukunft plant das Team um Kershi eine Kooperation mit einer Privatuniversität in Albanien, um Studenten bei der Fächerauswahl zu begleiten und sie so bestens auf die Anforderungen des deutschen Arbeitsmarkts vorzubereiten. Auch die Gründung zweier Auslandsgesellschaften ist geplant, um ausländische Bewerber noch besser unterstützen zu können.

www.newstartgermany.com

Patrik Kershi.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  99

S P E C I A L T H E M E : C R E AT I V E A G E N C I E S – C O R P O R AT E D E S I G N E X P E R T S

Meet your experts for corporate design In our modern world we are surrounded by design as far as the eye can see. Great design can have a big influence on society in general, and on consumers in particular. On the following pages we introduce you to some of the best creative agencies in the DACH-region. PHOTOS: PIXABAY

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  101

Clarity, reduction to the basics and clear contrasts are key design elements of the Coyotex brand. Photo: © Jürgen Bubeck

Innovative brand strategies made in Berlin The Berlin-based company Sodesign, founded in 2017, is an expert in marketing that puts the client and their message at its centre. For their innovative brand solutions the company has won multiple awards: in 2019, for example, the German Brand Award in the category ‘Excellence in Brand Strategy and Creation – Brand Identity’. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN

Sodesign won the prize for the brand strategy it developed for the high-tech start-up Coyotex. “For us, the Coyotex brand development and the cooperation with the Berlin-based agency Sodesign was a jackpot,” says Rainer Kehrle, managing director at kejora GmbH, which also owns Coyotex. Coyotex fabricates multiaxial carbon fibre structures with reduced waste and up to 40 per cent cost reduction. Sodesign was responsible for the brand development and, among other things, invented the brand name Coyotex, a short form for ‘Compose Your Textile’. This is fitting, because the company makes it possible to order online and produce on demand. The brand logo is a coyote – also 102  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

a Sodesign idea: “We wanted to create a brand that, next to symbolising a hightech product, also has the character of a streetwear label, so that it might receive the attention of the private users that Coyotex wants to attract,” says Sodesign managing director Veronika Lang. The design, with overlapping lines, picks up the structure of carbon and, this way, also illustrates Coyotex’ high performance. That turned what was already considered a ‘cool’ design into a high-quality and functional one. At the JEC trade fair in Paris, both brand name and brand animal caused a stir. Using guerrilla-marketing methods, Sodesign established great visibility: “The main task was to make the coyote

logo and our message as visible as possible,”says Veronika Lang. The Coyotex employers exchanged the fair participants’ lanyards with their own, branded with the coyote logo and message to ‘Outsmart the Limits’. This way, the coyote found its way into many press pictures. “Above that, we handed out buttons, with a character trait or special passion, which people could put on their lapel.”This allowed Coyotex to connect with other attendees – an emotional entry point that opened doors for more technical discussions. Sodesign puts the client into focus: not for nothing the company’s slogan is ‘Sodesign. Your design’. “We see ourselves as a listener, who explores the clients’ visions, understands and expresses them,” says Lang. Clients should never have the feeling that something is being forced upon them that does not fit their brand. Instead, it is important to portray the brand’s personality authentically and clearly – and to always include employees. www.sodesign-berlin.de

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Creative Agencies - Corporate Design Experts

Innovative Brand Strategien Made in Berlin Das 2017 gegründete Berliner Unternehmen Sodesign ist ein Experte für cleveres Marketing, das den Kunden und seine Botschaft ins Zentrum stellt. Für innovative Brand-Lösungen wurde das Unternehmen gleich mehrfach ausgezeichnet, 2019 zum Beispiel mit dem German Brand Award in der Kategorie ‚Excellence in Brand Strategy and Creation – Brand Identity‘. Sodesign gewann den Preis für die Brand Strategie für das High-Tech-Startup Coyotex. „Für uns war die Coyotex-Markenentwicklung und die Zusammenarbeit mit der Berliner Agentur Sodesign ein Volltreffer“, sagt Rainer Kehrle, Geschäftsführer der kejora GmbH, zu der Coyotex gehört. Coyotex fertigt multiaxiale Carbonfasergelege mit einem deutlich reduzierten Verschnitt und damit bis zu 40 Prozent geringeren Kosten. Sodesign war verantwortlich für die Markenentwicklung und entwarf unter anderem den Firmennamen Coyotex, eine Kurzform für ‚Compose Your Textile‘. Denn das Unternehmen macht es möglich, bequem online zu bestellen und ‚on demand‘ fertigen zu lassen. Als Emblem trägt das Unternehmen einen Kojoten – auch das eine SodesignIdee: „Wir wollten eine Marke schaffen, die

neben der Symbolik für ein hochwertiges High-Tech-Produkt auch den Charakter eines Streetwear-Label hat, so dass sie in die Szene der Privatnutzer strahlt, die Coyotex ansprechen will“, sagt Sodesign-Geschäftsführerin Veronika Lang. Die Darstellung in sich überlagernden Linien greift die Struktur des Materials Carbon auf und illustriert die Leistungsfähigkeit von Coyotex. So wurde aus einem ‚coolen‘ gleichzeitig ein hochwertiges, funktionales Design. Auf der JEC Fachmesse in Paris sorgten Markenname und Markentier für Aufsehen. Mit Mitteln des Guerillamarketing schaffte Sodesign trotz kleinen Budgets eine eingehende Messepräsenz: „Der Schwerpunkt bestand darin, das Logo des Kojoten und unsere Botschaften möglichst sichtbar zu machen“, sagt Veronika Lang. Die Mitarbeiter tauschten die

Lanyards der Messegäste durch die eigenen Lanyards mit dem einprägsamen Kojoten-Logo und dem Claim ,Outsmart the Limits‘ aus. So fand der Kojote den Weg auf viele Pressefotos. „Zudem verteilten wir Buttons, mit denen sich jeder eine Charaktereigenschaft oder eine besondere Leidenschaft ans Revers heften konnte.“ Mit einem Augenzwinkern stellte Coyotex so eine Verbindung zu den Messegästen her – ein emotionaler Aufhänger, der Türen öffnete für tiefgehende Fachgespräche. Sodesign stellt den Klienten in den Mittelpunkt, nicht umsonst lautet der Slogan ,Sodesign. Ihr Design‘. „Wir verstehen uns als Zuhörer, die in die Visionen und Ziele der Kunden möglichst tief einsteigen, diese begreifen und zum Ausdruck bringen möchten“, sagt Lang. Der Kunde soll nie das Gefühl haben, dass ihm etwas übergestülpt wird, das nicht zu ihm passt. Stattdessen gilt es die Markenpersönlichkeit authentisch und klar darzustellen und die Mitarbeiter dabei mit einzubinden. www.sodesign-berlin.de

Von links nach rechts: Babett Huwald, Veronika Lang (Geschäftsfüherinnen von Sodesign GbR) sowie Rainer Kehrle (Geschäftsführer von kejora GmbH) freuen sich über den Gewinn des German Brand Award 2019. Foto: © Lutz Sternstein

Sodesign Messepräsenz von Coyotex am Start-Up-Booster der JEC World in Paris. Foto: © Sodesign

Aus der Jury-Beurteilung zum German Design Award: „Das Design greift mit den Streifen das Prinzip von Carbon-Gelegen nachvollziehbar auf und lässt daraus faszinierende Visuals entstehen, die dem Markenauftritt eine eigene Identität verleihen.“ Foto: © Surfer: petergoli

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  103

So -W

WILO - Corporate Architecture / Signage / Product Development & Guidelines.

“Turning the conceivable into reality” The Reddot Design Award, the Federal Award for Ecodesign and the German Design Award – these are just a few of the awards received by Mehnert Corporate Design, a Berlin-based full-service agency specialising in communication and product development. The team, centered around founder and owner Prof. Kurt Mehnert and head of office operations Peter Kutz, has time and time again demonstrated its ability to turn innovative design ideas into reality.

to quote Elon Musk: ‘I could either watch it happen or be a part of it’.” Design happens everywhere According to Prof. Mehnert, good design is more important than ever, due to its medial omnipresence. He sees in design the

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE  I  PHOTOS: MEHNERT CORPORATE DESIGN, WERDER BREMEN, HEIKE KANDALOWSKI

The story of Mehnert Corporate Design begins in the early ‘90s, when Kurt Mehnert was invited to the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Dessau, in order to assist the university in developing its Department of Integrated Design on the grounds of the historical Bauhaus campus. For Mehnert, proximity to Berlin – where he had studied – represented a return to his roots and proved to be a huge factor in deciding where to base his company – Berlin having long been one of the world’s great creative hotspots. 104  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Since 2008, Prof. Mehnert has taught and conducted research at Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, where he served as acting president from 2009 to 2017. In 2017, he developed the Industrial Design Institute (IDI) at Zhaoqing University in China, of which he has remained acting president until today. “At the same time, I never stop learning: teaching in China means sharpening your view of global market observation and the development of the future,” he explains. “In that sense, I count myself very lucky to be involved. Or

PROF. KURT MEHNERT - Founder & Owner.

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Creative Agencies - Corporate Design Experts

„Das Denkbare Wirklichkeit werden lassen” Reddot Design Award, Bundespreis Ecodesign und German Design Award – dies sind nur ein paar der Preise für Mehnert Corporate Design, der Berliner FullService-Agentur für Kommunikation und Produktentwicklung. Mit der Umsetzung ihrer innovativen Designideen sticht das kreative Team um Gründer und Inhaber Prof. Kurt Mehnert und Büroleiter Peter Kutz immer wieder hervor. Die Geschichte von Mehnert Corporate Design beginnt Anfang der 90er Jahre, als Kurt Mehnert an die Hochschule Anhalt in Dessau berufen wurde, um am Aufbau des Fachbereichs integriertes Design auf dem historischen Bauhaus-Gelände mitzuwirken. Die Nähe zu seinem Studienort Berlin brachte ihn auch zurück zu seinen Anfängen und so fiel die Wahl des Firmensitzes nicht schwer. Bereut hat Prof. Mehnert diese Entscheidung nie, denn Berlin zählt schon lange zu den kreativen Hotspots der Welt. Seit 2008 lehrt und forscht Prof. Mehnert an der Folkwang Universität der Künste Essen, welche er in den Jahren 2009-2017 als amtierender Rektor leitete. 2017 baute er das Industrial Design Institute (IDI) an der Zhaoqing University in China auf und fungiert dort weiterhin als amtierender Präsident. „Zugleich lerne ich natürlich auch selbst dazu: In China zu lehren bedeutet, den eigenen Blick für die globale Marktbeobachtung und die Entwicklungen der Zukunft zu schärfen“, erklärt er. „So gesehen schätze ich mich glücklich, dabei zu sein, oder um es mit Elon Musk zu sagen: ‚I could either watch it happen or be a part of it.‘”

Objekte, Interaktionen und Haltungen mit nachhaltigen Konzepten zu verändern und so neue Entfaltungsräume zu schaffen. „Persönlich ist mir wichtig, diese Art von Gestaltung nicht nur praktizieren, sondern auch lehren und dazu forschen zu können“, erklärt er. „Die Praxis mit Mehnert Corporate Design wurde und wird ergänzt durch die Perspektiven der Forschung und Lehre in der akademischen Welt: als Professor für Strategie und Vision und Dekan an der Universität Duisburg-Essen und als Rektor an der Folkwang Universität der Künste. Dieses Dreieck birgt große synergetische Kräfte und ist mein ganz persönlicher ‚Treibstoff‘.“ Diese enge Verbindung zum Forschungsbereich stellt auch sicher, dass Mehnert

Corporate Design zukunftsweisend denkt. An der Folkwang Universität der Künste hat sich Prof. Mehnert zum Beispiel gerade mit dem hochaktuellen Thema der Mobilität der Zukunft anhand des Projekts NRWCar befasst. Hier ging es darum, wie ein kleines, urbanes Elektroauto im Zeitalter der Sharing Economy umgesetzt werden könnte. Innovativ sind nicht nur die Entwürfe, sondern auch die Präsentation: Mit Hilfe von Virtual Reality konnte das Publikum unmittelbar in die Zukunft einsteigen. Präsentiert werden die Ergebnisse auf Mehnerts Website und in der Publikation Elektrofahrzeuge für die Städte von morgen (Springer Gabler 2016).

Mehnert Corporate Design ist für jede Problemstellung offen Mehnert Corporate Design arbeitet nicht nur im deutschen Raum, sondern hat auch viele internationale Projekte. Der Kundenstamm ist breit gefächert und reicht von kleinen Start-ups über Mittelständler bis hin zu globalen Großkonzernen – einige der Kun-

Gestaltung findet überall statt Gute Gestaltung ist laut Prof. Mehnert heute dank der medialen Omnipräsenz wichtiger denn je. Er sieht in ihr die Möglichkeit,

WILO - innovative and user-friendly ‘smart pump’ Stratos Maxo.

Research project ‘Design Studio NRW’ of the Chairs of the University of Duisburg-Essen and the Folkwang University of the Arts, sponsored by the Ministry of Economics NRW.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  105

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Creative Agencies - Corporate Design Experts

possibility to change objects, interactions and attitudes using sustainable concepts, thereby creating new spaces for things to develop. “It’s very important to me personally to not just practise that form of design, but also to teach and research it,” he explains. “For Mehnert, practice is, and always has been, accompanied by the global academic perspectives which only research and science can provide: as a professor of strategy and vision, as dean of the University of Duisburg-Essen and as president of Folkwang University of the Arts. This triangle gives rise to a powerful synergy and serves as my very own personal ‘fuel’.” This close connection to research ensures that Mehnert Corporate Design continues to think in a future-orientated manner. At Folkwang University of the Arts, Prof. Mehnert recently examined the highly topical subject of future mobility with the project NRWCar. The project centred around the question of how a small urban e-car can be realised in the era of the sharing economy. The presentation was as innovative as the concepts themselves: thanks to virtual reality, the audience could immerse themselves in the future. The results are documented on Mehnert’s website and in the publication Electric Vehicles for Tomorrow’s City (Springer Galber 2016). Mehnert Corporate Design welcomes every challenge

programming – all from the same source – Mehnert Corporate Design can harness a synergy effect that increases the speed at which a project is realised. Kutz adds: “It’s important to us that our clients are supported from the first idea to its final implementation. We take a clear stance, speak our minds and take seriously our connection to our clients. We always endeavour to take our clients on a journey where teamwork and participation count. We take a visionary approach to our work, but our feet remain planted firmly on the ground.”

PETER KUTZ - Head of office.

websites and films, as well as orientation systems, cladding and space design. “We cover quite a wide spectrum, which allows us to apply our interdisciplinary knowledge in the best way possible,” says Peter Kutz, head of office operations. “On the one hand, it enables us to walk new paths and, on the other, it allows us to make the most of those which already exist. We rely on global networking to meet clients’ needs, which have with time grown more complex and layered, making a holistic approach crucial.” By offering everything from strategies, concepts and sketches to construction and

The company is frequently awarded prizes for its projects. One of its biggest successes was winning the German Sustainability Award for its work with Wilo SE, a long-standing partner of Mehnert Corporate Design. In addition to many joint projects, the two companies have worked together to develop a comprehensive set of corporate product design guidelines which emphasise the importance of sustainability for innovative product and communication design. Thanks to the company’s international outlook and interdisciplinary approach, it has remained the trademark of Mehnert Corporate Design to always build bridges between great visions and precise feasibility – a task which never ceases to be exciting. www.mehnertdesign.de

Mehnert Corporate Design does not work only in Germany, but also takes on a wide variety of international projects. Its client base is varied, ranging from small start-ups to medium-sized companies to large international corporations. Some clients have been entrusting Prof. Mehnert with their projects for almost 20 years. Thanks to its interdisciplinary knowledge and a global network, the company’s creative team can easily satisfy the manifold requirements and focal points of its various clients. The team also offers a wide range of services: for the Berlin-based agency, the design of products, product systems and user interactions goes hand in hand with the design of communication concepts (internal and external), corporate image, and 106  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

WOHNINVEST WESERSTADION - Stadium Branding / Signature.

Discover Germany  |  Special Theme  |  Creative Agencies - Corporate Design Experts AVM - smart and connected outdoor power outlet Fritz!Dect 210.

MCD - the smart and comfortable bicycle helmet for everyday use.

WOHNINVEST - the unique and multi-functional real estate image brochure.

MT.DERM - innovative and modular Permanent Make-Up device.

WILO - decen­tralized heating pump system Geniax.

WOHNINVEST - the unique and multi-functional real estate image brochure.

den wenden sich schon seit fast 20 Jahren vertrauensvoll an Prof. Mehnert. Den unterschiedlichen Anforderungen und Schwerpunkten der verschiedenen Kunden kann das kreative Team dank seines interdisziplinären Wissens und des globalen Netzwerks stets gerecht werden. Auch bei den Dienstleistungen wird eine große Bandbreite angeboten. Das Gestalten von Produkten, Produktsystemen und deren User-Interaktion gehört in der Berliner Agentur genauso dazu wie das Gestalten von Kommunikationskonzepten (nach innen und außen), Firmenauftritten, Websites, Filmen sowie Orientierungssystemen, Fassadenund Platzgestaltungen. „Wir bieten ein denkbar breites Spektrum, das es uns ermöglicht, interdisziplinäres Wissen bestmöglich anzuwenden“, so Büroleiter Peter Kutz. „So können wir einerseits

neue Wege gehen und anderseits die bestehenden optimieren. Wir werden den Anforderungen gerecht, die durch die globale Vernetzung vielschichtiger und komplexer geworden sind und die einen holistischen Ansatz entscheidend machen.“ Indem Mehnert Corporate Design von Strategie, Analyse, Konzeption, Entwurf bis hin zu Konstruktion und Programmierung alles aus einer Hand anbietet, werden Synergieeffekte erzeugt, die die Verwirklichung eines Projekts beschleunigen. Kutz fügt hinzu: „Uns ist wichtig, unsere Kunden von der ersten Idee bis zur finalen Umsetzung zu betreuen. Wir zeigen klare Haltung, reden nicht nach dem Mund und nehmen Kundennähe ernst. Wir wollen unsere Kunden stets auf eine Reise mitnehmen, bei der Teamarbeit und Partizipation zählen. Wir arbeiten visionär, bleiben aber auf dem Boden der Tatsachen.“

Die Arbeiten des Büros werden regelmäßig mit zahlreichen wichtigen Preisen ausgezeichnet, aber einer der besonders schönen Erfolge war der deutsche Nachhaltigkeitspreis für die Wilo SE, einem langjährigen Partner von Mehnert Corporate Design. Neben der gemeinsamen Gestaltung vieler Produkte wurde auch eine übergreifende Corporate Product Design Guideline erarbeitet, die nachhaltige Akzente in innovativem Produkt- und Kommunikationsdesign setzen konnte. Mit seiner internationalen Perspektive und seinem interdisziplinären Ansatz bleibt es das Markenzeichen von Mehnert Corporate Design, stets die Brücke zwischen großer Vision und präziser Umsetzbarkeit zu bauen – es bleibt also spannend.

www.mehnertdesign.de Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  107

Discover Germany  |  Business | Solicitor Column

Trading in antiquities TEXT & PHOTO: GREGOR KLEINKNECHT

The one topic in the art world that kept resurfacing on my desk in one way or another during the last couple of months was the trade in antiquities. Most recently, came a press release from Europol, which reported that over 18,000 cultural items were seized and 59 people had been arrested in a multi-national operation involving police forces and customs authorities from 29 countries. The objects seized originated from as far away as Colombia, Egypt, Iraq and Morocco. They included archaeological artefacts, coins, ancient Roman military equipment, antique ceramics, an ancient Mesopotamian crystal cylinder seal that had been shipped to Germany by post, and more. The objective of the operation was to disrupt criminal groups who take advantage of digital platforms to sell cultural artefacts of unlawful provenance. A similar operation in 2017 resulted in the recovery of more than 41,000 objects. A little earlier, in July, there was the highly controversial sale in London of a quartzite head of the young king Tutankhamun, by auction house Christie’s, for more than 4.7 million pounds, despite Egyptian demands for its return. Christie’s claimed that it was entitled to sell the object, but Egypt has threatened legal proceedings; the last word may not yet have been spoken about this one. And a little before that, in April, the European Union adopted a new Regulation (EU) 2019/880 on the introduction and the import of cultural goods. The aim of the Regulation is to stop the trafficking within the EU of cultural goods illicitly exported from their country of origin, a perceived source of money laundering and of financing for terrorists and organised crime groups. It appears difficult to disagree with the aim of the Regulation, but the antiquities trade and its representative bodies were up in arms about the new rules. Their argument that the problem does not exist in the EU appears to be proven wrong by a succession of Europol operations. 108  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

On the other hand, there is clearly a legal trade in antiquities and cultural objects that legitimately left their country of origin and established dealers will abide by codes of conduct when they acquire and sell cultural artefacts. But perhaps in no other sector of the art market can the boundaries between that which is legal, legitimate and morally defensible, and that which is not, be quite as fluid as in this area. So, what makes the new Regulation so controversial? It does not apply to cultural goods created or discovered in the EU and will therefore have an impact principally on the movement of ancient art from the Eastern and Southern Mediterranean, Iran, Iraq, South and Central America, and of tribal art. The Regulation creates a common licensing system for the import of cultural goods into the EU and establishes a three-tier system of protection: • first, archaeological discoveries, items removed from monuments and sites, items that are more than 100 years old, that are rare, or of ethnological or artistic interest, cannot be imported into the EU if they were illegally removed from their country of origin; • secondly, subject only to limited exemptions, archaeological objects most at risk and more than 250 years old, will require an import licence, regardless of value; and • thirdly, other cultural goods more than 200 years old with a minimum financial value of 18,000 euros, will require an importer statement, supported by identifying documentation warranting that the object was legally exported from the country of origin.

are otherwise circulating in the market legitimately. Some of the Rules will come into force from December 2020, but it will most likely not be until 2025 before the Regulation takes full effect, because the central electronic database for the licensing and registration of cultural goods is yet to be created and become operational. This will give time to the antiquities trade and to collectors to adapt to the new regime. The upshot is that it is probably not so much the principle underlying the new Regulation that causes controversy, but the fact that it will do very little to catch criminals, who will continue to operate under the radar screen, while making the life of legitimate dealers and collectors more difficult and capturing possibly too wide a range of objects. Still, if the Regulation contributes to a cultural shift, making the trade in looted or illegally exported cultural goods socially unacceptable, it will hopefully have achieved a positive goal.

Information on any such imports of all cultural goods into the EU will be captured in a centralised electronic database.

Gregor Kleinknecht LLM MCIArb

There is no doubt that the Regulation will increase the administrative burden on antiquities dealers, who are often small businesses, and will constrain the market in undocumented cultural goods, even if they

Hunters Law LLP, 9 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3QN,

is a German Rechtsanwalt and English solicitor, and a partner at Hunters, a leading law firm in Central London.

E-mail: gregor.kleinknecht@hunterslaw.com www.hunterslaw.com

Discover Germany  |  Culture  |  Language Column

TEXT: ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD  |  PHOTO: DREAMSTIME

On some rather interesting terms

The delights of the German, French and Italian vocabulary In this column, author Adam Jacot de Boinod explores the weird and wonderful world of German, French and Italian vocabulary, and discovers some rather interesting terms. Let us take a look at what he has found. In response to someone sneezing, the Germans say Gesundheit, ‘health to you’. The sneezer then responds Danke (‘thank you’). Sometimes other wishes are uttered at following sneezes, e.g. Zufriedenheit (‘contentment’), Reichtum (‘wealthiness’) or (humorously) Schönheit (‘beauty’). The German word Gesundheit has now passed into local English usage in areas with substantial German-speaking populations.

one sometimes says à tes / vos amours, which means ‘to your loves’. If the same person sneezes a third time, then he/she responds to the original greeter saying et que les tiens / vôtres durent toujours, which means ‘and may yours last forever’. A more archaïc response would be Dieu te/vous bénisse (‘God bless you’). Santé (meaning ‘health’) is a common response in some French-speaking countries, including Switzerland.

In Italian, one says Salute! meaning ‘(to your) health’. In French the usual response is à tes / vos souhaits which means ‘to your wishes’. If the same person sneezes again,

French is highly imaginative in her adoption of phrases from their literal definition to be given a whole new metaphorical sense:

- faire du lèche-vitrines: to go window shopping (literally, to lick windows) - remettre les pendules à l’heure: to re-align something (who is the boss, how we work, anything) (literally, to set the clocks at the right time again) - c’est l’hôpital qui se moque de la charité: it’s the pot calling the kettle black (literally, it’s the hospital that mocks charity) - être moche a caler des roués de corbillard: to be extremely ugly (literally, to be ugly enough to stop the wheels of a hearse) Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of the BBC panel game QI for Stephen Fry. He is a British author having written three books about unusual words with Penguin Press.

Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  109

Lollapalooza. Photo: © Stephan Flad

Culture Calendar Hello September! We are almost at the end of the summer but that doesn’t mean the outdoor fun is over just yet. From food and music festivals to classical concerts and, of course, the legendary Oktoberfest in Munich, September promises to be an exciting fun-packed month throughout. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Stephansdom Vienna (every Saturday in September) What a great way to celebrate the changing of the season: Enjoy the fabulous violin concerts from Antonio Vivaldi’s legendary Four Seasons at the stunning Stephansdom right in the heart of Vienna. But make sure to book your tickets in good time, as they do sell out very quickly. www.kunstkultur.com

Festival of German Film, Ludwigshafen am Rhein (21 August – 8 September) After the Berlinale, this is Germany’s secondbiggest Film Festival. It takes place on a lovely little island and celebrates the absolute best of German filmmaking. Each year, it’s packed with great films, attracting many celebrities and emerging talent to mingle with film lovers from across the globe. www.festival-des-deutschen-films.de 110  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

Ars Electronica Festival, Linz (5 – 9 September) Ars Electronica is a world-class festival for art, technology and society. This year’s edition is dedicated to thinking outside of the box and ‘The Midlife Crisis of the Digital Revolution’. Each year, a large international audience shows up to witness how the city is being turned into a large setting for artistic and scientific encounters with social and cultural phenomena that are the result of technological change. Are you curious to come take look? ars.electronica.art

Lollapalooza Festival, Berlin (7 – 8 September) Once again, Berlin hosts this popular USFestival at Olympiastadion and Olympiapark to celebrates the end of the summer. This year’s fabulous line-up includes Swedish House

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Mafia, Twenty One Pilots, Billie Eilish, Kings of Leon and Marteria & Casper, amongst many others. This is a very family-friendly festival, as there is also the Kidzapalooza location dedicated entirely to children. www.lollapaloozade.com Vienna Design Week. Photo: © Katarina Šoškić - Bueronardin, Vienna Design Week

Discover Germany  |  Culture  |  Culture Calendar Anna Dickinson / Catherine Walsh at von Bartha, Basel (7 September – 2 November) Glass artist Anna Dickinson and beauty and design entrepreneur Catherine Walsh are collaborating on an upcoming exhibition of new works at von Bartha gallery, Basel. Dickinson’s unique glass pieces experiment with innovative material combinations, often allowing the material to guide and govern the creative process. It’s certainly a great exhibition not to be missed. www.vonbartha.com

Genussmeile, Vienna Woods (7 - 8 and 14 - 15 September) The festival is also called the ‘longest bar’ as it measures a stunning ten kilometres. The German word ‘Genussmeile’ translates as Mile of Indulgence, which is very fitting for these two special weekends full of gorgeous food. Along Vienna’s waterline hiking path between Mödling and Bad Vöslau, more than 80 winegrowing enterprises from the Vienna Woods thermal region offer everything that can be produced from grapes and much more. www.thermenregion-wienerwald.at/genussmeile

Genussmeile. Photo: © Christian Dusek

Jewish Film Festival Berlin & Brandenburg (8 – 17 September) This year’s motto is giving a popular USphrase a new and humorous spin: ‘No Fake Jews’. The festival is a lively forum for discussion and exploration, giving a glimpse into

Anna Dickinson, Amber sphere with steel rim, 2019, 14.5 cm x 19 cm. Courtesy of the artist and von Bartha, Basel. Photo by Robert Hall.

Literature Festival Berlin. Photo: © Ali Ghandtschi

Anna Dickinson, Blue speckled lidded vessel, 2019, 13 cm x 22 cm. Courtesy of the artist and von Bartha, Basel. Photo by Robert Hall.

Anna Dickinson, Brown glass with steel and pvdf, 2019, 16 cm x 22.5 cm. Courtesy of the artist and von Bartha, Basel. Photo by Robert Hall.

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Discover Germany  |  Culture  |  Culture Calendar

Oktoberfest. Photo: © Pixabay

Oktoberfest. Photo: © Pixabay

Waves Vienna, Zak Abel. Photo: © Patrick Muennich

Jewish life and emerging talent. Films within a Jewish or Israeli context, with some of the best recent productions from all around the world, are shown during this special festival in Berlin. www.jfbb.de

International Literature Festival Berlin (11 – 21 September) Contemporary artists from all over the world present new poetry and prose at this exciting literature festival in Berlin. A unique element is that all of the texts are actually read out loud in their original language, with German transla-

Vienna Design Week. Photo: © Katarina Šoškić - Bueronardin, Vienna Design Week

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tions. This festival is truly an absolute must for all literature fans from far and wide. www.literaturfestival.com

13th Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg (18 – 21 September) Hamburg’s infamous red-light district around St. Pauli has become the proud home of Germany’s biggest club festival. Nowadays, the festival is one of the world’s most important meeting places for the global music industry and this year it features more than 900 events spanning a great range of genres, in locations

Ars Electronica. Photo: © Ars Electronica

around Hamburg’s Reeperbahn. www.reeperbahnfestival.com/en

eBike your Life Festival, Adelboden (21 – 22 September) After last year’s successful first edition, the event returns to Adelboden and is the perfect combination of cycling and great food. On carefully selected trails to Gstaad, Lenk, Adelboden and Zweisimmen, cyclists can look forward to various food stations along the path – but it’s not only the cyclists who can recharge here, their Velo bikes can be plugged

Discover Germany  |  Culture  |  Culture Calendar

E-mountainbiking. Photo: © Thömus by David Birri

in, too. Make sure you register early though, as the number of participants is limited. www.adelboden.ch/de/s/ebikefestival

Oktoberfest, Munich (21 September – 6 October) It’s finally time to put your Lederhosen and Dirndl on once more, because the 186th Munich Oktoberfest is about to open its gates to international beer lovers. Munich’s legendary and beloved Wiesn becomes the backdrop for a true celebration of the quintessentially German pretzels and beer. Are you ready? www.oktoberfest.de

Waves Vienna, Vienna (26 – 28 September) Vienna’s club- and showcase festival is held at the city’s most significant clubs, unique

locations and public spaces. It attracts over 15,000 music fans and presents around 100 bands. Following their ongoing theme ‘East meets West’, various international, as well as local, alternative, electronic, rock, and club acts take part in this festival, and this year’s partner countries are Sweden and Hungary. Lectures, panels and workshops encourage Pan-European collaborations and draw attention to the importance of Europe. www.wavesvienna.com

Vienna Design Week, Vienna (27 September – 6 October) Design is understood not just in the form of created objects, but also as an essential part of cultural development – meaning Austria’s largest design festival is also a great platform for discussion around this perspective. It takes

place at a variety of locations and event venues across Vienna. The festival is again curated by Lilli Hollein, who also founded it together with Tulga Beyerle and Thomas Geisler. This edition’s European guest country is Finland, and so visitors can look forward to seeing some great Finish designs. www.viennadesignweek.at

Berlin Marathon (29 September) As this is one of the most popular road races worldwide, it attracts around 40,000 runners to Germany’s capital each September. The route, measuring 42 kilometres, takes the participants across the legendary cityscape of Berlin, including the Brandenburg Gate. If you want to get active this month, it’s the perfect event for you. www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com Issue 78  |  September 2019  |  113

Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier Column

Discovering provincial backwaters TEXT & PHOTO: BARBARA GEIER

‘Provinz’. Here’s a German word that hardly ever comes without an undertone. On paper, it simply means ‘province’. In reality, it (almost) always carries the notion of ‘provincial backwaters’. Of places in the middle of nowhere, of somewhere boring, somewhere where there’s nothing going on and where you don’t want to be. However, German ‘Provinz’ areas very often surprise with all kinds of things you would never expect there, such as world-class art. One of the best examples of that for me is the Würth Collection that friends told me about a few years back when they stumbled upon it on a walking holiday in the – ‘Provinz’. Which, in this case, is in the German Hohenlohe region in the north-eastern part of BadenWürttemberg. I had never heard of this art collection and corresponding museums before, but now know that it consists of about 18,000 (!) works of art amassed by one Reinhold Würth, who also happens to be one of Germany’s most successful businessmen. Born in 1935, he took over the family’s wholesale screw business at 19, after his father’s early death, and turned it into an internationally operating trading group that is now the world market leader in its 114  |  Issue 78  |  September 2019

core business, the sale of assembly and fastening materials. 400 companies in more than 80 countries, more than 77,00 employees on the payroll – safe to say, Mr Würth made quite a bit of money over the years, and boy, did he invest it in art. The man has a real passion for art, and this includes making it accessible for the public. Hence, no hiding precious works in a private estate. No, they are on display in various custom-built museums and exhibition spaces in Hohenlohe, turning this part of ‘Provinz’ into a proper art hub. They include ‘Museum Würth’ (bits and pieces by Warhol, Hockney, Miro, Dali or Magritte, you know, and a few others) which is integrated into the group’s head office in the small town of Künzelsau. The capital of the Hohenlohe region is also home to a sculpture garden that is part of the ‘Carmen Würth Forum’ event space (named after the wife), featuring a top-notch collection of works, including some by Tony Gragg, Niki de Saint Phalle and Georg Baselitz. As if that were not enough, 20 kilometres away in Schwäbisch Hall, ‘Kunsthalle Würth’, opened in 2001, is a branch of the head office’s museum. The same (needless to say) small town also hosts a museum in a former church, focusing on the Old Masters in Würth’s collection, from

the late Middle Ages to the early modern era. So, basically one man not only collected thousands and thousands of pieces of amazing art: he also took care of the corresponding exhibition spaces – and all that in the ‘Provinz’. Next time you hear that word, don’t make any negative assumptions. Instead, be prepared for surprises. 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 tourism guide and blog that was set up together with UK travel writer Andrew Eames in 2010.

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