1652349876746 I 0512 Nanimarquina Chillida

The May 2012 Tradeshow Circuit Wrap-Up

May 29, 2012
The I&S editors pinpoint a few stand-outs from this month's shows: HD Expo, AIA, ICFF and WantedDesign.
It was a whirlwind of fresh new ideas and concepts two weeks ago as the Hospitality Design Expo (Las Vegas), the American Institute of Architects Convention (Washington D.C.), WantedDesign and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (both in New York City) went off without a hitch. I&S editors were at all of them, rounding up the best and the brightest for the coming year that will make your projects shine. Here are just a few of our top product picks from this month’s shows.Humanscale (ICFF)
Humanscale was a stand-out this ICFF for one simple reason: you could tell how much they love their jobs. Reps weren’t there just to sell their product, they were there to push innovation. They were most excited about showing off a great new prototype and one table lamp that won’t hit the market until the end of 2012. Both were created by design director Mark McKenna and are featured below:
The bulb-less Symtra swivels a full 360 degrees. It will be available towards the end of the year. This LED prototype below is touch-sensitive and goes dark as you take it further away from its post.
GKD Metal Fabrics (AIA)
Mandarin by GKD Metal Fabrics is a great surfacing option that combines both high design and utility. It plays with light and shadow to make a modern addition to any interior.
Bernhardt (WantedDesign)Bernhardt made a real statement at this year’s edition of WantedDesign at the Terminal Stores at 11th Ave. between 27th and 28th Street (just a few blocks down from ICFF) by stressing the importance of the crossroads between art, design and fashion with their “America Made Me” campaign. They presented prototypes of tables (which should launch in September) inspired by the cutting tables of new design partner Raleigh Denim, as well as a redefinition of the mannequin by another collaborator Jephson Robb of HJR Studio. 
Nanimarquina (ICFF)The Chillida collection by Nanimarquina is an amazing interpretation of the sculptures of Eduardo Chillida into rugs. Chillida was a profound inspiration on the design career of Marquina who says he taught her how to understand the meaning of space. Originally presented at Salone del Mobile in Milan in April, the seven pieces in the line are inspired Chillida’s sketches, engravings and collages.
Duravit (HD Expo)Open Space by Duravit is essentially a collapsible shower wall system that can open up a small bathroom while concealing the fixtures and doubling as a full-length mirror. This new, practical solution is great for smaller-scale spaces such as boutique hotels.

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