On account of the horrendous hotel prices demanded during design week the (smow)blog team camp in Milan.
And that despite last years near-drowning episode.

This year the decision was a real blessing.

Spared the torment of those trapped by Eyjafjallajokull at Milan Airport our return journey this year took us via Weil am Rhein, Vitra and the VitraHaus.

What a difference the weather makes!

When we were there for the opening in February architect Jacques Herzog commented, somewhat solemnly, that the snow and grey clouds shrouded the constructions true grandeur.

Having now experienced the VitraHaus against a clear blue spring sky, and for all with the wonderful cherry blossom, we can now fully understand what he meant. And his emotions that day.

But not just the outside. Seeing the inside of the VitraHaus alive with “real” visitors rather than journalists was also to experience the building in a completely different context.

As ever an experience we can only recommend.

Below a few new VitraHaus photos.

VitraHaus Weil am Rhein; A place to explore designer furniture

VitraHaus, Weil am Rhein

Relaxing at the foot of the Tüllinger Hill, from inside the VitraHaus

VitraHaus Weil am Rhein ... a home from home

Idling on the internet the other day we inadvertently clicked on an advertisement.
Fortunately.

For the link took us to 3 fish studios and these wonderful linocuts.

Now we’re not going to insult yous by pretending to be experts in graphic art, and so in the words of 3 fish studios:

All prints are of the highest possible quality, each one printed by hand with a Conrad Machine Etching Press on Rives BFK paper using Daniel Smith Traditional Black Relief Ink.

There are ten designs in total including such classics of 20th century designer furniture as the DAR by Charles and Ray Eames, Wiggle Chair by Frank Gehry or the Coconut Chair by George Nelson. We find them rustically charming and at 15 x 20 cms the prints are a nice size and we can well imagine three or four hanging in formation.

If you would like one or more of these prints to compliment your furniture, you can get find all relevant information at 3 fish studios.

Modern Furniture Linocuts by 3 fish studios

Coconut Chair from George Nelson (Vitra)

For those of you either living near or planning being in the vicinity of Weil am Rhein, the George Nelson exhibition in the Vitra Design Museum runs until 01.03.2009. The exhibition presents not only his famous, humorous designs but also explains Nelson’s theoretical approach and presents a selection of his furniture designs, architectural models, clock and graphic designs.

The retrospective is part of Vitra’s celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of George Nelson’s birth. After studying architecture at Yale and in Rome, Nelson was appointed Design Director with the Hermann Miller Company in 1946; a position he was to hold for over 25 years and during which period he not only created some of his most famous pieces but also oversaw some of Charles and Ray Eames most creative and productive projects. And so while George Nelson sadly passed away in 1986 his inspiration, creativity and passion for good design remain with us today.

In addition to the exhibition Vitra has also re-issued Nelsons legendary and ever popular Pretzel Chair in a limited edition of 1,000; these are not listed at smow.de, but can be ordered through smow.

Marshmallow Sofa from George Nelson (Vitra)

In addition to the Pretzel Chair, Nelsons most popular seating solutions include the Marshmallow Sofa and the Coconut Chair.

The Coconut Chair was genuinely inspired by the form of the coconut – or more specifically from an eighth of a coconut shell, which Nelson then inverted to create his comfortable, inviting armchair. Available in a range of colors and with an optional footstool, the Coconut Chair is a genuine design classic that fits into any room.

The Marshmallow Sofa is formed from 18 multi-colored cushions attached to an unpretentious steel frame is a genuine break with what we understand as a “sofa”. One of the first pop-art furniture designs the marshmallow sofa is exceedingly comfortable and depending on your needs several units can be linked together.

In addition to his extravagant furniture creations Nelson also created range of clocks that both compliment the furniture and add an authentic touch of 1950s flair to every room.

Video: George Nelson Exhibition at Vitra Design Museum (commentary in German) CLICK PICTURE TO START