At DOMOTEX 2019, the world’s leading trade fair for the flooring industry, a wide range of supporting events will provide architects and designers with creative impulses.

A unique sensory experience, combining light and material, is created by visitors’ movements in the Connectivity Wheel showcase in a cooperation by Schmidhuber and Carpet Concept. © Schmidhuber

CREATE’N’CONNECT – the keynote theme of DOMOTEX 2019, which takes place in Hannover from 11–14 January 2019 – puts the focus on the megatrend of connectivity. Connectedness is an important aspect of flooring design. Floors inspire us, give us orientation and set the stage for human interaction. A multi-facetted supporting programme will provide ample opportunities for visitors to exchange views and ideas with renowned speakers and industry professionals: there will be talks, presentations, panel discussions and guided tours by designers and architects who will  introduce their personal trade fair highlights.

FRAMING TRENDS: Creative projects and visionary installations for the floor

In hall 9, the Framing Trends display will provide important impulses and inspirations for the flooring of the future. The Flooring Spaces zone is where exhibitors and other manufacturers can showcase their creative interpretations of the keynote theme, connect with visitors and position themselves as trendsetters. The NuThinkers zone is an opportunity for students to present their innovative projects and concepts inspired by the connectivity megatrend. Furthermore, the Art & Interaction zone explores the keynote theme in a sensory feast of installations from the worlds of art and design.

The “Wood Lifecycle” project by Milan-based design, communication and architecture firm Total Tool Milano shines the spotlight on wood, tracing the material through seven lifecycle stages, from tree in the forest to recycled product. It focuses on the intrinsic value and versatility of wood as a natural material, and in doing so, uncovers innovative and inspiring new uses of wood for architects and interior designers. The project comprises multiple exhibits that illustrate particular characteristics, applications and qualities of wood as a material. Italian companies like Tabu, Kerakoll or Celenit will showcase a range of on-trend products such as furniture, flooring and wall panels made of recycled wood to illustrate the various stages in the wood production and supply chain.

Planting, growing, harvesting, processing, recycling: with the WOOD LIFECYCLE exhibition, the natural material of wood will be given a central role at DOMOTEX 2019. © Total Tool Milano

TALKS: Internationally acclaimed architects and designers explore the CREATE’N’CONNECT keynote theme

The Talks programme will take place daily, from Friday to Monday, between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. in Hall 9, on the stage located between the Framing Trends display modules. Speakers will focus on connections between architecture, interior design and product design. On each of the four trade fair days, top-name architects, planners and designers, along with some interesting new talents, will contribute to the Talks programme, presenting innovative projects and fresh new ideas that illustrate the key role of flooring in interior design. Subjects include: New Technologies, Smart Materials, Smart Living, Digital Design Crossover Design, Fusion Architecture, Spatial Experiences, Tradition and Community.

“Connected by Technology“ is the topic of the first series of talks taking place on Friday. Star designer Sebastian Herkner (Studio Sebastian Herkner), professor Martin Tamke (Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts) and media artist Tim Edler (realities:united) will give introductory talks on projects ranging from cross-disciplinary cooperation and co-creative planning to innovative floor coverings featuring extraordinary design.