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20 years Pinakothek der Moderne – 21 objects
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On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Pinakothek der Moderne, which opened in 2002,
Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum presents objects from the last 20 years. Representative of each year is an object addressing a development
that has changed design or serves as the basis for current design movements. This might be new manufacturing processes such as 3D printing or technical developments such as robotics or virtual reality that generate new objects or new forms. Increasing importance is also being given to ecological aspects such as sustainability and fair trade, or societal and social issues such as inclusion and diversity. The objects on show present a small cross-section of the phenomena of the last two decades, finding their innovative and relevant creative expression through the medium of design.
2002 AIBO ERS 210
Entertainment robot, Sony Design Center, Sony Corporation (Japan)
The AIBO ERS 210 is an entertainment robot that perceives its environment by means of a camera, touch sensors and microphones. By talking to it or touching its head, chin and back, sensors are activated and the robot dog reacts with a movement. For example, happy feelings are expressed by wiggling its ears or tail. In addition, it can respond to voice commands. It recognizes its own name and simple commands such as “sit” or “lie down.” The AIBO ERS 210 was available in black, silver, gold, red, blue, green and white and cost about $1,500 at launch.
2003 High Tea Pot
New ceramics, Wieki Somers, Erik Jan Kwakkel, European Ceramic Work Centre (EKWC) ( The Netherlands)
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High Tea Pot by Wieki Somers represents conceptual Dutch design, which often contrasts two extremes. The teapot, as the focal point of that refined activity of tea drinking contrasts with the shape and material of the object. The designer molded a porcelain pig’s head for the teapot and used the fur of a water rat as the tea cozy. The teapot, which actually stands for distinguished and civilized interaction, acquires something bestial through its appearance as a hunting trophy
2004 Solid C2
3D printing, Patrick Jouin, Materialise MGX NV (Belgium)
Patrick Jouin was one of the first designers to demonstrate it is possible to grow an object.
Using 3D printing, he produced the chair from seemingly randomly arranged bands of plastic.
He also created the finished product at the same time as the prototype through the 3D printing process, and was thus able to shorten the design process. Additive manufacturing in 3D printing is automated, saves resources and allows for customization of designs. Each object can be digitally customized according to the customer’s
wishes. In total, there are 30 copies of the Solid C2.
2005 Cinderella Table
Digital craftsmanship, Jeroen Verhoeven, Demakersvan Id Productions (The Netherlands)
For Cinderella Table, the designer merges the profiles of two 18th-century tables using software. He then digitally generates the volume of the object in a rendering. To create the very complex form, Jeroen Verhoeven pushes the boundaries of computer-controlled wood cutting. Individual slices are cut and then glued together so the table ends up consisting of 741 layers of plywood. By taking the traditional form as a template and using modern manufacturing techniques, the object creates a fusion of past and present. There are 20 copies in total.
2006 Vessel
Recycling, Unknown
A classic amorphous form curves upwards on a round base. Two handles for carrying the vessel are attached on the right and left. It is used for transporting liquids and was made from recycled truck tires. The tire structure is recognizable on the surface. The individual pieces of rubber are joined together with nails.
2007 Plopp
FIDU Technology, Oskar Zieta / Philipp Dohmen, Steelwerk Polska (Poland)
At first glance, the three-legged stool looks light and elastic due to its inflated shape. However, this external appearance is deceptive. Made of sheet steel, it weighs about three kilograms and is only one millimeter thick. The fact that the stool has been inflated, on the other hand, is no deception. The FIDU (Free Internal Pressure Forming) technique used for this was developed by architect and designer Oskar Zieta together with his colleague Philipp Dohmen: two 0.8 millimeter thick steel
sheets are laid on top of each other, welded together at the edges and then inflated under
high air pressure. This innovative shaping process makes it possible to create three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional surfaces in a short time.
2008 AirArm
Bionic robot, Axel Thallemer / Christoph
Ament / Martin S. Fischer /Hartmut Witte
Universität für Kunst Linz / Technische Universität
Ilmenau / Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena (Austria / Germany)
To achieve guaranteed stability the AirArm stands on a double base made of stainless steel and plastic. The design of the robot arm, powered by hydraulics, was inspired by natural models, such as lobster claws, grasshopper legs or human arms.
The research project of these three universities shows a novel hydraulic and bionic robot, which is able to catch water droplets or throw darts thanks to its artificial muscles and the resulting human-like movement.
2009 The Deadly Sword
Critical graphic design, Hoon-Dong Chung, Unknown (South Korea)
With his graphic work designer Chung highlights the issue of environmental protection. The red sword is placed in the center while its white incremental markings are reminiscent of a thermometer. This serves as a symbol for global warming and the resulting problems for the earth and human life. The sword with the green inverted blade, on the other hand, would like to plead for ecologically conscious behaviour. Furthermore, it can also be associated with the symbol of the sword of Damocles, which
hovers above our heads and points to a clearly recognizable danger and threat.
2010 Autarchy
Eco design, Simone Farresin / Andrea Trimarchi, Formafantasma (The Netherlands)
With its Autarchy series, the Formafantasma design studio proves there is no need to create waste during the production process. These vessels are made of biomaterial dried naturally or at low temperatures. The material is 70% flour, 20% agricultural waste and 10% natural limestone.
The color differences of each shell are created by adding different vegetables, roots or spices. For example, composted cocoa and cinnamon were filtered and added for the medium bowl. The grain sorghum serves as a binder for the components.
2011 UP
Well being design, fuseproject (Yves Béhar), Jawbone, (USA)
This UP bracelet is accompanied by an app that tracks sleeping, eating and exercise patterns while worn. The bracelet records the personal data and then makes suggestions on how to achieve self-imposed goals. The aim is to help people recognize their own habits. With UP, the developers wish to improve health and well-being and thus give users greater selfconfidence. The surface with its zigzag pattern made of elastic material is inspired by our recurring biorhythms. The design deliberately conceals the technology.
2012 Ganymed
Medical design, Sigmar Klose / Karen Ostertag, Ganymed GmbH (Germany)
These two ergonomic walking aids have a skeleton-like grip surface, which is significantly more stable and at the same time lighter than other walking aids due to its struts. The design of the Ganymed crutches also differs significantly from conventional walking aids. For example, the design of the rubber foot, which can be rotated 180 degrees, is unique.
The advantage of this rotating function is to allow a softer or harder contact point.
2013 Fairphone
Fairtrade, Waag-Society open design project, Guohong (China)
The Fairphone is a fairtrade smartphone. „Fairtrade“ refers to goods that meet ecological, economic and social criteria during production. The Fairphone ensures that the individual parts are manufactured under fair working conditions and that as few different (partly recycled) raw materials as possible are used. The Fairphone is supplied without cables with the intention that users continue to use
existing cables. In addition, it consists of only a few individual parts meaning it can be repaired easily and independently.
2014 M3 Trolley
Architectural surveying, Paul Ignat, NavVis GmbH (Germany)
Nowadays, the three-dimensional recording of a site, industrial hall or historical building has become a very common method of spatial analysis and visualisation. With its integrated software and hardware, the M3 Trolley creates a digital 3D recording of an interior space that is accurate down to the last millimeter. Among others, these recordings can be useful in the field of interior design and modelling. For efficient and accurate mapping without information lapses, multiple copies are needed.
2015 AV1
Social design, Snø Designstudio, No Isolation, Westcontrol AS (Norway)
AV1 is a social robot that supports children who, for various reasons, cannot attend school for extended periods of time. It is placed on the classroom desk and uses a camera and microphone to perceive its surroundings. Meanwhile, the child sits at home on their smartphone or tablet and controls the camera so they can see and hear what is happening. Through a loudspeaker, the child is able to actively participate in class and talk to fellow pupils. This makes class participation possible even without being physically present. The AV1 combats the loneliness and isolation that can have both academic and social consequences.
2016 PowerEgg
Drone, Factory design (Feng Fan), Powervision Robot Inc. (China)
This egg-shaped drone boasts arms, or outriggers, that automatically unfold when the device is switched on. With its four rotors, the drone can stay in the air for a total of 23 minutes. For 360-degree shots, the 4K camera mounted on its undercarriage is used. Due to its size, the drone is easy to transport and can be used both indoors and out. The shape helps make its camera lens or rotors less susceptible to damage.
2017 Oculus Quest
Virtual Reality, Robin M. Miller / Julian Hammerstein / James Aldrich / Adam Hewko / Joseph P. Sullivan, Meta Platforms, Inc. (until 10/2021 Facebook, Inc.) (USA)
The Oculus Quest is a virtual reality headset that requires neither a console nor a computer to play. The glasses allow immersion in the virtual world, where the actions are controlled with the two controllers. The device has a built-in speaker and, for spatial orientation, four wide-angle cameras located at the corners of the headset. The wireless devices guarantee great freedom of movement for those playing.
2018 Segway Drift W1
E-Mobility, Factory design, Ninebot (Tianjin) Tech Co., Ltd. (China)
Once switched on, Segway Drift W1 e-skates find their own balance meaning you need no additional straps or buckles to stand on them safely. They also boast a non-slip rubber-like surface for additional stability. The e-skates can reach a maximum speed of 12 km/h. By shifting your own physical weight, it is possible to go faster or slower. The maximum ride
time is 45 minutes enabling skaters to cover a distance of about 11 kilometers. Integrated colorful lighting on the front and back means they can also be used in the dark. The Segway Drift W1 do not work on uneven ground or when the slope is too steep. Moreover, they are not approved for use on German public highways.
2019 SteriWhite Air Q115
UVC-Technology, Factory design (Christoph Dengg), Dr. Hönle AG / Sterilsystems GmbH (Germany)
The SteriWhite Air Q115 is a chemical-free air purifier against viruses. It uses UV-C rays to penetrate virus shells and thus destroy them. This prevents bacteria, viruses or spores from reproducing and breaks the chain of infection. With its understated design, compact size and a weight of 15 kilograms, the powder-coated sheet steel housing can be placed inconspicuously in rooms. A constant air flow is ensured, while operating noise is kept very low. Thus, the device can be used in medical practices,
stores, restaurants or schools without disturbing noise.
2020 Everyone Is Awesome
Diversity, Matthew Ashton, The LEGO Group (Denmark)
This Lego set represents the great diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community with its different colors. Black and brown represent the ethnic diversity of people within the community as well as the Non-Binary and Asexual flag. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple make up the Pride flag. Light blue, white and pink show the transgender flag. With this limited edition, the designer wishes to make a statement about “love and inclusion”. His goal is for us to see children – who welcome everyone, regardless of their background – as our role models.
LGBTQIA+ is an acronym standing for: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexual,
Asexual and more.
2021 Go FlyEase
Inclusive design, Factory design (Tobie Hatfield), Nike Inc. (USA)
These shoes can be put on and taken off completely hands free. This is made possible by a folding mechanism at the heel and a two-part sole. When you slip the shoes on, the rear part of the sole folds up so that the shoe sits firmly on your foot. When taking off the shoe, you step lightly on the heel of the shoe with one foot and it comes off easily.
This barrier-free solution is designed to help people with and without disabilities to go through life more independently and comfortably.
2022 SeaClear
AI robotics, Project manager
Dr. Stefan Sosnowski, Technische Universität München (Germany)
There is currently a lot of plastic waste on the seabed, and collecting it has been very time-consuming, expensive and dangerous up to now. The SeaClear system is designed to locate and collect this waste in the water. Four robots work together to do this: an autonomously operating robot boat carries out an initial scan of the seabed and locates larger accumulations of rubbish. An observation robot is lowered into the water to detect the rubbish in the depths. A drone additionally ensures from the air that further rubbish is detected in the water when visibility is good. All three create a map for the fourth robot. A collection robot then travels to certain points on the map and collects the rubbish. With the help of
the artificially intelligent robots, the SeaClear system is intended to eliminate the enormous threat to plants and animals living there. A total of 8 partners from 5 countries and 49 researchers are involved in the project.