In the face of technology – a universal yearning for an analog world

The "Farm Project" presented by Dornbracht was by far the most visceral and far-reaching design statement presented in Cologne during design week this winter. It is appropriate that it was part of Passagen, as opposed to the official fair. It speaks to our current fascination with the iconic. Created by Mike Meiré, you can hear his fascinating interviews 1, 2, 3. about the project. Yes, our sleek, shiny monolithic technological objects cry out for a reaction, and this is a most interesting reaction. When we design our homes we forget that our lives at home are more than the sum of our building materials and machines. It is amazing that we need to be reminded that after the design stage that homes teem with life, just like the "Farm Project" and offer us warmth, protection and refuge. It is the design process that makes comfort possible, but much of today's designs look downright foreboding, hence the success of this presentation.