Design masters like Norman Foster and Philippe Starck have kept Duravit at the peak of bathroom design.
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Design masters like Norman Foster and Philippe Starck have kept Duravit at the peak of bathroom design. Lauren Hills talks to Franz Kook, CEO of Duravit, to explore the architecture of bathrooms.
“Is it design, or is it architecture”, people asked when they saw the bathroom series by Norman Foster.
So faultless in its functionality that the combination of ceramics and metal finishing was not commonplace, but was rather, extraordinary. Foster’s design was inspired by the humble archetype of two cupped hands scooping water; two adjacent circles define the geometry of the whole range.
Duravit has embraced their ‘living bathroom’ philosophy since it began creating sanitary ware in 1842, creating bathroom products that are driven, not only by function and quality, but by design. With bathrooms emerging as an important living space for relaxation and revitalisation, a well designed bathroom is a valuable asset, and often a showpiece within a development.
Duravit is one of the first sanitary ware companies to collaborate with architects. Can you tell me about these collaborations?
Kook: We first collaborated with Philippe Starck 15 years ago, however the collaboration started before that as it always takes about two years to fully develop a product. We started first with the design of Starck 1, then Starck 2 and 3. From there we moved to Starck X, which was more expensive and of even higher quality.
With Norman Foster we have one series, which we extended last year. Foster had an idea for a washbasin that he wanted to implement in one of his own projects, so we collaborated with him to create the design, and as it was so well received we made it available to the public. When Norman Foster sketches his architectural concept for his customers he also draws the bathroom; and his clients will often follow his design ideas.
Is it important for architects to consider fittings in a bathroom before they design a space?
Kook: While the interior designer is predominantly involved when the bathroom space is discussed, the design of a bathroom should be considered at the architectural stage too.
In great buildings, the bathroom design is not accidental; architects are in collaboration with interior designers and clients will think about the best possible solution for the bathroom.
What should architects keep in mind when designing a bathroom?
Kook: Looking at commercial projects like hotels, for example, the design of a bathroom is a key factor that customers are looking for. The bathroom can enhance the style and architecture of a building; people pay far more attention to good bathroom design than they did 20 years ago.
What value does good bathroom design add to the end user?
Kook: I think that people might have lost money through speculation over the last year, so they are thinking about what is truly valuable; thinking about what can enhance their lives. We are convinced that the bathroom plays an important role in a person’s lifestyle. It is more than just a cleaning room; it is not only for taking a shower, it is a room for relaxation and enjoying your personal space.
It is the last room before you go to the bedroom and the first room you enter when you start your day; it is a very important space.
Do you think that architects and developers consider the bathroom as an important space?
Kook: I do think that they recognise that the bathroom is an important living space, but often they might be restricted because of a client’s budget or the space constraints. But architects are most definitely concerned with designing a good shape for the bathroom, giving enough space for a shower and bath, a nice wash basin area with a mirror and cabinet. However, there can be limitations; if an apartment is only 100 metres2 you have to be clever with how you utilise the space.
Do architects communicate with Duravit with regards to their bathroom design intent?
Kook: Yes, if you look at our guest list for the Duravit Design Days, we have many architects from all over the world coming to view our latest products and to discuss the latest trends. For Duravit Design Days 2009 I have spoken with architects from Scandinavia, Tunisia, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, the UK and Belgium.
Architects are interested in collaboration and they profit from the discussions as they can see what designs are available and how they can be installed in there own projects. Duravit has had great success working with different architects who will specify products for their projects, or even develop their own range as Norman Foster and Philippe Starck did.
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