discover germany | issue 20 | november 2014

Issue 20 | November 2014

MARTIN RÜTTERTH E W I Z ARD OF DOGS

PLUSDAZZLING DESIGN FOR 2015

GREAT GOURMET & SPADESTINATIONS

25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEFALL OF THE BERLIN WALL

DESIGN, FASHION,CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

2_1_DiscoverGermany_November14_Issue20:Scan Magazine 1 20/10/14 14:04

The finest design Made in Glashütte, Germany:

Metro

Find out more about this and other models at nomos-store.com and nomos-glashuette.com


24 44

ContentsNOVEMBER 2014

Discover Germany | Contents

Park Hotel Vitznau. Photo: Klaus Lorke

Issue 20 | November 2014 | 3

Photo: eins:33

COVER FEATURE6 Martin Rütter

Canine expert Martin Rütter knows allabout dogs and their owners. If the dog-human relationship is on the brink, he isthe hero to the rescue.

SPECIAL THEMES12 Dazzling Design for 2015

Hit the new year in style with a completedesign makeover. This section is burstingwith creative talent. From industrial to in-terior, private to corporate design we pres-ent outstanding projects and their creators.

44 Great Gourmet & Spa Destinations

Distinction all the way for our high classand truly blissful gourmet and spa desti-nations, promising pampering times forall senses.

60 WeddingVows and Beyond

Ready to tie the knot, but nothing plannedyet? Read how to make the big day thebest day of your life, for you and yourguests.

70 Focus on reunification: 25thAnniversaryof the Fall of the BerlinWall

A quarter of a century ago history wasmade when the wall – separating East fromWest Germany – fell down. A nation wasreunited, destiny was rewritten for count-

less families and a new era begun. See whatis going on today in and around Berlin.

REGULARS & COLUMNS9 Design

Alpine charm, mountain style and themagic of Hüttenzauber.

10 Fashion

Cool and chic city style with a twist of Rockis what’s hot this November.

38 Wine & Dine

Wine expert Iris Ellmann recommends thebest wines to go with your Christmas din-ner. For chocoholics and those who can’twait to unwrap their chocolate Santa, Jes-sica Holzhausen took a closer look at thesweet temptation made of cocoa.

41 Hotel of the Month

At the hotelMonarch in the heart of Bavariais a peaceful haven during the wintertime,offering you that much needed rest and re-laxation.

54 Attractions of the Month

A contemporary architectural masterpiecebuilding, showcasing future-orientated de-sign treasures is what awaits visitors at theMarta Herford Museum in Germany. OurAustrian contender is Vienna’s MadameTussauds.Want to see the famous EmpressSissi up, close and personal? Fancy a cup of

coffee with George Clooney? Then this isthe place to go!

56 Event Location of the Month

Aura at Zurich’s Paradeplatz leaves no roomfor desire when it comes to the perfectparty location. 2,000 sqm of space, a divinerestaurant and top notch technology ensurethat even the biggest bash rocks smoothlyin style.

66 Business

Our legal expert Gregor Kleinknecht re-flects on the reunification and all you needto know about executive coaching.

67 Conference of the Month

Modern loft style meets tradition in Mu-nich’s media hub.Uber-cool and flexible inshape and size, the ziegelei101 is the ulti-mate place to hold a business or privateevent to remember.

69 Barbara Geier

Our columnist Barbara Geier shares herviews on the reunification of Germany.

76 Culture Calendar

Save the date! Discover Germany’s CultureCalendar is your perfect guide to this win-ter’s upcoming highlights.

65

Photo: Forma Photography


4 | Issue 20 | November 2014

Dear Reader,Are you a dog lover? Then our cover starMartin Rütter will be no stranger to you.Well, and if dogs are not your cup of tea,you may still have benefited from his serv-ices, as he may be the reason that a dog youonce encountered did behave very well.Rütter is constantly striving to improvedog-human relationships and he does itwith a good portion of humour. Find outmore about the Prince of Paws in our starinterview.

Star-studded is our Dazzling Design for 2015 theme, where wepresent high profile creative talent. It is amazing how design in-fluences our daily life. Some in a most subtle and almost unno-ticeable manner, other creations are just breath-taking to look at.We take a closer look at the people behind the finished products;please feel free to get inspired. From dazzling design we move todazzling brides and grooms in our wedding special, where all is setfor the big day.After all, wedding planners and photographers areabsolutely essential to make it a happy day with fond memoriesthat will last for a lifetime.

Happily we move on to the most fascinating Great Gourmet & SpaDestinations. Discover the most beautiful and distinctive places tospend a relaxing time to remember this winter. It simply can’t getany better!

Just like 25 years ago, when I was there, near Lübeck in the northof Germany. News just spread on the radio and no one could re-ally believe it. Immediately we took the car to the nearest check-point to discover a picture that even the greatest Hollywoodblockbuster could never resemble. People were climbing over thewall, standing on it, trying to wreck it. Some were cheering, mostwere crying while lying in each others arms and some just stoodand stared in wonder: the wall that separated East from WestGermany, has fallen. Read more about it in this issue.

Enjoy the magazine!

Tina Awtani

Discover Germany

Issue 20, November 2014

Published 22.10.2014

ISSN 2051-7718

Published by

Scan Magazine Ltd.

Design & Print

Liquid Graphic Ltd.

Executive Editor

Thomas Winther

Creative Director

Mads E. Petersen

Editor

Tina Awtani

Art Director

Svetlana Slizova

Copy-Editor

Mark Rogers

Contributors

Emmie Collinge

Elisabeth Doehne

Iris Ellmann

Emily Engels

Barbara Geier

Jessica Holzhausen

Meryem Hauer

Julika Huether

Gregor Kleinknecht

Cordelia Makartsev

Dorina Reichhold

Jaime Schwartz

Marilena Stracke

Isabel Wagner

Sales & Key Account Managers

Emma Fabritius Nørregaard

Laura Hummer

Antonietta Cutarelli

Noura Draoui

Jennifer Martins

Advertising

[email protected]

Discover Germanyis published by:

SCAN GROUPScan Magazine Ltd.15B Bell Yard MewsBermondsey StreetLondon SE1 3TYUnited Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)870 933 [email protected]

For further information, please visitwww.discovergermany.com

© All rights reserved. Material containedin this publication may not be reproduced,in whole or in part, without priorpermission of Scan Magazine Ltd.

This magazine containsadvertorials/promotional articles


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M a r t i n R ü t t e rTheWizard of DogsThey call him the Prince of Paws, Master of the Canine Mind, Dog Whisperer or the Dogfather. Now Martin Rütter is back onstage with his new live show, where he gives invaluable guidance of how to achieve the perfect dog-human relationship.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: MARK REHBECK

Most of us know the scenario.While takinga walk in nature or jogging along, all of asudden a barking dog approaches, preparedto jump at our throat.While we switch intopanic mode, the owner is either out of sightor conciliatorily hollers:“No worries, he justwants to play.” Or we visit some friendsand their furry pet greets us at the frontdoor with a growl, before joining us on thefamily sofa without invitation. Dog ownerstend to feel unconditional love for theirfour legged friends and they are prepared tosacrifice relationships with other humans,who do not share their feelings, withoutbatting an eye.

“Dogsarevery loyal and reliablepartners”To the rescue comes Martin Rütter, the dogexpert hero who has devoted his entire lifeto researching and scrutinising canine be-haviour. He even lived with a wolf pack atone point to drill down on the issue. Theanimal psychologist developed D.O.G.S.(Dog Orientated Guiding System), a non-violent coaching method for dogs and theirowners. Today over 150 trained D.O.G.S.coaches work at more than 80 Centres forHumans with Dogs in the German speak-ing region.

Rütter’s books and dvds are literally flyingoff the shelves as soon as they are released.People know him from his VOX TV seriesDer Hundeprofi, which also aired in a highlyentertainingVIP version,where Rütter trieshis best to get celebrities and their dogsback on track. It never takes long to dis-cover that the dog is not the problem.

The icing on the cake is Rütter live on stage.In his shows he explains things like thephenomenon of anthropomorphisation ina most hilarious way.He clarifies why treat-

ing a dog like a human being usually doesnot go down too well and why such be-haviour invokes canine confusion.

But why do people develop such a strongbond with their dogs? I ask the pro.“Dogsare very loyal and reliable partners. Noother animal bonds with a human like adog. The dog accepts a person as a full-value congener and sometimes even prefershim to members of his own species. Thedog actively searches the emotional vicin-ity of the human being,“Rütter says.

That may explain the common saying ‘ifyou need a friend, get a dog’, I think. Sur-prisingly Rütter himself does not comefrom a dog-loving home.“I never was al-lowed to have a dog as a child, because myparents still think of an animal as obsolete,when it can’t be put on the BBQ as food,”helaughs. “But I always walked the neigh-bour’s dogs and I used to stroke my auntieThea’s dogs ad nauseam. Back in the ‘80sshe was running a kind of dog shelter andshe had the extraordinary talent to driveeven the kindest dogs crazy within weeks,

Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Martin Rütter



so no one could enter her house any more.That really sparked my interest and Iwanted to figure out why so many peoplearound me experience problems with theirdogs,”Rütter remembers.

Back to school

Watching him educating the owners of aruthless Rottweiler, a daunting Dobermanor a schizophrenic Schnauzer is highly en-tertaining and surprisingly – given the fullcooperation of the owners – all dogs turn ascool as a cucumber in no time. One of hisfavourites is the dachshund.TheWiener onshort legs is a German pet icon and primeexample for mismanaged expectations.

“Due to his appearance the dachshund isoften underestimated. People think he iscute and small and perfectly suitable as anaccessory. That is complete nonsense. Thedachshund is a robust and very indepen-

dent dog. If you order him to sit on a Mon-day morning, he looks at you and thinks:‘yeah, ask me nicely again on Wednesdayand I may consider.’ My point is that it isquite a challenge to train a dachshund.”

How to master such a challenge is part ofhis new (and third) show nachSITZen [de-tention], where it is “all about keeping theball rolling when it comes to dog training.A little refresher course does no harm, thatis why we called it detention,”he smiles.“But of course I will present completelynew content. On stage we will find our-selves in a school scenario. The allegedhighly able will also get their fair share; if adog pees against a tree three times in a rowwithout accident, the owner already thinkshe has Einstein on paws on his lead. Wewill further dive into the world of pedigreedogs; tackle the topic of nutrition andmuchmore.”

Until December 2015 the dogfather will betouring the nation to explore what reallyhappens in Germany’s living rooms andwho is the boss of the house. Rütter oftenrefers to cultural differences to clarify apoint, so a Spaniard for instance wouldwalk his dog proudly with a straight backand his head up, making him a prime ex-ample of how to gain a dog’s respect.

I asked Rütter, how he would picture aBritish dog owner. He laughs and says: “Idon’t know why but the first thing thatsprings to mind is Rowan Atkinson as Mr.Bean and how he tries to get a dog oncourse by using only his countenance andgestures, a beautiful image.”And as our in-terview draws to an end he drops a handyhint: “By the way, this would be the rightapproach, because dogs mainly communi-cate on a non-verbal level.”

Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Martin Rütter



Discover Germany | Design | Dedicated to Design

Spice up your sofa with luxurious loden cushions madeby Kitzbühler Werkstätten, a label representing tradi-tional charm, refreshing zest for life and exclusivelifestyle. £98. Available at www.hotel4home.com

Furry friends are fun, not only for kids. These “huntingtrophies” are made to be loved; rest assured that noharm was done to the animals. £29.Available at www.geschenkidee.at

Sleek Maverick chair with armrests designed by BirgitHoffmann for KFF. The flared legs give this solidwooden chair a special twist. Different design optionsavailable. P.o.a. www.kff.de

Together with 30 designers and under the supervisionof project manager Sabine Meyer Germany’s CaritasWendelstein Werkstätten have created eco-friendlyproducts since 2002. All items of the side by side col-lection are hand-made by people with disabilities. Nut-cracker, £47. Available at www.sidebyside-shop.com

Dedicated to Design...It’s getting cold outside, so time to snuggle up in front of the fireplace. Alpine charm and mountain chic is ourtheme for this month’s design picks. Germans love to use the term Hüttenzauber, which literally translates intocabin magic, but just like Gemütlichkeit there is no perfect English word for it. To get an idea of how to style yourhome a bit more “gemütlich” please take a look at these beautiful new design objects we discovered in stores.

BY TINA AWTANI

2 1

5

3 The Radius design Wall Flame 1 ethanol fireplace comes in various colour op-tions. Clear lines and perfect functionality deliver contemporary Alpine style rightinto your living room. £625. Available at www.designandmiles.de

4


Navy blue at its best: skinny jeans and high heels are always awinning formula. Blend with luxuriuous accessories such as atrendy fur gilet to nail the rocking winter look. The fur gilet is anabsolute must-have in this season’s wardrobe.Shirt £47, gilet £313, skinny jeans £94.www.richandroyal.de

Fashion FindsCool and chic is our fashion themefor November. Perfect silhouettesthat rock are ruling the catwalks andcasual is the new city chic. Fromskinny jeans to baggy trousers thereare no limits, but it is essential tomake the look work with the rightaccessories. Attention to detail iscrucial to achieve a stylish ratherthan a sloppy look.

BY TINA AWTANI



A true classic is the biker style leather jacket. Not suitable forformal occasions, but uber cool when out and about in town.It is well worth investing in a good quality piece, because thiswill last you a long time. £258. www.comma-store.de

Graphic prints are a great way to make a statement.Pop down your local high street store and you’ll be spoilt forchoice. This model is from German label comma and blendsperfectly with the urban rock style trend. £47.www.comma-store.de

Dare to bare gorgeous legs and opt for the party version ofthe rock chic look. This fringed leather mini skirt looks superhot with boots and a tight metallic top. £118.www.hallhuber.com

High fashion brand Rich & Royal dates back to 1986.Originated in Stuttgart, the label’s collections are theepitome of unique and rock-inspired style. Baggytrousers also work well with a plain white shirt andsimple jewellery for a day at the office. T-shirt £31,jacket £219, baggy trousers £94.www.richandroyal.de

Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds




Specialised products created for peoplewith disabilities are only appealing to thespecific users that they’re aimed at. So con-sider the potential of a well-made productthat every single one of us would find sim-ple and comfortable to use. Given today’schanging demographics, more and morepeople are benefitting from products madewith the‘Design for All’concept.

By 2020, over 65s will account for 29.5% ofthe EU’s population, and therefore thenumber of people with limited abilities willincrease. Inclusive design can support moreindependent living, but these productsneed to be easy and safe to use, as well asbeing adaptable to meet certain needs.TheEVOline plug (Schulte) reduces the amountof force your body needs to exert; all it

needs is a gentle tipping motion to removeit from the socket. Interestingly, addedvalue comes from its flat form, guarantee-ing it remains hidden behind furniture andcupboards.

The salad shaker (Oxo) takes an egalitarianapproach to use, as both left and right-handers can use it.Thanks to this, it has thenecessary flexibility in terms of handlingthat will be of particular benefit to thosesuffering from rheumatism and weaknessin their hands.

The CinemaConnect smartphone app(Sennheiser) enables cinemagoers to have

Why shut out potential users? Why create specialist products that only a few willbuy? The concept ‘Design for All’ offers attractive solutions with inclusive products,which are easy, safe and comfortable for everyone to use.

TEXT: MATHIAS KNIGGE, MEMBER OF THE BOARD EDAD (DESIGN FÜR ALLE – DEUTSCHLAND E.V.)

TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: EDAD

Special Theme

DazzlingDesign for

2015

A design that is appealingand helpful for everyone



Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2015

customised sound, either by making thedialogue more understandable or with theaddition of audio description for visuallyimpaired people. Particularly interesting forthe ‘Design for All’ concept, the app en-ables the viewer to watch the film in any ofthe available languages.

By improving your product’s design andmaking it more accessible to the few who’llbenefit from easier usage, it will ultimatelyappeal to and reach a wider market. Floorlevel showers have now become the stan-dard in terms of comfort and modern ar-chitecture, as well as being of immensevalue to those with mobility problems.

To convince businesses of the importance ofinclusive design and‘Design for All’, the au-thor has compiled a study togetherwith part-ners from the‘Design fürAlle – Deutschland’competence network for the Federal Min-istry of Economics andTechnology.The studyshows the vital economic role that small andmedium-sized enterprises (SME) can play asthe demographics of the country change.Management, product development andmarketing therefore have to be re-thoughtand the challenges met effectively, imple-mented well, and often with external help.

Product language andmarketing messagesshould not single out or highlight the user’simpairments, as no one wants to buy aproduct that stigmatises them – even if itdoes make their life easier.

Above: Cinema Connect for better hearing in cinema.Photo: www.sennheiser-connect.com

Below: Step-free shower. Photo: www.kaldewei.de

Bottom left: Easy-pull plug in super flat design.Photo: www.schulte.com

Bottom right: Salad spinner, to be used single-handedly,designed by Oxo. Photo: www.grauwert.info



hartmannvonsiebenthal3D designs bring brands to life

Our society and its people often suffer fromsensory overload – internet, television, ra-dio, flashing and colourful advertisementson every street corner, on the mobile phoneand in newspapers. “This makes it evenmore important for a brand to give orien-tation and decision guidance,” says RalphHartmann, founder and CEO of hartman-nvonsiebenthal GmbH.The company spe-cialises in designing shops and showroomsand has worked for international brandslike O2 or Samsung.“A shop has to be at-

tuned to a company and label to create avalue of brand recognition that makes cus-tomers feel at home.”

A store has to focus on the brand and itsdesign to make it possible for customers toexperience the brand with all their senses.“It is not the point to simply put a sign ora logo somewhere; instead a good storehas to give the customer a sweeping,thrilling and long lasting experience of thebrand and its meaning,”says Ralph Hart-

mann.The brand has to stand out from thewhite noise of constant media overload bybeing receptive and responsive.

When creating a shop design, for hart-mannvonsiebenthal this means using cer-tain well-selected materials, creating amood that underlines the brand’s mes-sages, and integrating the brand’s chan-nels into the retail space in a way thatserves the customer’s purposes. The roomhas to interact with its visitors and inspir-ing product examples have to be displayed– offline as well as online.

hartmannvonsiebenthal is an expert in cre-ating 3D brand spaces, offering its clients afull service from conceptualisation to digi-tal drafts and finally the finished project.

Transferring brands and their message into designed spaces is hartmannvonsieben-thal’s expertise. The Berlin based design agency was founded in 2006 and has its ori-gin in architecture; today it is one of the leading design offices when it comes to cre-ating 3D brand environments – according to their slogan “Building Brand Experience”.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: HARTMANNVONSIEBENTHAL




The company has pro-found brand building ex-perience. The Berlin baseddesigners develop excel-lent design ideas out ofbrand specific concepts.“And if it is the customer’swish we could also realisethe concept and build theintended spaces as well,”says Hartmann. Rangingamong the leading agen-cies for 3D brand designand architecture, hartman-nvonsiebenthal has re-alised more than 1,000projects for German andinternational companies.Today the 65 employeeswork closely together withspecialists from differentfields – architecture as wellas interactive content – toachieve an outstandingdesign and provide aunique experience.

One example of this isthe new O2 Live ConceptStore for the telecommu-nication provider O2Telefónica that wasawarded the iF commu-nication award 2014, the

Iconic Award 2014 as well as the Ger-man Design Award Special Mention2015. The task was to push the limits ofthe conventional telecommunicationstore. Using natural materials like woodin combination with playful design ele-ments, this O2 flagship store in Berlinlets customers experience a cosy atmos-phere – sometimes even reminiscent of aliving room at home. Likewise it letsclients experience the O2 product rangeand O2’s virtual services directly on site.“Designing a shop for a telecommunica-tion provider is always an extra challenge,because the main product is impalpable,”says founder Ralph Hartmann. Commu-nication is the core business, somethingthat cannot be made visible.

What is displayed in the stores are devicesmade by different electronic companies:mobile phones or tablets. But these can beused to make communication – and there-fore the core business – more concrete.Theconcept store in itself becomes a first-handdialogue with the client. It has to have an“enjoyable atmosphere that gives orienta-tion, surprises, informs and defines thebrand on the market,”explains Hartmann.“In the end all comes to the point to givecustomers time, and the security that he orshe chose well out of an unimaginable widerange of products.”

Interactivity and cross-media communica-tions play an important role in the interiordesign of shops and the creation of exhibi-tion stands – not only when designing fortelecommunication companies but heremore than anywhere else. Interactivity in a

shop can help to show the range of virtualproducts, can help customers grasp the un-touchable and understand very complextopics. Due to the internet and its possibil-ities for research, customers today are bet-ter informed than they have ever been be-fore. So when they enter a shop theyalready know a lot.“Therefore it is impor-tant that a shop does not give another im-pression from what the brand’s advertise-ments have promised,” says Hartmann.“Seamless communication is the magicword: it means the cross-media linkage ofonline media with the offline – the real –word in retail, at trade fairs and events.”

www.hartmannvonsiebenthal.de

Left, main image:Samsung, London Olympic Games

Top: O2 Concept Store, Berlin & Mango store, Vienna

Middle: Deutsche Telekom

Bottom: Samsung & Volkswagen



It all began with the participation at theMesse Frankfurt to present a table and chaircollection. Cutting residues were used tocreate table decorations and enchanted thefair visitors.With this, the idea to work withfelt was created, more or less by accident.After analysing the positive attributes ofthe material, the company started to workon some innovative designs.

In 1999 the manufactory HEY-SIGN wasfounded and one year later the first collec-tion was exclusively produced from woolfelt. Through the commitment and invest-ment in new technical potentialities of feltcutting, new possibilities for more elabo-rated cutting methods opened up and new

The idea was to create a sustainable product range completely made from high-quality wool felt; to provide environmentally valuable designs with many possibil-ities for various combinations. HEY-SIGN is committed to motivate people to pur-chase a natural product instead of synthesised mass products.

TEXT: MERYEM HAUER | PHOTOS: HEY-SIGN GMBH

HEY-SIGN felt– a unique combination ofmaterial and handcraft




ranges of applications have been found.This common project of BernadetteEhmanns andMathias Hey is driven by thepassion for producing a high-quality pro-duct as well as for the remarkable materialfelt.These exceptional objects are a result ofclear design on the one hand and a lowtechnical effort on the other.

Before that, felt was not known in such amultiplicity of colours and forms, but that isexactly what gives the product innovatorsplenty of leeway for being creative withoutany limits. The timeless design revolu-tionised and opened a new market, in-creased the demand for felt and this stimu-lated the world-wide wool market sales tothis industry.

HEY-SIGN is a manufactory which deve-lops and produces hand-made felt productsexclusively in Meerbusch, Germany. Allparts required for the production are deliv-ered by only German suppliers to corre-spond with the quality connotation Madein Germany. For the innovative entrepre-neurs it is important to keep the transportroutes short to allow regular personal qual-ity inspections.

The trademark HEY-SIGN represents dec-orative hand-made table and home acces-sories, made from wool felt. The collectioncomprises bags, tableware, home acces-

sories, carpets, seating furniture and muchmore in over 40 colours and different ma-terial thicknesses.

Luminous colours combined with the ex-ceptional material felt are the hallmarks ofthe HEY-SIGN collection. Thereby origi-nates an appropriate balance between de-sign and material.All products are suitablefor everyday life to ensure timeless qualityand blend perfectly within any surround-ings.The collections are regularly presentedat exhibitions and fairs to make themmoretangible and demonstrate the uniquemanu-factural idea behind it.

The felt consists of 100% pure new wooland that is literally a renewable raw mate-rial. Felt is permeable to air, hygroscopic,heat-insulating, dirt-repellent and absorbsunpleasant smells. In 2007 the felt, used byHEY-SIGN, was officially examined andcertified through theWoolmark Company.Since then all of the products are allowed tocarry the Woolmark sign – a quality markfor pure new wool. HEY-SIGN is still theonly felt manufacturing label which is al-lowed to bear and use the Woolmark cer-tificate.

Besides the trademark HEY-SIGN, the pri-vate label sector for customer-orientedproducts and special cuts provides a secondmajor pillar of the company.Moreover, the

company provides support as a servicepartner for clients, designers and architectsin many different ways with felt materials,precision cuts and commissioned produc-tions. Customer-oriented special cuts forsmall parts but also store furnishings androom installations are produced at the com-pany headquarter and are the key to realiseevery individual desired design.

The wall installation under the theme wa-ter world at a Swiss shopping mall, whichconsists solely of felt, is just one example todemonstrate the versatile applications ofthis intimitable material. Other parts of theprivate label sector are the production ofseat covers for church pews or manufacturetableware according to a customers’designfor several well-known brand names.

Now, after 15 years the company has raisedawareness for wool felt and this materialprovides many opportunities that are wait-ing to be discovered.

The aim of HEY-SIGN is to provoke a cer-tain sensitisation to be vigilant about envi-ronmental compatibility, to set an examplefor Pro Nature against the trend for con-venience and throw-away products and alsoto engage self-conscious handling and per-ception of the materials for the daily use.

www.hey-sign.de



Even the apple peeler amazes with itsclever design. "Our company is based onthree features: reduction, aesthetics andfunctionality," explains Michael Rösing,managing director of furniture retailer Ra-dius Design. "Reducing a product to its ba-sic task does not only lead to a higher func-tionality but also to aesthetic perfection."This is the essential philosophy behind Ra-dius Design, to be more functional, originaland attractive than what is already avail-able. Dissatisfied with what the furnituremarket had to offer, Rösing started design-ing his own products more than twentyyears ago and has since then not onlygained a vast amount of experience butalso established a successful collaborationwith a network of designers, engineers andretailers.

Radius Design's product line comprises so-lutions for all aspects of modern living. It of-fers fireplaces of cutting-edge technologyand stunning elegance as well as multi-functional furniture, eye-catchingmailboxesor unusual bird houses. Each design im-

presses with smartness and high function-ality. The brand Absolut Lightning, alsofounded and managed by Rösing, provideshigh quality lighting solutions for the home,all reduced to a basic, elegant design like theproducts of sister company Radius Design.

Both Radius Design as well as AbsolutLighting were nominated for and have wonseveral design awards and Rösing has plansto realize more creative ideas and expandthe business. Besides the German market,Radius Design also has a solid customerbase in the Netherlands, the United Statesand Switzerland, with increasing sales incountries as far away as Japan.

Rösing has also created two show houses,Radius House and Absolut House, whichare furnished with the company's ownproducts. Both are situated in the seasidevillage Gümüslük, close to the city ofBodrum in the southwestern Aegean re-gion ofTurkey and can accommodate up toseven people for a holiday. "Our holidayhomes are booked by couples or families

who want to relax in a pleasant atmos-phere, far away from crowded hotels. Ourguests set a high value on an attractive andpremium quality interior, which our prod-ucts provide,”explains Rösing. It is the per-fect opportunity to spend a holiday to re-member, surrounded by stunning eleganceand clever functionality.

www.radius-design.com

Award winning furniture designer and retailer Radius Design pairs purist elegancewith high functionality.

TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD | PHOTOS: RADIUS DESIGN

Aesthetic perfection for your home


Below: Letterman 2 mailbox

Bottom: Miss Moneypenny desk

Above: Uni Flame bio-ethanol fireplace



An old industrial building on the banks ofthe Spree in Berlin Kreuzberg, where oncevinyl records have been pressed, now pro-vides the ideal environment for the two ar-chitects Claudia and Klaus de Winder tocreate high-quality and up-to-date roomconcepts. Since 1999, the successful 16-person team has developed customised so-lutions for interior design projects withinworking environments such as in regis-tered historical buildings, expansion or newconstruction and special uses to high-classprivate residential expansions.

Offices in Bikini Berlin– a tribute to the late 1950sDuring the years 2013 and 2014 the repre-sentative office space for a renowned, in-

ternationally active company was devel-oped in the new ConceptMall Bikini Berlin.The offices extend over three floors and of-fer views of the Kaiser Wilhelm MemorialChurch as well as the lively City West,whereas the rear view provides a spectacu-lar panorama across the Zoo.

The official entrance is located on the pent-house floor and is equipped with a wel-coming reception and waiting lounge, sur-rounded by conference rooms. In additionto the cafeteria with its roof terrace, thisarea contains a flexible work zone with amultifunctional desk landscape with stand-ing and seating places.An internal staircaseleads to the 5th and 6th floors. In con-formity with the firm’s day-to-day opera-tion, an open area for temporary use hasbeen created. The corridor widens in themiddle zones and provides space for open

Claudia and Klaus de Winder, a successful architecture couple from Berlin, haveset themselves the task to create beautiful spaces where people feel comfortableand like to spend their time. A harmonious interaction of artificial and natural illu-mination and an effective accentuation through conscious colourfulness is therebyalways part of the concept.

TEXT: MERYEM HAUER | PHOTOS: MARK SEELEN / DE WINDER ARCHITEKTEN

Claudia and Klaus de Winder

Innovative interior design – the fusionof ideas and spatial concepts




desktops as well as lounge areas and hasspacious open areas at both ends.

Colour-padded telephone booths withshimmering white surfaces and glass cubi-cles provide individual workplaces whilelong desks overlook the Zoo.A clear black-and-white scheme is part of this conceptand it is discreetly interrupted by blue, or-ange and yellow-green colour accents. Sur-rounded on one side by the oasis of the zooand the symbol ofWest Berlin on the other,the Bikini building marks the interface be-tween landscape and city and enables amodern interpretation of office design in ahistoric location.

Dierks + Bohle – a farsighted law office

Directly located at the Rhine docks of thecity of Düsseldorf, the renowned law firmDierks + Bohle is based on the 16th floorwithin the DOCK2 building, a remark-

able city project by the Danish architect JoCoenen.

A strict black-and-white theme runs like acontinuous thread through the whole pro-ject.White furniture is combined with blacksurfaces on the walls and ceilings. Whitedesks and black chairs with white instal-lations and black carpets play the leadingrole in each of the offices. Bright naturalstone as part of the external facade mergesinto the interior of the conference roomand thus becomes part of the ceiling design.

The headquarter in Berlin at the Kurfürs-tendammwas completed by deWinder ar-chitects in 2013. Two floors, which havebeen designed in a work-friendly way byfollowing a black-and-white colour con-cept, are connected through a representa-tive staircase.The black lacquered inside ofthe built-in furniture contrasts with thewhite surfaces, and individual furniture el-ements bring out themain features throughusing walnut wood. Interactive conferencerooms can be converted for various use.

A modern working field withina historical building

The globally operating American companyGroupon established its new head officein the centre of Berlin.Originally, the build-ing was used as a fashion house and has sixfloors, including a magnificent entrancehall with a historical staircase, which marksa strong contrast to the simplicity of thenewly built rooms.

As a result of the high number of employ-ees the common areas have been trans-formed into open-space offices. Dependingon their function, the different sectors arearranged according to certain colour pat-terns to serve as reference points. Specialareas such as the glass boxes, meetingpoints, copy-boxes and tea kitchens can befound on each floor; they are all single-coloured from the ceiling to the carpet.

Further examples of the innovative roomconcepts by de Winder have been realisedfor the large-scale working environments ofthe three locations for Zalando, for theGoogle office in Berlin or the Egon Zehn-der Company.

www.dewinder.de

Main image & images on the left: Bikini BerlinAbove: Groupon

Below left: ZalandoBelow right: Dierks + Bohle



Using his accumulated knowledge to createcontemporary classics, Bremen-basedellenbergerdesign is behind some of themost distinctive and meaningful productswithin Europe as he strives to make pro-ducts in the studio in which form and func-tion compose a harmonious whole.

Separating ellenbergerdesign into twostrands (his own Private Space Collectionand the contracted work), Jannis Ellen-berger explains how the commissions“canbe really quite varied.”Required to apply his

expertise as a “service provider”at any stageof the design process, Ellenberger can de-liver the initial sketch, the full-scale model,right through to the final prototype.An ad-vocate of long-standing partnerships, El-lenberger has previously developed prod-ucts for companies including CB2 (USA),Sudbrock (DE), Prandina (I), StudioLumess (CH) and the Friesland Porzellan-fabrik for whom he created a stylish tea setusing maple wood and delicate whiteporcelain.The tea set’s simplicity lends itselfto a heart-warming ambiance, allowing theuser to enter into a clearer mindset.

Ellenberger’s creations are contemporary clas-sics in many senses, and his steadfast notionof “switching off” through surrounding your-self with his creations is embodied in his ownPrivate Space Collection. Considering yourhome as your sanctuary,he highlights his be-

With deceptively simple forms and stark contrasts using solid wood and white sur-faces, Jannis Ellenberger’s work is an exception from that of many other Germandesigners, earning him the ‘if product design award’ for his free-standing sink,which stands at the centre of his own delightful and inimitable private space col-lection.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: ALEXANDER FANSLAU, BREMEN, GERMANY

The panacea for your home

Jannis Ellenberger working at his studio in Bremen.Photo: ellenbergerdesign




lief in keeping it simple,“an antidote to thesensory overload of everyday life.”

With their pure and human aesthetic, theproducts in his Private Space Collection arebuilt to last. Ellenberger explains eloquentlyhow the collection sprang initially from thetraditional notion of a washstand pitcher ona table, prompting his desire to“reclaim”theprivate space within a home and unite it.“Your bedroom and bathroom are two ar-eas which are yours – they’re not sharedwith guests, so uniting them struck a chordwith me.”After designing the freestandingtable and basin, the collection expanded toinclude a bed and a bench before enteringthe market in early 2012. Since then, thecollection is home to virtually all the stapleitems needed for your bedroom and bath-room, although it is by no means limited tothese rooms as the sideboard is a brilliantaddition to any lounge.

Currently, Ellenberger is working on amodular furniture system for children,which, after appearing last month atCologne’s prominent KIDS UND JUGENDtrade fair, was selected by the jury as a jointwinner in the Future of Kids Design com-petition. Outlining the concept behind thefurniture, currently being developed withthe German children’s furniture manufac-turer DE BREUYN, Ellenberger explainshow children yearn to be in close proxim-ity to their parents.This led him to questionwhy their space couldn’t belong equally toparents and children alike. From thisthought, he created a grownup-lookingdesk and stool set that unites a childlikeease with Ellenberger’s characteristic min-imalism. It is now evolving into an entiresystem of seating and storage, focusing onpublic spaces like waiting areas or librariesas well as private homes. Using felt andwood, he explains, keeps the gentleness.“Wood is a natural material with a pleasantcolour and warmth to it,”he says matter-of-factly.

Design, continues Ellenberger,can be understood as a vague,all-encompassing term, but forthe skilled artisan like himself,his objectives when designingare to craft “genuine, under-stated and long-lasting prod-ucts,” which, he’s quick to add,“won’t break easily.”

Keepingmanufacturing in Ger-many is integral to his own col-lection given the small-scaleproduction run. He first worksat his studio in Bremen beforeentrusting his designs to aBavarian manufacturer, andstresses the importance of“be-ing able to keep an eye on theprocess, having a personal rela-tionship with the woodworkersand cutting out the middle-man.”Trained in the time-hon-oured skill of woodworking, El-lenberger set up his ownbusiness immediately aftergraduating, receiving commis-sions directly – testament to the

appeal of his wonderfully unassuming fur-niture.

His own house, he explains with a wrysmile, is something of a cemetery for dis-used prototypes, sitting alongside his treas-ured antiques.“My children do love havingtheir dad’s work around the house. One ofmy sons actually sleeps on the very firstprototype of the 1m x 2m Private Spacebed, but,”he chuckles,“each time there’s atrade fair he’s on the mattress on the floorfor a few days as we borrow his bed!”

His thoughtful creations possess a qualitythat is often rare to find these days; they arehome to a timelessness that can be seen inunderstated glory in the Intimo small desk,the TLD desk and the Drommen bed inparticular. Alongside his own collection,their growing popularity proves just why el-lenbergerdesign deserves yet more inter-national acclaim.

www.ellenbergerdesign.de

Ellenberger's Private Space Collection



Founded in 1999, when partner HendrikMueller was still studying at the Academyof Arts Stuttgart, eins:33 originally focusedentirely on interior design. Back thenMueller and his classmate Georg Thiersch,who would become his partner in 2007,worked on various projects at the instituteof David Chipperfield with the scale 1:33.That is how the company name eins:33 wasborn.

Mueller took an assistant position withProfessor Richard Horden at the TechnicalUniversity of Munich, so his architecturefirmmoved with him to the glorious Bavar-ian city and today has grown to 13 em-ployees.

From interior design to brandcommunicationInitially Mueller and Thiersch started outworking exclusively in the field of interiordesign but over the years they developed

outstanding skills in the areas of corporatearchitecture and brand communication aswell. Today interior design in connectionwith brands is the engine of eins:33.

Mueller explains their work further: “Thepresentation of the brand in a specific spaceremains the core of our work. The space isusually defined by its purpose such as retail,exhibition, showroom or trade fair envi-ronments. The purpose dictates how theterm brand is interpreted, as it has manydifferent aspects. There is for example theclassic branding of a manufacturer or trade-mark at their stores or at trade fairs butthere is also the corporate brand, whichcan function as a visual mission statementin the office world.”

The goal of the experts at eins:33 is to giveeach brand the specifically designed spaceit needs in order to come alive and to de-sign in complete alignment to each brand’smission. So far clients include Aesop,

Interior design solutions with great depth

Georg Thiersch (left) and Hendrik Müller (right), Partnerseins:33. Photo: Bodo Mertoglu

Munich based interior design bureau eins:33 has come a long way and has es-tablished itself firmly in the corporate branding industry. The experienced teamknows how to apply its comprehensive expertise in so many areas to buildingbrands from the inside out.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: EINS:33




Gaggenau and Porsche to name but a few.The designs speak for themselves. Design-ing spaces that turn a brand into some-thing tangible and accessible for the con-sumer, is the heartfelt mission of eins:33,something that is immediately palpable.

Not afraid to ask tough questions

Mueller and Thiersch are not interested insuperficial solutions.Understanding a brandfrom the inside out is crucial to their work-flow and success. Forming a deep connec-tion to a brand, seeing all its facets andanalysing which ones need to be high-lighted in the interior designmeans eins:33puts their creativity exactly where it needs togo in order to emphasise an existing corpo-rate image, or help develop it from scratch.

When asked how their style is best de-scribed, Thiersch says:“We generally avoidthe term style because it is fairly superficial.The overall attitude to our work is impor-tant to us.Our approach is deeply rooted indifferent areas, from our general worldviewto personal experiences and creative con-cerns, which include the term style. Ourclients appreciate how deeply we connectwith a brand or brief and how that is re-flected in our concepts. We can afford theluxury to ask critical questions instead ofsimply offering a bright bouquet of stan-dard solutions.”

The creatives at eins:33 have in-depth dis-cussions with their clients, organise work-shops together and invite them to have acritical look at their own brand. Clients,who seek an easy solution or what Mueller

calls an all-round, carefree package shouldlook elsewhere. eins:33 takes great pridein reading between the lines of a brief andgetting to the core of their clients’requests.“Our clients need to be open to discus-sion.That approach often brings to light themost valuable foundation for our work,which would never be found in the brief,”Mueller adds enthusiastically.

More than awards to be proud of

It should come as no surprise that awardskeep coming in.Most recently eins:33 wonthe Reddot Award 2014, the IFAward 2014and the Iconic Award 2013 amongst manymore.

But it is the relationships with his clientsthat Mueller values most. He remembershow he started out 20 years ago, designingthe premises of a hairdresser to be. It was acrucial part to draw in business for theyoung Italian entrepreneur,who had put allhis faith and money in Mueller to create aspace that emphasised his corporate iden-tity before it even existed.

The store has hardly changed in all thoseyears and is still a centre of attraction. Theclient has turned into a friend and it is thoserelationships that Mueller is proud of be-cause they are the most genuine testimonya company can ever receive.

www.einszu33.com

Gaggenau Showroom (2013), China World Trade Center(CWTC), Beijing. Photo: Bodo Mertoglu

Below left: Gaggenau trade fair stall, Eurocucina 2014, Milan. Photo: Bodo Mertoglu. Below right: Aesop Store, Breuninger, Stuttgart (2014). Photo: Ludger Paffrath



The best you, you can be.

It’s all about who you are,what you have to o�er, andwhat makes you unique.

Let’s find it out.

www.markuspuettmann.de20 min. apart Frankfurt Main Airport

P

Verena Hanschke has a Master’s degree inCommunication Art & Design from theRoyal College of Art in London.There, stu-dents were always encouraged to realisetheir full potential, and to create somethingindividual to develop their own business.She also studied Integrated Design at theUniversity of the Arts in Bremen.The edu-cation was multidisciplinary and the cre-ative designer discovered photography asan artistic medium in itself.

The designer has a consolidated uni-versal knowledge and a high sensibility forthe needs of different experience groups –from luxury, tourism, culture, art to mobileentertainment and consumer electronics.

Her clients are renowned advertising agen-cies, publishing houses, international com-panies and trademarks such as Nokia,AxelGestalten Publisher, Fine Art Society andthe University of East London, just to men-tion a few.

In the digital sector she provides com-plete conception and implementation ofweb projects – from elegant, classic and con-temporary designs to programming at a hightechnical level and search engine optimisa-tion (SEO).Her aim is to present the client’scompany in a professional andmodernwayby using her many years of experience.

What makesVerena Hanschke differentto other designers is a timeless, innovative

and clear design on a high aesthetic level –and the constant ambition to reduce eachconcept to the very basics of today’s over-stimulation in the media world.

www.verenahanschke.comverenahanschke.tumblr.comwww.facebook.com/verena.hanschkeinstagram.com/verenahanschke

A motivated entrepreneur from Berlin conceives design strategies and solutions forthe online and print sector. Since 2010, Verena Hanschke Art Direction & Design hasprovided high-level design requirements for international clients through detailedplanning, consultation and the development of uniform and distinctive CorporateIdentities.

TEXT MERYEM HAUER | PHOTO: VERENA HANSCHKE

Innovative creative design



“Rooms live from their functionality,”says Schneider.Working closelywithher clients is important to her for a successful project. She explains:“When starting to work on a concept, I am always looking for a goldenthreadwhichwill leadme through the entire project.The result should al-ways show a mixture between passion for architecture, colour and ma-terial and functionality.Through visualizing the final goal andworking onthe steps which lead towards it, I achieve this result.”

For Schneider andher team,noproject is like another: “There are somanyinternal and external factors to consider.” I* AM takes private clients aswell as companies or shop brands, which means that the team needs tounderstand many different sets of circumstances. She explains: “Whenworking on shops like the ‘Mammut’shop in Hanover, there are totallydifferent factors to consider than when working on projects like the‘Kinderkunsthaus’or a private home.While companies oftenwant to ex-press their identity throughdesign and focusmore andmore on their em-ployees’ well-being – like the American company GoPro / ‘WoodmanLabs’, forwhichwe designed the European headquaters – private housesbring up questions about the clients’personal way of living,how they usetheir space, if they have children or even want to accommodate a wholefamily generation.”And Schneider and her team don’t only consider ex-terior factors like natural shadowing or lighting through sunlight, or theoptimal use of the available space: they also sometimes have to considercircumstances such as conservation of monuments.

Honesty and the expression of strong opinions are crucial to Schneiderwho is also amember of the BavarianChamber ofCommerce.“Being crit-ical and reflective about a project is vital.Whileworking on a concept,onealways has to remind oneself on focussing on the golden thread one drewfrom the beginning,”she says. Handing over a successfully finished as-signment to a client is therefore her greatest reward. “In the end, archi-tecture lives its own life – and that’s what makes it so appealing and ex-citing,” Schneider concludes.

www.interior-architects-munich.com

Equippedwith a diploma in interior architecture and valu-able practical experience from working as an apprenticein NewYork andMunich, Julia Schneider established hernew interior design and architecture company this year.I*AM / interior.architects.munich is a companywhichmir-rors her flexible, innovative approach to interior design.

TEXT: EMILY ENGELS | PHOTOS: CHRISTINE SCHAUM


Focussing on thegolden thread

Portrait: Julia Schneider

From top down:Mixtvision fair

KinderkunsthausGoPro office, Munich

Private apartment



Already in the early days of his professionalcareer, Reto Marty was fascinated by themultiple possibilities lighting design offers:“Light affects people in three different, im-portant ways. Light determines how weperceive our environment, in the way it re-flects on surfaces and creates contours andshadows.Our perception of space andma-terial is steered by light. Secondly, light cre-ates a certain atmosphere which is essentialfor our emotions and wellbeing. And lastbut not least, light influences our health.To-day, there is an ongoing discussion abouthow light regulates the human biorhythm.That is why it is so important to plan light-ing professionally.”

Reto Marty founded his agency nachtaktivin 2005 and today, his experience coverscultural, hospitality, retail and officeschemes as well as residential and infra-structure developments. His work show-cases how light can take on a multitude ofroles in architecture and built environ-ments; the projects represent architecturallighting at the top of its game.

One of nachtaktiv’s flagship projects is theplanning of the lighting in the St. GallerKantonalbank in Zurich (former HyposwissPrivate Bank); as a result, nachtaktiv soughtto put people into the focus of all planning.On the one hand, it is of great importance

how clients perceive the bank and experi-ence the buildingwhen they enter the bank.On the other hand, thewellbeing of the em-ployees is a decisive factor for their commit-ment.Throughout the building, the lightingis subtly integrated into the architecture. Incertain areas it supports the function of therooms. The representative grand customerfoyer is lit by a glass chandelier, whereasfloor lamps with fabric lampshades create ahomely atmosphere in the clients’meetingrooms.The office space has a pleasant work-ing light through the integrated lamps inthe ceilings.Thereby, the whole lighting sys-tem is extremely energy efficient.

Light and its effect on buildings and spacesalways held a fascination for Reto Marty.Before founding his agency, he took a de-gree in architecture and completed trainingas a lighting designer. “The right lightingsupports the architecture and that is why itis so important to have an expert know-

Usually, we do not give much consideration to light. Which is a big mistake ac-cording to Swiss architect and lighting designer Reto Marty. His lighting design firmnachtaktiv in Zurich specializes in customized architectural lighting solutions andis an expert in achieving a sophisticated dialogue between light and space.

TEXT: CORDELIA MAKARTSEV | PHOTOS: NACHTAKTIV

nachtaktiv“Let there be light…”

Above: St. Galler Kantonalbank, Zurich.Architect: stemmle ++ architekten. Photo: Bruno Helbling

Far right: St. Gallus Catholic Church, Zurich.Architect: BKG Architekten AG. Photo: Reto Marty




ledge about architectural structures,” ex-plains Reto Marty. “Besides, many of myclients are architects or I work very closelytogether with them so you need under-stand their language.”

A successful project proving nachtaktiv’screativity and competence is the lightingredesign in the Catholic church of St. Gal-lus in Zurich.This project was all about cre-ating the right atmosphere for the servicesand prayers. At the entrance, the worship-per is welcomed by subdued light in a warmatmosphere. Processing further, the navewith the magnificent stained glass windowleaves a strong impression. In spite of thehigh, spacious nave visitors feel sheltered inthe warm light of the pendant luminaires.

But Reto Marty is not only an expert in in-terior lighting; his portfolio shows someextraordinary solutions for external lighting.The ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institutefor Technology) trusted nachtaktiv to planits urban university district thus supportingthe extensive urban structure of the areaand giving orientation and security at thesame time.The basic idea was to deliver anoptimal experience of night-time by usingas minimal a light intensity as possible. Inseveral steps the exterior lighting of thewhole area has been renewed and supple-mented by using street lamps and bollardsfrom the same design family. Additionally,

Reto Marty created a special atmosphericshade luminaire for the project.

Again, the realization of the ETH Zurichproject is proof that sustainability and en-ergy efficiency are not just empty phrasesfor nachtaktiv. In spite of installing 19 ad-ditional lights the electricity consumption isnow lower by 75%. nachtaktiv is fit for thefuture:“In Switzerland we care a lot aboutsustainability, energy saving and light pol-lution by night. Professional light planningalso means directing the light where it is

needed and using exactly the necessarylight intensity. The lighting industry madehuge progress there and it is very exciting towork in this field.”

www.nachtaktiv.li

Bottom right, clockwise: Dos Verandas, Erlenbach.Architect: gus wüstemann architects. Photo: Bruno Helbling

Kulturachse, Winterthur. Photo: Stadtwerk Winterthur

Tramtunnel Schwamendingen, Zurich.Architect: raumgleiter GmbH. Photo: Christoph Altermatt

ETH Hönggerberg, Zurich. Photo: Milo Keller



The team of 10 interior architects, projectmanagers, florists and other professionalsoffers a wide range of services within thefields of interior architecture and design.

GO INTERIORS day-to-day work includes:general concept design; optimisation stud-ies and analyses; planning and realisation ofconversions/renovations; material, colour,lighting selection; and custom furniture de-sign and decoration concepts.

Unlike other interior design agencies, GOINTERIORS has the technical knowledge,

drive and passion to take on projects fromthe creation of a concept through to its ex-

ecution and decoration.This way, the spaceis not only immediately habitable, but in-stantly homely and inviting.The GO INTE-RIORS team has proven their skills in nu-merous projects across Switzerland, fromprivate homes to holiday residences, hotels,restaurants, shop interiors, and showrooms.Other services include the supervision ofdesign projects and conducting workshopsabout interior design.

Nicole Gottschall explains the trademarkstyle of GO INTERIORS that sets themapart from other agencies:“We take all thedetails that we like and that match the cus-tomer's style and create an uncomplicatedmix, resulting in the distinctive style of GOINTERIORS.” In addition, they aim to cre-ate timeless designs and energetically denseinteriors that benefit the customer. “We donot stop once we have executed an interior

With its unique mixture of technical and architectural know-how and a feminine sen-sibility for interior design, GO INTERIORS has been creating extraordinary livingspaces with a special feelgood factor since the firm was founded by interior ar-chitect Nicole Gottschall in Zurich in 1993.

TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: GO INTERIORS

Interior design agency GO INTERIORSFeel-good factor with Chalet Chic and beyond

Nicole Gottschall




design concept and the last sofa has beenput in its place,”says Gottschall.“Our feel-good package includes placing the cush-ions on the sofa and lighting the candles onthe table.”A purely coincidental fact thatmight have influenced this feminine touchis that the entire team consists of femalestaff.Gottschall ponders:“Women generallyfind it easier to access sensual themes –thus, the world of GO INTERIORS.”

One style that has frequently been featured inthe agency's projects throughout the years isthe so-calledChalet Chic style,which featuresassorted accessories from the world ofhunters and combines themwith traditionalmaterials such as rustic wood, furs and othernatural products from the mountains. Thepopular style combines a rough,natural look-and-feel with cosy, homely textures to createmodern spaces that not only exude a sense ofluxury and comfort, but also simple clarity. Itis an economically friendly style inspired by alove for the mountains and a sense of homethat can be felt and experienced.

“Chalet Chic is a matter of the heart,”saysGottschall. “Right now, it is an absolutely

popular trend, largely due to the fact thatour clients crave real values and traditions.The mountains are a safe haven for manystressed businessmen and managers andhave a deeply positive and nurturing ef-fect.”To translate the style effectively in anygiven space, a detailed knowledge of thematerials and their properties is essential.Over the years,GO INTERIORS has gaineda lot of expert knowledge and developedthese skills accordingly.“Now, we are con-fident enough to playfully mix Ethno Chicwith the traditional Chalet style if it matchesthe purpose.This way, our work remains asexciting to us as to our customers,” saysGottschall.

“For more than 20 years, we have been of-fering an exclusive added value to our cus-tomers – the ‘feelgood’ factor. In Switzer-land, it is directly related to the tradition ofthe mountains and the holiday homes ofour customers,”Gottschall explains.GO IN-TERIORS has gracedmany a holiday homewith their unique take on the Chalet Chicstyle, as well as several hotels. In these ho-tels, guests can now enjoy a relaxing drinkin the cozy lounge, sit back in an armchair

clad in fur and let the flicker of the stonefireplace soothe their senses.Heavy woodenfurniture, soft wool rugs and contemporarystraight lines make guests welcome in aspace that is homely without feeling clut-tered or overpowering, but open and brightinstead. Chalet Chic accessories haveproved so popular that GO INTERIORS hasstarted selling them in their showroom inZurich, which helps to inspire customersand passers-by to adapt the style to theirown homes.

“Chalet Chic has become our core compe-tence. The projects we work on, however,are very varied, yet always sensual and in-spiring, long-lasting and energeticallydense,”Gottschall sums it up.“I believe thatthere is no other firm which has such awealth of experience and inspirations andcan combine flawless technical executionwith the sensual world as well as GO IN-TERIORS!”

www.go-interiors.ch

Left, main image: Hotel La Val

Below, clockwise from left: Hotel Seerose.Chalet Brigels.Chalet Klosters. Apartment Bederstrasse.



Located in the city’s creative hub, known asthe NOERD building, Momentum is situ-ated among a variety of professionals inthe creative field.The building’s eclectic mixof smaller scale businesses, from the arti-sanal to the technological, is demonstrativeof the contemporary movement towardsthoughtful design in all aspects of our lives.As Mr. Adolph says, “Objects attain theirsignificance by engaging us physically andemotionally. They play a significant role inshaping experiences.”This notion of con-necting design to the larger picture has al-ways been part of Sven's design philoso-phy. The relationship between object anduser is central to his design approach and

work methodology. “Today when I amworking on a design I try to see the finalform of an object less as the end of the de-sign process and more as the beginning ofthe user’s experience.”

For Mr. Adolph the core of a user’s experi-ence is found not only in valuing how a de-sign object can improve our lives but howit can inspire the way we live.“In the designprocess I ask myself: How can the shape ofa DVD player make playing a movie or lis-tening tomusic something special to be cel-ebrated? Is a couch table a surface for plac-ing objects or is it also a place to showcasea personal collection of books, artworks and

other objects?” By concerning himself withthese types of user oriented questions Svenis able to create a design which imparts ameaningful experience.To him, the ultimatesign of a design's success is when an objectof his becomes a cherished possession in-stead of a purely useful one.

Considering the emotional potential of anobject was a concept Mr Adolph was firstintroduced to while studying at the Cran-

Momentum, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is a design consultancy firm engaged in thevarious facets of industrial design. Since its founding by Sven Adolph in 2001 the firmhas been trusted to lend its expertise in design to many leading international and lo-cal brands.

TEXT: JAIME SCHWARTZ | PHOTOS: MOMENTUM DESIGN

Objects of design and desireDesign objects come to life throughintegration and inspiration

Below: Sven Adolph. Photo: Patricia Parinejad, Berlin




brook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills,Michigan. The school has historically hadan impact on design culture and is wellknown for being the cradle of Americandesign.“Studying in the United States ex-posed me to a new kind of discourse.Thereobjects were considered to carry 'meaning'.I discovered that objects shape situationsand that they engage us on an emotional,as well as a physical level.”Previously Svenhad studied in Germany where he washeavily influenced by the teachings of theBauhaus and the Ulm School of Design.Before settling in Zurich and establishingMomentum Design, Sven worked with in-ternational consultancy firms in Boston,San Francisco, Milan andVienna where heco-produced an array of award winningworks. His own design work has also re-ceived many accolades, winning several in-ternational design competitions in Japan,Korea and the United States. It's evident

that this synthesis of experiences hashelped shaped Mr. Adolph's refined andsensitive design aesthetic.

Momentum Design, as Mr. Adolph calls it,is a “boutique” design agency. The smalland tight knit team complement each otherwell and have been working together sincethe company's beginnings.The team is pas-sionate about what they do and share ahigh attention to detail, carefully listeningand observing before moving into the de-sign process. Their mission is to harnessthe energies of all involved to create a de-sign product that resonates both physicallyand emotionally.Most of their projects tendto focus on domestic objects, creating de-signs mainly for electronics and home fur-nishings. However, theMomentumDesignteam is ready to take on any project thatsparks their interest. “I very much enjoyimmersing myself in a totally new subject

matter,”says Sven. “For example at the mo-ment we are working on a design for achild's scooter.”

Momentum's offerings also extend beyondobject design, providing clients with relatedservices in product strategy, interface de-sign, packaging and point of sale solutions,and 3D modeling and model making. Thefirm's clients include ABB, Harman Inter-national, Johnson Outdoors, Ligne Roset,Nemo/Cassina, Similor/Laufen, Steelcaseand Swisscom, among others.

www.momentum.ch

Far left, main image:Nemo/Cassina ”Sven”. Photo: Nemo srl

Top left: LIGNET ROSET table.Photo: Andreas Hoernisch, München

Top right: SHU light. Photo: Andreas Hoernisch, München

Below from right:LAUFEN faucet

SWISSCOM VideoChatHARMAN Media Player



“The most powerful and enduring brandsare built from the heart,” said HowardSchultz, CEO of Starbucks. This statementechoes the vision KISKA founder and CEOGerald Kiska strives to accomplish for hisclients every day:

“Co-creating desirable brands through de-sign was the core vision I had when found-ing KISKA. It is the value that drivesKISKA to this day. Today we do this notonly through design, but consulting and

communication services as well, which in-cludes capabilities ranging from researchand brand consulting, to product commu-nication, corporate design, digital mediaand photography/videography.”

Since 1990, when Gerald Kiska started thecompany from the kitchen table of hishome, KISKA has helped companies to en-vision their future by defining their brand’svalues, significance and ultimate differenti-ation factor. KISKA’s approach is to co-cre-

ate desirable brand experiences in close co-operation with the client, by placing thebrand at the centre of the product and theproduct at the centre of the brand. In 1991,KISKA took on the Austrian motorbikemanufacturer KTM as a client, which hasresulted in a brand-building journey thathas lasted over two decades.

Why do we instantly recognize a motorcycle when it races past us on the motor-way? It is the design that tells us about the brand. Great design has the capacityto attract attention, stir emotion and spark loyalty for the brand. For nearly 25 yearsthe Austrian design and brand consultancy KISKA has worked with the world’s topbrands to sharpen, shape and create their brand’s unique values.

TEXT: CORDELIA MAKARTSEV | PHOTOS: KISKA

KISKADesigning Desire

Gerald Kiska



Over a period of almost 25 years (KISKAcelebrates its 25th anniversary in January,2015), KISKA developed into one of Eu-rope’s largest independently owned designagencies. But, what is the secret of success-ful brand building? According to Gerald itis consistency, “It is a totally underratedvalue, consistency, but when it comes tobrand building, it is the most importantfactor to consider. Regardless of the project,it is important to stay faithful to yourbrand’s promise and its key differentiationfactor. Every brand has its own values anddeserves the consistent design languagethat remains true to it. Designing Desire isnot about a designer’s self-fulfillment. It isabout consistent differentiation: digging tothe heart of a brand, defining authenticbrand stories and creating designs thatstand out in the market.”

The long-term success of KISKA provesGerald right, as design of new products of-ten begins with careful observation andanalysis of the brand, target group andproduct position in the market. For over 23years KISKA has worked in close coopera-tion with KTM regarding not only design,but brand consulting and communicationas well. Just one example is the KTM 1190Adventure bike, which was designed afterKISKA conducted research and analysis ofthe target group. With the new bike KTMwas able to expand its market share signif-icantly, attracting more first time KTM rid-ers than ever before.

Manymore internationally renowned com-panies trusted KISKA with their brandbuilding and design. For the relaunch ofAustrian ski manufacturer Kästle KISKAcreated a unique und differentiating brand

appearance in the ski market. The re-sult is a timeless ski design, easilyrecognizable by its two basic colours,a unique Hollowtech symbol anddistinctive graphics. The result isbrand design that is both iconic andconsistent over the seasons.

Opened in 2009, KISKA’s 5,000square metre studio equipped with a1,000 square metre transportationdesign studio, allows KISKA to takeon bigger projects for global brands.It also accommodates at least 10years of human resources growth.Global brands greatly appreciate thebenefit of KISKA’s full brandbuildingcapabilities: consulting, design andcommunication.

Gerald knows that his greatest asset ishis team: “In terms of KISKA’s biggestsuccess story, I think it is our team,which is composed of over 120 cre-ative specialists from over 20 nationswho are at the top of their fields.ThatKISKAhas created such a uniquewayof approaching design it resonateswith the world’s best creative talent;enticing them to work here is a greatachievement. Most significantly, thispays off for our clients, because our di-

verse team can accommodate all of theirbrand building needs under one roof.”

KISKA’s team, studio and brand expertisemeans it is poised to take on the design in-novation challenges of the future, whichGerald Kiska predicts to be primarily con-cerned with the ”Internet of Things”. Ac-cording toGerald, regardless of the field, it isthe ever-increasing interconnectivity ofproducts and services that is driving inno-vation in design,“Themission of KISKA is tofind ways in which to incorporate connec-tivity into design so that it speaks volumesabout the brand. Any designer can think ofways tomake a product connect to theworldaround it. The real challenge is selectingthe connectivity innovations that are au-thentic to a brand’s promise and business.”

www.kiska.com

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2015 Austria


Innovate – simplify – engage.These attrib-utes are at the core of the agency’s philos-ophy. Electric Arts supports clients, whichhail from a variety of different industriesand professional sectors, to develop strong,uniform visual communication tools. Bycreating traditional print publishing andadvertising materials, as well as digital me-dia and web designs, they perfect corporatebrands and give them a unique identity.

The dynamic agency focuses on all aspectsof corporate publishing; online and offline.

Examples of print products and websiteroll-outs are customer and employee mag-azines, annual reports and lifestyle jour-nals for customers from various segmentsof industry, to technology, home&design,and to tourism.

17 Years of Experience

Founded in 1997, Electric Arts has morethan 17 years of experience, especially inthe areas of corporate publishing and ad-vertising. Currently, the team consists of12 experienced designers and advertising

professionals. A number of additionalspecialists is being consulted on various -projects.

The agency is located in Lenzing, Austria,and manages projects in German and Eng-

Electric Arts is in the business of innovative brand design. The Austrian agency fo-cuses on corporate publishing and advertising solutions. Their extensive consult-ing and in-house services help clients leverage their brand’s corporate message,their image, and ultimately, their success.

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE | PHOTOS: ELECTRIC ARTS GMBH


Polish your message to perfectionElectric Arts Corporate Publishing and Advertising

Electric Arts CEOs:Andreas Soser (left) and Stefan Soser (right)

Main image:Website, mobile and app design



Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2015 Austria

lish. Their customer base is truly diverse,from traditional regional businesses tolarge, international corporations.

“The diversity of our customers stirs up thenature of our projects. The internationalcompanies we work with mainly rely onour innovative ideas and often commissionus with highly specialized jobs in the areasof corporate publishing Web and app de-sign. Many of our Austrian customers in-creasingly focus on building an integratedcorporate communication, from classicaladvertising to PR to their online appear-ance,” explains Electric Arts.

Corporate Publishing – Print & Online

So whether corporate clients are looking tobuild a brand identity for their organization,tell their firm’s history, issue an annual re-port, advertise a business or project in theirown consumer magazine, their high ex-pectations will be met. In fact. Electric Artsspecializes in producing appropriate, su-perb quality publications, brochures, flyersor web presences. All of the services arecustom-tailored and highly individualizedto maximize the brand’s exposure.

The agency’s publishing services rangefrom research, writing and editing to thelayout, design and printing of any corporateproject. Current and former projects in-clude: high-level corporate design re-launches, customer magazines, image con-ceptualizations, website branding, andcommunity portals.

Full In-House Services

Another asset is that all of the agency’semployees have a vast set of skills and theyare highly specialised and experienced intheir work. This allows for a harmoniousand qualitative design approach. In addi-tion to traditional services such as strategy,conceptualization of an idea, graphic de-sign, and editorial work, Electric Arts’ fullservice also includes photography, web de-sign and programming.

These excellent in-house skills, and the factthat the same team works on a corporatebranding project from the on-set to the fi-

nal product, is a big advantage.Often, otherpublishing agencies have to commissionexternal specialists to do part of the project,because they lack either the expertise orthe resources. By completing the projectin-house, Electric Arts guarantees the in-tegrity and the envisioned identity of thebrand.

100% CustomMade

All interactive and multimedia elementsare 100% custom-tailored and researched,programmed and editorially supervised.“Our philosophy is to simplify! Electric Artscreates absolutely simple solutions to com-plex issues and high technological content.The in-depth study of the needs and goalsof our clients and a high level of knowledgeand expertise are the basis for eye-catching,highly targeted measures,” explains thefirm’s management.

Best Practices and GrowthLooking forward, Electric Arts believes thatthey can grow continuously, although theadvertising and communications market ishighly competitive.

They are optimistic, saying:“Ourmotivationis innovation. We will focus on strategic,creative and technological developmentsthat create value for our customers. Ourday-to-day challenge and our joy is to keepsearching for the‘best solution’in corporatepublishing and the constant moderniza-tion of our services.”

www.electric-arts.at

Above left: iPad visualization

Above right: Online and print concept

Bottom: Customer magazines


It may be soft as dark velvet or strong asfreshly brewed coffee but with a hint ofnot-yet ripe red fruits and an underlyingsweetness. Imagine light brown creamwithtoffee bits, filled with caramel and then thecrunch of a nut. Chocolate comes in somany varieties it is hard to resist. No one

We are heading towards the festive season and now is the perfect time to take acloser look at one of its finest delights: Chocolate. Whether dark or white, with al-monds or nuts, plain or infused – nearly everyone has his or her favourite flavourtoday. None the less going back in time chocolate and cocoa once were rather ex-otic and expensive goods, a mystery from a world far, far away.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

ChocolateAn introduction to one of the world’smost famous delights




Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Chocolate

could describe the sweet temptation betterthan the two ladies in the movie Chocolat.“Seashells, so small, so plain, so innocent.I thought, oh, just one little taste, it can’t doany harm. But it turned out they were filledwith rich sinful…”saysMadameAudel andYvette Marceau adds:“…and it melts. God

forgive me, it melts ever so slowly on yourtongue, and tortures you with pleasure…”

Christmas is approaching and chocolatecomes in even more variations, of coursecontaining typical Christmas ingredients:cinnamon, orange, ginger, almonds and

nuts; or it can be filled with a gingerbreadflavoured cream. It also plays a vital role inChristmas bakery. Baking cookies in De-cember is traditional in Germany and al-most every family has its own very specialrecipe for cookies or gingerbread infusedwith chocolate in the form of chips, sprin-kles or glazing. But themost famous Christ-mas contender made from cocoa beans isthe Chocolate Santa – a must-buy Christ-mas present in Germany not only for kids.

Chocolate has become quite a celebrity, thestar of exhibitions and events. The smoothand delicious treat is constantly undergoingnew creative makeovers. Chocolate is cele-brated to an unprecedented extent and evernew inventions of creative tastes andflavours are presented to the world in theform of shows and festivals such as the Sa-lon du Chocolat mid-November inCologne (www.salonduchocolat.de).

A luxury product from the new world

While today chocolate is affordable fornearly everyone in the Western World, itonce was a luxury product that only a fewof the rich could afford since its main in-gredient, the cocoa bean, had – and still has– to be imported from Africa, America orAsia where the cocoa tree naturally growsin the undergrowth of the rainforest.

The fruit of the cocoa tree can be harvestedall-year round since the natural climate ofrainforest regions makes it possible thatripe pods grow on the same tree as the firstdelicate blossoms. Every cocoa tree grows100 to 300 pods with a length of 10 to 32centimetres every year. Every pod containsup to 60 cocoa beans. Even though theword cocoa always reminds us of some-thing tasty these freshly harvested beansare uneatable: they taste very bitter.

It is a long process to gain the taste we soenjoy: after the pods are picked from thetree a worker cuts them into halves to peelthe beans from them.Afterwards the beansare put between two banana leaves. Theyhave to rest at least a week before they canbe further processed. Due to fermentationthe beans lose their bitterness. Afterwards



the beans will be dried and made ready fortransport to Europe.

The indigenous tribes of the Andes werethe first to plant cocoa trees, first theOlmecs, later the Maya who not only usedthe pods to eat but also the beans to brewa drink with hot water. Cocoa beans alsobecame a currency in trade even thoughthe taste of cocoa was reserved for theelites. The conquistadores brought cocoato Europe and chocolate became famous atcourts. With industrialisation, the choco-late business all over Europe changed whenchocolate for the first time was produced inbig machines.

Dairy free milk chocolate

In chocolate factories or little manufactoriesthat produce excellent chocolate the cocoabeans get a new identity. Roasted and bro-ken into pieces the beans are ground untilthey melt on their own.To get a better qual-ity the raw chocolate mass is processed fur-ther until it achieves its softness andsmoothness.

Today even vegans who go without anydairy products or people with lactose intol-erance can enjoy every kind of chocolate –

not only the naturally dark one that is madeonly from cocoa and cocoa butter and havecocoa concentration of 70 to 90 per cent.There is even milk chocolate without dairymilk – these chocolates use soy or – evenbetter tasting – rice milk as a substitute.

Small manufacturers in particular sell ex-cellent chocolate and handmade pralines.And when thinking of social responsibilityone could consider buying fair trade choco-late instead of cheap, not even very goodtasting chocolate from the supermarket.Tobuy fair-trade, locally and handmadechocolate is rather more expensive but thisexclusivity sometimes means: it tastes farbetter, there are more interesting flavours,the chocolate is more creamy and of courseone can make sure the chocolate is pro-duced under fair labour conditions. Afterall, one is well advised not to overindulge.To keep in shape the motto should be‘qual-ity instead of quantity’.

Agood tastingmedicine – in the rightdose

And in the end with chocolate it is likeevery good medicine: it is the dose thatmakes the poison. Dark chocolate, espe-cially when consumed in moderation, has apositive effect on blood pressure.Too much

chocolate… one only has to think of thecalories. Last but not least: chocolate isgood for the psyche. It produces happiness.

Or as the German chemist Justus vonLiebig – who was involved in inventing thebaking powder – put it: “Chocolate is aperfect food, as wholesome as it is deli-cious, a beneficent restorer of exhaustedpower… it is the best friend of those en-gaged in literary pursuits.”

Above left:Defile SDC Lille © Salon du Chocolat, Sebastien Gras

Top right:Dounia Coesens - Sebastien Bouillet 4 © Salon du Chocolat,Thomas Raffoux

Below:Shoe © Salon du Chocolat



Having undergone extensive renovation in2012, The Monarch Hotel, perched withinspitting distance of the Danube, has re-tained its country house style while boost-ing its contemporary credentials.Not need-ing to jump on a plane to recharge yourbatteries ensures that you’re gently easedinto your winter break.

TheMonarch SPAwith its generous size of-fers a nigh on unbeatable menu to revi-talise, restore and rejuvenate, with boththerapeutic and pampering treatmentsavailable in its numerous massage rooms,baths and sauna. Conducive to wellnessfor both males and females, the spa’s nat-ural materials and recliners will reduce youto a wonderful state of wellness.

Thanks to its heated indoor and outdoorpools, you’ll be able to swim your way to a

fitter you in 2015, and the pre-breakfastwater aerobics sessions are the perfectwarm-up for the lavish breakfast buffet –treat yourself, as following breakfast youcan partake in an invigorating and scenicNordic walking session too. For a romanticretreat, the hotel offers packages for cou-ples, giving you that luxurious treat to endthe year on a high.

Over the festive period, The Monarch Ho-tel invites guests to experience a true Bavar-ian style Christmas, with two spectacularChristmas markets within a short distance,live music, a visit from Father Christmasand a much-loved traditionalYuletide din-ner.

For your final polish before the NewYear’sEve Gala, it’d be wise to check into the SPAfor a pampering session. With the 1920s

taking over this NewYear’s Eve, glitz andglamour will most definitely feature on anevening that will end in style with a fire-work display to rival any capital city.

The Monarch Hotel has two highly popu-lar packages for winter 2014.Arrive in timefor drinks and snacks by the Christmas tree,and don’t forget your best 20s frock for theSilvester Gala on 31 December.

www.monarchbadgoegging.com

When it comes to spa breaks in Germany, The Monarch Hotel is certainly worth con-sidering. A landmark luxury hotel in Bavaria, it’s a peaceful haven during the win-tertime, offering you that much needed rest and relaxation as 2014 draws to an end.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: THE MONARCH HOTEL

Hotelof the Month

Germany

Shielded from the cold

Above: The menu of treatments,massages and baths will leave you spoilt for choice



Choosing the right wines for the Christmasseason can be a challenge so this month Iwant to help you by sharing my recom-mendations for some fabulous wines thatwill enhance your Christmas menus anddelight your family and friends. I have se-lected some of my favourites to make up amixed case that includes a sparkling wine,a flavoursome red, a dry white and a deli-cious sweet wine to accompany desserts.I hope this will take some of the stress outof your pre-Christmas preparations and Iam delighted to offer a 10% discount toreaders of Discover Germany. The mixedcase price is normally £233.99 includingVAT and delivery UK mainland, but dis-counted, the special Discover Germanycase price is £210.60.

Aperitif: Solter Brut Rheingau Riesling(204.00 case, £17.00 bottle)

There is nothing better for a Christmas-time aperitif than a delicious glass of wellchilled bubbles.This sparkling Riesling hasa fine bouquet with aromas of peaches andhoney and has a smooth acidity with justthe right amount of residual sugar. It is alsoguaranteed to impress your guests when

you tell them that this Solter Brut is servedat Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons!

Redwine (to enjoy with turkey or game):Aldinger: 2013 Estate Lemberger dry(£143.88 case, £11.99 bottle)

This is a flavoursome red from the Würt-temburg region with an aroma of ripe redfruits, white pepper and eucalyptus. It haslight spicy notes and gentle tannins.Aldinger is known for the careful usage ofoak, an appreciation of nature and lowyields with the best of quality at all times.Best enjoyed at room temperature this redwill delight your taste buds.

Smoked salmon or seafood:Wittmann –Rheinhessen: 2013Westhofener RieslingQbA dry (£260.40 case, £21.70 bottle)

For fish courses there is nothing better thana dry Riesling and this one from the Rhein-hessen is a superb example. It has an in-tensive aroma of juicy green apples and aspicy mineral tone. The flavours start withlots of fresh fruit and an elegant play ofacidity and alcohol and this wine also de-livers a long finish.

Dessert: Franz Keller: 2011OberbergenerBassgeige Ruländer Auslese (£314.40case, £26.20 bottle)

Grown on volcanic rock this wine has aunique taste of ripe fruits with an underly-ing flavour of nuts that complements thewonderful aromas of apricot and apple. It isgreat with chocolate desserts and strongtasting puddings such as a traditionalChristmas pudding.

Happy Drinking!Iris

Iris Ellmann (above) is managing directorat The WineBarn, an award-winningmerchant of German wine based inbeautiful Hampshire.

The WineBarn, Clump Farm Barn, FarleighLane, Dummer, Hampshire RG25 2AF

E-mail: [email protected]

www.thewinebarn.co.uk

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | The WineBarn Column

TEXT & PHOTOS: IRIS ELLMANN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, THE WINEBARN

Festive Favourites!

Far left:Solter Brut Rheingau Riesling

Middle:Wittmann – Rheinhessen:

2013 Westhofener Riesling QbA dry

Left:Aldinger: 2013 Estate Lemberger dry


MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE AND TRADITION SINCE 1842

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Walk down the steps into the warm water,and in two or three strokes you’re out of thebuilding with the sky opening out above.Snow has fallen on the mountaintops, thelake glistens in the sun. A soft breath ofwind touches the surface of the pool.The 21metre long and 9 metre wide heated infin-ity pool is definitely the highlight of the

spa and wellness area.“Our guests are al-ways very impressed because the pool fitsperfectly into the landscape,”says the ho-tel’s General Manager Urs Langenegger.Looking directly onto the lake and a beau-tiful alpine panorama, the Spa has the bestlocation any spa could have in a hotel. Dur-ing the summer months guests often take

refreshing dips in the lake using the hotel’sprivate access.

For over a century Park Hotel Vitznau has swayed guests with its luxury service.Situated in a beautiful landscape on the shore of the Lake Lucerne – it is a retreatfor everyone searching for peace and calm not far from the city. In 2014 the ParkHotel Vitznau was awarded Gault Millau hotel of the year.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PARK HOTEL VITZNAU / BEAT BRECHBÜHL

Park Hotel VitznauInspires with culinary pleasures andbewitching wellness experiences

Urs Langenegger, General Manager. Photo: Helmut Lackner

Special Theme

Great Gourmet &

Spa Destinations



Discover Germany | Special Theme | Great Gourmet & Spa Destinations

The Park HotelVitznau has a long traditionas luxury hotel.As early as about 1900, ho-telier Josef Anton Bon recognised the area’spotential as an attractive spot not only formass tourism but also for a modern luxuryhotel. In 1871, with the Vitznau-Rigi Rail-way, Europe’s first cogwheel railway hadbeen established just around the corner –still today a major tourist attraction. Afterthree years of construction the Park Hotel

opened its doors to the public in 1903. In2009 the hotel underwent major renovationto bring it up to date.

With a boat connection to Lucerne hotelguests have easy access to a charming cityas well as the joy of staying in amazingcountryside.“The landscape is full of sur-prises, not only in summer but also in win-ter,” says Urs Langenegger. The autumnand winter weather for example oftenchanges during the day – from snowstormsto bright sunshine, frommorning mist overthe lake to rain on autumn leaves.“It is theperfect place for everyone who wants toenjoy a winter landscape without being in-terested in alpine sports; a place for some-one who likes to hike and simply wants tohave a relaxed time.”

Indoors and outdoors everything is set fortotal relaxation. The spa area is as out-standing as the landscape and its extraor-dinary atmosphere is emphasised by a 12-metre long saltwater aquarium. 30 differentfish types – about 1,200 fish altogether –live in a naturally grown coral reef.“It is oneof the biggest saltwater aquariums in pri-vate hands worldwide,” says Urs Lan-genegger, stretching from floor to ceiling inthe lower level of the spa.

Clean lines and modern forms are charac-teristic of the spa and wellness area’s archi-tecture. “For me this modern architecturallanguage and the incidence of light havegreat appeal,”the general manager insists.

Tradition and modernity go hand in handthroughout the hotel. The gastronomy, forexample, relies on a young team.“They areall very enthusiastic,”says Urs Langenegger.“For us it is important to give young peo-ple a place to prove themselves.”This ap-proach has received multiple awards.

The Restaurant PRISMA has 16 Gault Mil-lau points and takes guests on a culinaryjourney to the far corners of the world:curry spices find their way into the dishes asmuch as Pata Negra from Spain or salt fromthe Himalayas.As the hotel’s general man-ager puts it: “The kitchen knows how tosurprise with simple but good cuisine.”With

its 180° panorama, the RestaurantPRISMA’s glass pavilion provides scenicviews across the lake.

The second Restaurant focus is a two starrestaurant with 17 points GaultMillau, but“without being stiff and with more of a ca-sual atmosphere,”explains Urs Langeneg-ger.The interior design is inspired by nature,water and the view over the lake; bothwarm colours and the cuisine of head chefNenad Mlinarevic reflect the restaurant’sphilosophy, deriving from the idea of nature.Using local quality and seasonal producethe restaurant brings passion to the plate –elegant and harmonic food creations.

Besides all this, hotel has one of the biggestwine cellars in Europe, storing about 32,000bottles: not only the best Chateaus but alsothe best vintages. Cellar guests can experi-ence outstanding tastes in a private winetasting. The wine cellar is behind a glassfront, so guests of Restaurant focus willcatch a glimpse of the bottles on their wayto the table after ordering one.

www.parkhotel-vitznau.ch

Left, from top down:Finance Galerie, Deluxe Junior Suite.

Photos: Beat BrechbühlThe garden. Photo: Michelle Chaplow

Infinity pool. Photo: Klaus Lorke

Below: Restaurant Prisma

Bottom: The wine cellar



The Swiss Alps are inspiring.The stunningnature surrounding Bad Ragaz, in the can-ton of St Gallen in north-eastern Switzer-land, gave Johanna Spyri ideas for herworld-famous Heidi stories. It is also hometo the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, whichcomprises the two five star hotels GrandHotel Quellenhof & Spa Suites and theGrand Hotel Hof Ragaz. Bad Ragaz is theleadingWellbeing and Medical Health Re-sort in Europe. Its success lies in the heal-ing quality of its thermal water; this has itssource in the Tamina valley, on the out-skirts of which Bad Ragaz is situated. Thishealth-promoting thermal water has beenused since the 13th century and forms an

integral part of the spa offered by GrandResort Bad Ragaz. The 36.5° Wellbeing &Thermal Spa covers around 5,500m² andcomprises several pools, saunas and steam

rooms. Different types of massage andbeauty treatment are part of the spa menuas well as different fitness courses.TheTam-inaTherme,with its 7,300 m² modern well-ness area is an architectural highlight. Itcomplements the resort`s spa experienceand adds to its reputation as, according tothe Swiss SonntagsZeitung, the ”BestWell-ness Hotel in Switzerland” in 2014.

The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz offers its guests a unique combination of spa, healthand outstanding culinary experiences in a luxurious setting

TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD | PHOTOS: GRAND RESORT BAD RAGAZ

Relaxing, healing andbanqueting in the Swiss Alps




In addition to the spa treatments, an inter-nationally renowned Medical Health Cen-tre, with over 70 doctors and therapists, of-fers a variety of treatments. Given theworld-class medical standards, several topathletes have stayed here. ”The 36.5° warmthermal water relaxes the body after an au-tumn or winter's day out in the fresh airand promotes the body’s restoration fornew experiences,”explains Thomas Bech-told, hotel manager of the Grand Resort.

After unwinding in such a pleasant andwholesome way, guests are spoilt for choicein deciding where to dine. The Grand Re-sort facilitates no less than eight restau-rants, which have won a combined total of58 Gault Millau points, and 1Michelin starawarded to chef Roland Schmid’s gourmetrestaurant Äbtestube. ”A unique culinaryexperience is tasting Schmid's Canadianbison,” recommends Bechtold. The otherrestaurants offer world-class cuisine of dif-fering origins and inspiration such as theBel-Air restaurant with its 15 Gault Millaupoints, or the Asian restaurant Namun,awarded 13 Gault Millau points. Severalsommeliers ensure that the outstandingculinary experiences are accompanied bythe perfect choice of wine.

A rich cultural programme is also on offer.Two classical music festivals, the NEXTGENERATION Classic Festival Bad Ragazin spring, and MusicConnects in autumn,host many emerging international artists.For evening entertainment, the SalonDavidoff, one of several bars, or the in-house casino, offer plenty of choice.

The hotels have a grand total of 267 roomsand suites in a wide range of designs, fromclassical elegance, traditional and historical,all the way to ultramodern, bookable ac-cording to preference. and will be allocatedaccording to the guests’ individual prefer-ences. An outstanding and unforgettableexperience is the 600 m² Penthouse Floor,which offers visitors a breathtaking 360°panoramic view over Bad Ragaz and theSwiss Alps. Another highlight is the 300m² Presidential Suite, which was finished inMay 2014. It contains two bedrooms, a

kitchen, two bathrooms, four balconies, alounge and a dining room.

The Grand Resort is the only hotel inSwitzerland with two golf courses. One issituated directly at the resort; it will be host-ing the European Senior Tour for the 19thtime in 2015.

”The combination of spa, medical healthand luxurious hotel amenities, includingvaried culinary choices, different interiorroom styles, dedicated service staff, andcasino, makes our resort unique as a holi-day destination for different generations,”explains Bechtold.The surroundings of BadRagaz offer excitement and activities everyseason. ”In the summertime I enjoy hikinginto the Tamina canyon, the origin of ourthermal water,”says Bechtold. ”Dependingon the time of day, it can be a very mysticalplace.”Another interesting trip, especiallyfor children, is a visit to the Heididorf, anoutdoor museum dedicated to the life ofHeidi, the literary child of Johanna Spyri.

The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz values confi-dentiality and privacy very highly.Many fa-mous people have holidayed here: mem-bers of royal families, heads of state, andcelebrities from sport, music or television.Maybe another famous author will get in-spiration for a future novel at Bad Ragaz?

www.resortragaz.ch



The Fischer-Schwegler family is runningthe AllgäuHotel Tanneck in the third gen-eration and together with a dedicated teamwelcomes guests in a most personal andwarm-hearted manner. The hotel is idylli-cally positioned on a hilltop and thepanoramic views across the valley belowand towards the spectacular mountain topsare breath-taking. The mountain themecontinues inside as the house is entirelydesigned in elegant and authentic Alpinecharm with a contemporary twist. Everyroom is different and well equipped for agood night’s sleep.

In the restaurant chef de cuisine Roland Sol-lacher ensures that seasonal regional ingre-dients are used to create a variety of deliciousmenus reaching from hearty and traditional

Allgäu dishes toMediterranean delights.Allnutritional needs are catered for as vegetar-ian or lighter options are also available.

AllgäuHotel Tanneck proudly presents anentirely refurbished pool and wellness areathis winter. A stunning rooftop deck is theperfect place to linger and inhale the freshmountain air or take a splash in the mood-lit Sole Whirlpool underneath the stars ofthe Allgäu sky. Inside floor to ceiling win-dows allow maximum exposure of themountain panorama while swimming lapsin the state of the art Infinity Pool.The largeAlpinarium features various kinds of steamrooms and sauna areas, all designed inbarn-inspired themes. Cows play an im-portant role at the AllgäuHotel Tanneckand the surrounding area. Apart from al-

ways having been part of the local lifestyleand tradition, the brown, fluffy and friendlyanimals deliver the main ingredient for theaward-winning Allgäuer Milchwell® con-cept spa treatment. Fresh and purely or-ganic milk is the local’s best kept secret toenhance health and beauty.

Outside, a huge variety of activities is avail-able from hiking to golfing to biking insummer and naturally perfect skiing con-ditions in winter. The slopes are literally infront of the hotel doors and the adjacent skischool is looking forward to help little ad-venturers master the pistes.TheAllgäuHo-tel Tanneck is ideal to relax and unwind ina truly authentic Allgäu surrounding.

www.hotel-tanneck.de

Family run AllgäuHotel Tanneck in the Bavarian village of Fischen is the idealplace to get away from it all in a spectacular mountain setting.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: ALLGÄUHOTEL TANNECK

A place to dream



20. 12. 2014–28. 2. 2015 IN INTERLAKEN

Interlaken, pure Switzerland

interlaken.ch

NEW from 20.12.2014!Top of Europe ICE MAGIC INTERLAKEN – the unique ice-skating experience only in Interlaken!

The centre of Interlaken will be transformed into a winter wonderland from mid-December to late February. You are sure to love this ice skating area with its various ice rinks, winding runways and cosy restaurant. We look forward to your visit!

our winter tip

ICEMAGIC.CH



The original building, which can be datedback to 1646, was first used to accommo-date guests and travellers from all over theworld in 1801. Over the following years,the owners changed several times.

In 2001 the Bellevue Hotel was auctionedand taken over by Regula and ThomasDübendorfer.They knew from the start thata stony but also exciting path lay ahead ofthem. During their first years, they accom-modated mainly travel groups but soon thecouple noticed that the main focus shouldbe on quality instead of quantity.Their aimwas to address guests who appreciated thecharming house and its staff, the stunningview over theAare River and the central lo-

cation. Since then recurrent renovationwork was necessary, especially after flood-ing in 2005 and a heavy hailstorm threeyears later.

In appreciation of the hard work, the Hotelwas awarded its third star in 2003 and thefourth followed in 2012.After removing thecarpets to highlight the beauty of the oldparquet floors, a totally revised concept hasbeen created by collaborating with a FengShui Consultant. New furniture, a colourconcept with the English colours of TheLittle Greene Paint Company and the useof the exclusive Jakob Schläpfer-Wallpaperhave increased the harmony within eachroom undoubtedly. All of the rooms are

equipped with a balcony to offer a magnif-icent view over the Aare River and the sur-rounding mountains. Extraordinary coloursand hand-made furniture ensure a uniqueinterior experience.

Through the hotel’s impressive entrancelobby, guests will first see the floor exten-sively decorated with Lotus blossoms. TheLotus flower stands for the harmonious fu-sion of traditional and new ideas; this ex-actly reflects the style-mix between BelleEpoque and the 21st century. That is thereason why the Lotus flower has been in-tegrated into the logo of the Bellevue Ho-tel.

A place of retreat and relaxation

Since 2006, the Riverhouse provides a veryspecial residential atmosphere for its guests.Located within the garden of the HotelBellevue, it is surrounded by beautiful na-ture and the constant presence of waterlapping from theAare River.This charming

A charming place in InterlakenKeeping the focus on quality to provide a room for every demand and any budgetwithin a stylish ambiance, that is the secret of the Hotel Bellevue Interlaken. Anunforgettably charming stay is guaranteed due to the constant balance betweenthe historical and modern background.

TEXT: MERYEM HAUER | PHOTOS: HOTEL BELLEVUE INTERLAKEN




place is the perfect retreat for peace and re-laxation, combined with stylish and cosyfurniture.

The spacious living roomwith its own fire-place invites guests to linger and allowsthe soul to dangle.The amenities further in-clude a kitchen, two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a washing machine anddryer. On the large terrace it is even possi-ble to make use of a BBQ while enjoyingthe view over the big garden. The guestscan choose either for self-sufficiency or toenjoy the substantial breakfast buffet.

Views over the roofs of Interlaken

The Penthouse Apartment offers all of theconveniences of a modern holiday accom-modation but with additional hotel services.Here, too, guests can decide whether to beself-sufficient or to enjoy the lovingly pre-pared hotel breakfast. The apartment con-

sists of one living room, two bedrooms withen suite bathrooms, washing machine anddryer.A big terrace with a spectacular viewover the Aare River and the surroundingmountains offers a great relaxing ambiancefor visitors.

The Alplodge

The modern mixture between Hotel andHostel offers a charming overnight accom-modation for every budget. This uniquebuilding is marked through its slants andunusual angles and represents its formerconstruction type. Originally built in 1623,the Alplodge has accommodated guestssince the year 1801.All in all, it provides 22rooms, a shared kitchen, laundry room anda bar as well as a penthouse for public usewith a view over theAare River and the cityof Interlaken.This welcoming place is cen-trally located and offers many activitiesnearby such as paragliding, outlook fromthe Schlithorn or the Niederhorn, helicop-ter rides, hiking experiences and variouspossibilities for daytrips.

An oasis of relaxation

The team of theVita Room offers all-roundpampering programmes and ensures ho-listic well-being and relaxation by usingmassages, healing practices, cosmetic treat-ments as well as nail care. A relaxing mix-ture of wellness and health to bring thebody, spirit and soul into harmony and it isaccessible to everyone.

Something old, something new

The history of this house can be found inevery corner of the Hotel, in every detail,from the hand-made furniture to the spe-cially selected colours. It is not easy to resistthe charm and guests are literally seducedby the house.

Ten years before they bought the Hotel atauction, Regula and Thomas Dübendorferwanted to get married in the historic build-ing, but they were rejected – today they arehappily married and have concluded theirown pact with the Bellevue Hotel.

www.hotel-bellevue-interlaken.chwww.alplodge.com

Left: Hotel Bellevue

From top to bottom:Riverhouse, Alplodge, Gartensaal (Bellevue) & Apartment



Remembering Prince Charles’s vision tolive in harmony with nature, we under-stand why he chose Klosters and especiallythe Hotel Walserhof for his holidays.Nestling in a rural part of the Prättigau(Graubünden), Klosters, with its romanticvillage-like atmosphere, stands in starkcontrast to the nearby Alpine metropolisof Davos. Excellent skiing, alpine and cross-country, in winter; hiking and mountainbiking in fascinating mountain scenery insummer, are the main attractions for thevisitors. The relaxed, affluent Alpine at-mosphere and some high-class shoppingmake Klosters a popular destination.

Passionate hostsIn the village centre you find the HotelWalserhof, just steps away from the chicboutiques and the gondolas.The hosts, Sil-via and Heribert Dietrich met here 21 yearsago when she started her career as a re-ceptionist and he gathered experience inthe kitchen with the renowned chef BeatBolliger. After holding several positions inhotels in Switzerland and Germany –amongst others, they served as the hosts atthe internationally well-known HotelKranzbach in Garmisch-Partenkirchen –Silvia and Heribert Dietrich returned totheir roots in Klosters in 2013. They are

passionate hosts who use all their experi-ence to spoil their guests.“As a host, youwill only be successful with quality andhigh personal commitment,”says Silvia Di-etrich. “Authenticity and joy that comesfrom within are very important to us. It is amajor concern that our guests feel lookedafter and well cared for so that they love tocome back.We bring this philosophy to lifeevery day and we expect the same from

Hotel Walserhof in KlostersHolidays fit for a RoyalThe small mountain village of Klosters in Switzerland has been a firm favourite withthe Prince of Wales for many years. His accommodation of choice: the Walserhof,a little hotel gem with just four exclusive suites and the Michelin-starred Restau-rant Walserstube.

TEXT: CORDELIA MAKARTSEV | PHOTOS: HOTEL WALSERHOF

The Dietrich Family




our employees. Creating a relaxed and wel-coming atmosphere for our guests is a pri-ority.”

A small house with individual service

The HotelWalserhof boasts just four newlyrenovated suites and two double rooms.“Because we are such a small house we areable to provide the most individual servicefor our guests. For example, when theycome for breakfast the guests tell us at whattime they want to hit the slopes and wetake them to the gondolas,”explains SilviaDietrich. For the suites, only the finest na-tive woods andmost luxurious fabrics havebeen used. Between 83–91 square metres,they are equipped with two bedrooms, bathand separate shower, open-plan kitchenand open fireplace.After an exhausting ski-ing day guests enjoy a sun-downer on thebalcony with a marvellous mountain view.The suites are constructed in a way that

they can be easily converted into a juniorsuite and a double room. Silvia Dietrichhas a special tip:“Many families like to rentout the whole house. Thus, they have ourundivided attention and can keep amongstthemselves.” Families with small childrenwill find a ski lift behind the hotel wherethe little ones can try their first steps onskies with an experienced instructor whiletheir parents enjoy the entire Klosters-Davos ski area offering 200 miles of runsserved by more than 50 lifts.

TheWalserstube: OneMichelin star and15 points at Gault Millau

Heribert Dietrich has earned himself a re-spected reputation as head chef of severalprestigious restaurants before he took overtheWalserhof together with his wife Silvia.She lets us in on her husband’s secrets:“Heribert uses only regional, high-qualityproducts for his dishes. Meat, cheese, eggsall come from our local farmers.And every-thing we serve in the evening, from thebread to the Crissinis and the main dishes,every sauce is handmade by our kitchenteam and exceptionally fresh.”

Unsurprisingly, Heribert Dietrich’s mod-ern, authentic and regional cuisine has wonover the critics from Michelin and Gault

Millaut. Every evening, guests of the HotelWalserhof can choose between three, fouror five delicious courses from the restau-rant’s menu.

Slow down at theWalserhof

So why not take time out and enjoy an in-dulgent holiday at the Hotel Walserhof?Silvia Dietrich has some special arrange-ments for her guests like the“Fascinationwinter”where 2 nights with theWalserhof-breakfast, a welcome drink, daily 4 coursedinner of your choice in the restaurantWalserstube, free use of the 36.5°WellbeingandThermal Spa at Bad Ragaz (35 minutesaway) and a 2-day ski pass for the ski areaParsenn are included. Those who like tostay longer can try the“short week arrange-ment” with the same conditions from Sun-day till Friday.

A really special experience is Christmas atthe Walserhof. After a sumptuous Gala-Dinner at the Walserstube, all the guestsand Hotel people set off to walk throughthe snow by torchlight to celebrate a forestChristmas together. Children sing by thefire and guests and village people read theirfavourite stories.

www.walserhof.ch



Located in the North Rhine-Westphaliantown of Herford theMarta museum is easyto spot as the building alone is certainly dif-ferent. Created by no less than Canadian-American Pritzker Prize winning architectFrank Owen Gehry the unique design issecond to none.“The signature silhouette ofthe building, featuring those dancing andintertwined cubes, has become a kind oficon for this region. It is a fascinating phys-ical experience to watch the cascadingmetal roof and experience its sun reflectionsor watch the rain pouring down on it,”mu-

seum director Roland Nachtigäller muses.“Great artworks such as Michael Sailstor-fer‘s helicopter in front of the house orPaolo Chiasera’s Tupac-statue on the plazaare beautiful to admire and the Marta Cafeon the water offers enchanting views of themuseum’s peaceful surrounding,”he adds.

Inside Marta Herford inspires visitors’senses with ever-changing, exciting andinnovative exhibitions. Contemporary art,architectural research and basic questionsof design are turned into pioneering con-temporary themes with a strong link to thepast. “Marta is different. Marta moves.Marta connects. These are our core valuesand though it may sound quite simple, fol-lowing these core values throughout is abig daily challenge,”Nachtigäller explains.A challenge he and his team have success-fully mastered so far. In 2015 Marta willcelebrate its 10th anniversary and excitingevents are scheduled. Further details will

be announced on the museum’s websiteshortly.

The Marta Herford museum does not onlyopen its doors for individuals and groupvisitors. It also serves as a fantastic event lo-cation. The forum, the lobby and variousseminar rooms are available for private andcorporate hire, offering a most stylish back-drop for conferences, functions, celebra-tions, parties, literature readings andmore.Almost magically Marta Herford blends artwith daily life, economy and culture into aharmonious whole.

www.marta-herford.de

Marta Herford is an internationally orientedmuseum for contemporary art with a spe-cial focus on architecture and design. An innovative and future-oriented approachtowards the arts makes it a great artistic experience for all senses.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: MARTA HERFORD MUSEUM

“Marta is different.Marta moves. Marta connects.”

Roland Nachtigaller, Artistic Director

Attractionof the MonthGermany

Above: © Helmut Claus

Below: Exhibition of artworks by Massimo Bartolini, GregorHildebrandt, Aura Satz and Nik Nowak. © Hans Schroeder



When Philippe Haussener, also owner ofthe ICON club and the restaurant Tao's inZurich, had the opportunity to rent part ofthe old stock exchange on Paradeplatz, herose to the challenge of transforming thebuilding into an exclusive, contemporarytemple for the city's demanding revellers.Since its opening in January 2013, theAURA event location, measuring 2,000square metres spread out on three floors,has continually pushed the boundaries ofwhat modern event technology and gas-tronomy can achieve.

With its restaurant and the bar and smoker'slounge, AURA is perfect for those lookingfor an exclusive culinary experience in a re-laxed atmosphere. Its contemporary interiorin earthy colours, using simple but highquality materials such as natural stone,metal and wood, makes for a homely yetsmart feel.The event hall with its high-endtechnology adds a touch of urban luxury toan event location that can rival top ad-dresses in cities like London and Paris.TheAURA event location is run by 35 full-timestaff, supported at peak times by a flexiblehand-selected pool of 50 to 60 freelancers.

Setting new culinary standardsIn the stylish setting of the AURA restau-rant, guests can watch their orders beingprepared on an open barbecue.Apart frombarbecue specialities, cross-over Europeanand international cuisine including seafood,pasta, burgers and vegetarian dishes caterto every individual's taste.Themenu,whichis regularly updated according to the sea-sons, offers both classic foods and littletreats as well as trendy and entirely newcreations. Every ingredient is of the highestquality, the wine list is extensive, and, to-gether with the upscale ambiance of therestaurant, makes for an exciting culinaryexperience that is setting standards bothin Zurich and beyond.

Indulging in the simple pleasures

Those who go out to relax after a busyworking day will love the bar and smoker's

Whether you wish to enjoy a quiet drink or cigar, crave a trendy, high quality culi-nary experience or seek all-round entertainment in a multifunctional event hallequipped with the latest technology – the high-end event location AURA, situatedin the heart of Zurich, offers an exceptional setting for all occasions.

TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: AURA

EventLocation

of the MonthSwitzerland

High-end event location AURA– a feast for the senses



lounge. Its interior exudes a cosy, stylishatmosphere, but at the same time offersample space to sit back and let the worriesof the world pass by.The impressive cigarsmap and bar menu, which includes a greatvariety of outstanding cocktails, leave noth-ing to be desired.

Breaking the boundaries ofevent technology

Despite the outstanding quality of theAURA restaurant and the unique charm ofthe bar and smoker's lounge, the multi-functional event hall is the true beatingheart of the AURA event location. It meas-ures 450 square metres, has a stately heightof nine metres and offers a 360-degree pro-jection surface with a matching 3D soundsystem.At the push of a button, 480 squaremetres of canvas can turn into seamlessvirtual, all-encompassing worlds, accessiblelandscapes and backdrops, or professionalproduct presentations.The event hall seats500 people and is an ideal space for galas,award and fashion shows, banquets andall types of conferences.

In addition to the event hall itself, theAURA team offers a wide range of services

that ensures that events held at the AURAwill be an all-round success. Apart fromthe prime location, the upscale interior andthe flexible means of transforming the hall,the latest event technology can be used tocreate a custom-made setting for any typeof event.With the expert knowledge of theAURA team, finding suitable Djs andartists, or planning an entire event will be aseasy as anything. Professional organisationand execution, event ideas and conceptsfor uniquely tailored events as well as pre-determined event kitchenmenus includingmenus for galas and banquets, flying din-ners, cocktail parties and coffee breaks areall part of the service theAURA team excelsin. For those who want to go the extra milein making their event an exclusive experi-ence to remember, the foyer and the barand smoker's lounge can be incorporated.Guests who simply want to enjoy a nightout in an extraordinary surrounding canattend open events at the hall or the weeklyclub night on Saturdays.

So whatever your objective is when youare out and about in Zurich, the AURAevent location will cater to your every needand offer something for every taste: a su-

perb restaurant, a perfect high-end eventlocation, a smart bar and smoker's loungeas well as an innovative party location forrevellers.

www.aura-zurich.ch

Discover Germany | Event Location of the Month | Switzerland



Marie Grosholtz was born in Strasbourg in1761 and little did she know that she wouldbecome the mother of countless and evermore popular life-size wax figurines, whichnow fascinate millions of people from allover the world year after year. MadameTussauds, as the exhibition is called today,is based in 20 different locations world-wide and children and adults alike can’tget enough of the gorgeous A-listers ondisplay.

“We make dreams come true, because ourvisitors can physically meet their stars. Our

guests can enjoy a cup of coffee withGeorge Clooney, cuddle up with RobbieWilliams or strike a pose with ski championRenate Götschl before she takes off anddown the slopes,” Arabella Kruschinski,managing director of Madame TussaudsWien, rejoices.

Taking a closer look at the figure feels al-most surreal, as they seem to be alive, readyto talk in the very next moment.Their eyesare clear and focused and it is very hard tofully grasp that these humans are just pup-pets.The painstaking production of a single

wax figure takes three to four months andonly the most skilled artists and craftsmenare capable of bringing a person to life inthe London-based production studio.While 200 years ago the wax figures werejust showcased to be admired, today thingsget far more advanced.“We offer a lot of in-teractive games in our attraction. Ourguests can dance the Moonwalk withMichael Jackson, challenge Albert Einsteinin an intelligence quiz or measure theirskills with footballer Hans Krankl and ten-nis icon Thomas Muster,”Kruschinksi ex-plains.

At MadameTussaudsWien it is hard to picka favourite. Historic figures such as the fa-mous Empress Sissi as well as contempo-rary figures that shape today’s media cov-erage are part of the exhibition. Nationalheroes and international superstars arewaiting to mingle with the guests. Apartfrom the permanent ensemble, each yearthree new stars are added to the cast and tokeep things even more exciting, further A-listers travel toVienna from other MadameTussauds locations once in a while to meettheir fans.

www.madametussauds.com/Wien

At Madame Tussauds Wien rubbing shoulders with the stars is a dream come true.Meet the wax counterfeits of your favourite celebrities and don’t be afraid to takea selfie with your superstar.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: MADAME TUSSAUDS WIEN

Up, close and personal withtheVIPs inVienna

Madame Tussauds Wien

Attractionof the MonthAustria

Left top:Strike a pose with

alpine ski racing championRenate Gotschl

Left below:Join the party with Brangelina

and Johnny Depp


snowshoe h i k i ng

cross-count ry sk i i ng

con tact us

toboggan i ng

Winterfun

ininOberaudorf

Visitor Information CenterKufsteiner Straße 6D-83080 OberaudorfTel. +49 (0) 80 33/3 01 [email protected]

sk i i ng



For more than 10 years, Ms. Kowalke hasput passion into everything she does. Onebranch of her agency (Kowalke marketing& fine art events) deals exclusively withcompany events and corporate functions.The other one (‘Kowalke Die Hochzeits-planerin’) organizes individualized and chicwedding parties.

The agency was founded in 2004 in Bre-genz, Austria, and is still headquarteredthere.While the team organizes the major-ity of events in Austria, and in Vienna inparticular, the geographical reach also ex-tends to Europe and international loca-tions.

“Our top priority is to deliver a feeling, amessage and a unique experience that

touches people. Any event, whether a cor-porate product presentation or a multi-daywedding, is ultimately all about people,“explains the owner.

Marketing & Fine Art Events

Customers value the high quality, flexibilityand attractive pricing that characterize theirservices. From global corporations likePorsche Austria or Hanro International, tohundreds of newly wed couples, Ms.Kowalke’s aims to exceed her clients’wishes and expectations.

Accuracy and creativity are central to herbusiness philosophy: “We organize grandevents that resonate with our clients. Everysingle detail will be refined.The experiencewill be both personal and creative, and the

organization will be perfectly planned andexecuted. I can guarantee that our eventstrigger emotions, enthusiasm and lastingimpressions,”assures Ms. Kowalke.

In fact, as more and more companies areembracing events to market their brandsand products, Barbara Kowalke and herteam can provide strategic support. Fromsmall to medium sized and large firms,‘Kowalke marketing & fine art events’hasexperiences and an excellent reputationwith a variety of industries and profes-sions.

In particular, among the services offeredare: customer events (both appreciationand acquisition), events to motivate staff,VIP events and gala dinners, product orcompany presentations, conferences, sem-inars, company parties, Christmas parties,incentives, and workshops.

In addition, the agency also offers events"Just for ladies" and "Just for men.”Thesetopics and other special niche events help

Meet Barbara Kowalke, who runs two businesses with one mission: to plan, or-ganize and execute events with the utmost precision, taste, and perfection. Herevent agency specializes in corporate and business functions, and the ambitiousentrepreneur is one of Austria’s best-known wedding planners.

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE

Grand styles for business and pleasure

Special Theme

WeddingVows& Beyond



their customers to create experiences thatcaptivate, surprise, or entice their audi-ences. These events can be held in stylishsurroundings, with selected speakers andexquisite treats.

KowalkeTheWedding Planner

“We are not just any event agency.We havethe right feel, charm, a lot of heart forgrand ideas and individualized weddings –tailored to a couple’s objectives and theirbudget,”states the owner.

In fact, Barbara Kowalke was one of thefirst wedding planners in Austria, withmore than 10 years of professional experi-ence; she has become“TheWedding Plan-ner” in Austria and abroad.All of her serv-ices are very discreet, and her customers areoften people who are very accomplished,high-profile professionals, entrepreneursor people who are in the public eye.

In particular, the wedding services include:individual consultations, coachings, totalor partial organizations, location scouting(registrar’s offices, restaurants, castles, fa-cilities), and music and artistic perform-ances that truly make the day unforget-table for everyone involved.

No matter what type of wedding and loca-tion, whether a romantic wedding on thebeach, a small elegant gathering, or a lav-ish party in a grand castle, Barbara Kowalkeknows that the idea of a fairy tale weddingdiffers greatly among people.

Therefore, her concepts are always stylish,harmonious and perfectly matched to herclient’s wedding dreams. She states that aperfect venue and programme are just asimportant as respecting the host’s creativeinput. From small to large budgets, her full-service wedding planning agency accom-modates all wishes and works with an ex-tensive network of service partners.Together, they organize settings with ro-mantic scenes, culinary and musical de-lights, and atmospheres charged with love,finesse, and grand style.

Lastly, Barbara Kowalke also offers careeroptions for future wedding planners. Aseminar will be held on November 8-9 atSchloss Mönchstein in Salzburg.

www.kowalke-veranstaltungen.com(Kowalke marketing & fine art events)

www.wunschhochzeit.atwww.yourwedding.at(Kowalke Die Hochzeitsplanerin)

Barbara Kowalke, entrepreneur and owner of Kowalke marketing& fine art events



It is impossible to speak of THE perfectwedding. For some it is a small ceremony ona lonely beach somewhere in the Caribbean,the sun glistening on clear blue water, thebride in a floating white dress walking bare-foot along the aisle.Hundreds of kilometresaway in Germany another wedding mighttake place in a medieval castle, while in thesouth of France a young couple marries be-tween grapevines under theMediterraneansun.

For a good wedding planner it is not onlyimportant to find the right location, order

catering and musicians and invite theguests, but to feel and embrace the cou-ple’s unique ideas.When it comes to wed-dings, anything has to be possible. Jean-nette Renée Conrad makes weddingdreams come true – no matter how impos-sible they seem.After an education as a for-eign-language correspondent JeannetteRenée Conrad first worked as an assistantfor major international companies beforeshe found her true passion: working as awedding planner. In 2006 she establishedPrimeMoments to set new standards whenit comes to personal and customised wed-

dings.Today she has offices and partners inDüsseldorf, Zurich,Vienna and even SouthAfrica.“We work all over the world – in theCaribbean or South Africa as much as inGermany,Austria or France,”explains Jean-nette Renée Conrad

Magnificent, romantic, small and understated or gloriously big with hundreds ofguests – every bride and every groom has a dream how their perfect weddingshould be. Unique and according to who they are. Prime Moments plans weddingsnot after an already existing catalogue, but individually to make the celebrationsspecial and worth remembering for anyone involved.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: CLAIRE MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

PrimeMoments plans unique weddings for uniquecouples in the best locations all over the world

Jeannette Renee Conrad, Photo: Claire Morgan



Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wedding Vows & Beyond

Jeannette Renée Conrad’s experience in in-ternational business is helpful for her newprofession –memories of her travels inspirenew ideas and the international lifestyle shehas lived made her aware of the perfectmixture of modern trends and traditionalvalues. Both play an important role when itcomes to a perfect wedding – sometimes amodern touch is the key ingredient to makea more traditional wedding sparkling andspecial.Working together with people fromdifferent backgrounds has given her an un-derstanding of their rather different needsand wishes – even if extravagant and luxu-rious.

Prime Moments therefore does not offerany standard packages; every wedding is

planned individually for an elite clientele.“Aconsultation will allow us to get to know theunique personalities of the bride and thegroom.We will ask very detailed questionsto ensure we create the perfect wedding,”explains Jeannette Renée Conrad.Of courseeverything will happen according to the setbudget.

Everything starts with an idea: the theme ofthe wedding – might it be inspired by tra-ditional Indian weddings full of goldenglimmer or a cool and modern approachpreferring clear lines and designs? This notonly means choosing the right location butalso the right dress.“We help the bride tofind her perfect dress in Milan, Paris, Lon-don or any other location,”says Conrad.Af-

terwards follows the planning of the feast.“Many people lack their own ideas, have noexperience of how to plan a big event orhow to find the right provider – PrimeMo-ments can do that instead, working withthe best in the industry.“

The wedding does not stop after the cere-mony or the feast: afterwards comes thehoneymoon andmany couples appreciate aholiday that picks up the wedding theme.Prime Moments therefore works togetherwith a travel agency to offer unique travelexperiences – from wildlife photo safaris toa relaxing escape in an Irish castle.

Many couples have enjoyed their weddingexperiences that much, they often enoughask PrimeMoments to plan other festivitiesas well.This is why Jeannette Renée Conradand her colleagues have broadened theirrepertoire to birthday parties for adults orchildren, baptisms or business events.Whenfor example a child is on its way PrimeMo-ments organises a baby shower for thesoon-to-be-mother.

Especially when it comes to children goodideas are essential. This is why Prime Mo-ments has partnered with the Cleverlyagency, which specialises in childcare andentertainment for the little ones. Duringweddings the agency organises space forchildren to play, sing and dance, to paint ordo handicrafts. Caretakers make sure chil-dren are looked after during meals as wellso that children and adults alike can enjoythe wedding.Additionally Prime Momentsand its partner agency organise parties forchildren of all ages like a Winnie the Poohbirthday party or a pirate feast. All partyprogrammes are according to the children’sage, and are enjoyable, fun and safe.

Classic, elegant, unique and individual – allthese words are used to describe PrimeMo-ments events. Above all that stands for aservice that leaves nothing to be desired.

www.prime-moments.comwww.cleverly.at

Photo: Stephan Rauch

Pho

to:S

tephanRauch

cleverly.at

Photo: Prime Moments



Photography has always fascinated ownerGerhard Faktor, who founded Profi Foto in2008. Initially Faktor started out as agraphic designer and transitioned smoothlyinto photography. Doing wedding photo-graphy, as opposed to product stills, pre-sented a challenge at the beginning.

“With a wedding you only get one shot,”Faktor says,“There are no second chances.”But those first days are long gone. With agreat deal of passion and a good eye for de-tail, Faktor has continuously worked hisway up. Today, he is not only frequentlybooked, but his services are also requiredwhen celebrities tie the knot.

When Faktor works at a wedding he tries toblend in as much as possible.“I capture thefeelings without being noticed.At weddingsit is important to remain in the backgroundbut still catch everything,”he explains.

Faktor always works in a team of two andprovides his clients with every photo taken,

not just a small selection. His unique stylespeaks for itself and it is evident in the pic-tures how much heart Faktor puts into hiswork. A professional, as well as an artist,Faktor does not just churn out your boxstandard wedding photos. Instead, he plansevery detail carefully, and it is this prepara-tion and dedication which are reflected inthe final product.

He smiles:“My favourite part of the job iswhen my clients see the finished photos.The bright eyes of a happy bride or hearingthe client say ‘Wow!’ are amongst myfavourite moments. This does not only gofor wedding, birthday or baby photogra-phy but also for the business sector, whena marketing director is blown away by thefinal product.”

Faktor has achieved much in the past tenyears and despite the fierce competitionhas made a name for himself, something tobe proud of. His company offers a vastrange of International services from fashion

shoots, to food styling, architecture anderotic photos.

Needless to say, Faktor’s unique blend ofphotography and art is becoming rapidlypopular with couple’s seeking an alterna-tive to the regular and traditional, whilststill creating an eternal memory of that spe-cial day.

www.profi-foto.at

There is a long list of things to organise when planning a wedding. But worryingabout capturing your special moment does not need to be one of them: the expertsat Austrian Profi Foto have you covered.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: PROFI FOTO

Because it has to be perfect!

Gerhard Faktor



Today Manuela and Martin Allinger are ex-perts in wedding photography even thoughthey both first started working in quite dif-ferent professions. Martin studied law andworked in real estate formany years, but thatjob nevermade himhappy.“Deep inmy soulI have always been an artist,” he says today.“I used to drudge through legislative textsand real estate contracts before I was struckhard by the reality of a serious illness.”He gotcancer, fought through it and started his lifeall over again by completing his master inphotography which, until recently, wasmandatory inAustria.

Nearly five years ago his wife ManuelaAllinger started photography as well, aftershe originally worked as a psychotherapist.Her background comes in handy today and

can be“quite helpfulwhendealingwith nerv-ous brides,”says Martin Allinger.

Manuela andMartin coverweddings in formof a full photo report, starting with the firstpreparations in themorning and document-ing the entire feast. “Mywife always accom-panies the bride while I work with thegroom,”MartinAllinger explains.This allowsboth to get very close to their motives. For abride especially it is far more comfortable if afemale photographer takes pictureswhen shegets dressed and her hair and make-up aredone. “These are very intimate moments,”explains Manuela Allinger.

When making wedding portraits both wantto put the couple in the right light but at thesame time allow them to be themselves.“If

they start giggling, talking and kissing as if weare not present – there is nothing better for agood picture.”The photo session should be alast quiet moment before the often over-whelming celebrations.

Manuela and Martin Allinger work all overtheworld – fromMallorca to theCaribbean –but theirmain focus still lies in their home re-gionTyrol. If couples from abroadwish to getmarried in Tyrol, Manuela and Martin arehappy to help, for example in finding the per-fect wedding location, by making full use oftheir excellent local network.

www.formafoto.net

A wedding is always the most special day in many couple’s lives, a time for romancethey want to remember in years to come. Capturing the perfect wedding picturetherefore is crucial. Austrian based photographers Martin and Manuela Allinger cap-ture special moments in beautiful pictures – not only in portraits but very personalphoto stories.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: FORMA PHOTOGRAPHY

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wedding Vows & Beyond

Forma PhotographyNothing is better for a picture than a couple at ease

Manuela & Martin are the team behind the cameras of FORMAPhotography



Discover Germany | Business | Solicitor Column

I find it hard to believe that 25 yearshave already passed since the fall of theBerlinWall, so fresh are thememories ofecstatic celebration when the firstbreach opened up in the concrete inthose heady days of 1989, willed on byfearless East German demonstratorsand the fortunes of Perestroika; so freshthe memories of the perplexed looks onthe faces of East German border guardswhose orders had dried up andwho putdown their guns; and of the relentlessstream ofTrabants andWartburgs whichsoon started to pour through an ironcurtain that had rusted and crumbledfrom inside.

This stream included my uncle, who hadstayed behind in 1961 to look after his eld-erly parents, while my father had seen thewriting on the wall when he took the lastchance to jump across to the West in 1961with nothing much on him other than theclothes which he was wearing. There wasall too brief a moment at the beginning ofthe 1990s when all seemed possible andpeace appeared to prevail. Little did weknow then how war and genocide wouldreturn to Eastern Europe just a few yearslater.

How does this fit into a legal column,you might well ask. The answer is that itprovides a fitting moment to reflect on theinteraction between ethics, politics and thelaw. The quest for freedomwill always winout in the end, but many East Germanssoon discovered that freedom also broughtwith it a responsibility for one’s own fatewhen unemployment quickly took hold inderelict socialist industrial landscapes. Weare reminded of the importance of the rule

of law and of fundamental human rightswhich exist in reality and not just on paper,and for which we can hold our Govern-ment to account. We are reminded thatthey are at their most important when theyare at their most inconvenient to those inpower; and we are reminded of the impor-tance of a system of proper checks and bal-ances to hold unfettered political and exec-utive power at bay.

It was written German constitutionallaw which had always kept hope alive andthe possibility of reunification open andprovided a mechanism for the re-estab-lished Länder of East Germany to accede tothe Federal Republic when the time camefor reunification just a year later in 1990. Itwas German politics that abused the lawfor the criminal prosecution of former EastGerman state officials in what I still regard(and history will eventually concur) as amisconceived and vindictive piece of“vic-tor’s” justice. It was the much malignedEuropean Union which provided a politicalframework for reintegrating many EasternEuropean nations back into a stable, dem-ocratic, united, and economically prosper-ous Europe; and it was European solidarityand the massive transfer of funding tothose countries which allowed this transi-tion to succeed. It was the Council of Eu-rope and the European Convention on Hu-man Rights, which began to pushaccountability for human rights forwardeven further east.

These achievements were too hardfought for by too many people and are tooimportant to make them the pawn of op-portunistic and short-sighted national pol-itics. It is easy to forget that they providestructure, stability and continuity to the

post-war Europe in which we all live andfrom which we all benefit, especially as wecommemorate the First World-War and anew cold war threatens to descend on Eu-rope. I am sure that I am not the only onewho would mourn the day when the free-doms which we are so privileged to enjoyacross the European Union today becomereplaced once more by raised barriers andfortified borders. It is easy to forget whatthe fall of the BerlinWall stands for and theresponsibility of all to ensure that we do notlightly put at risk what we have achieved.

Gregor Kleinknecht LLM MCIArbis a German Rechtsanwalt and English solicitor,

and a partner at Hunters Solicitors, a leading law

firm in Lincoln’s Inn.

Hunters Solicitors, 9 New Square,

Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3QN,

E-mail: [email protected]

www.hunters-solicitors.co.uk

Reflecting on the Fallof the Berlin Wall

TEXT & PHOTO: GREGOR KLEINKNECHT



Upon entering the site of the ziegelei101 –perfectly located between airport and citycentre – one is struck by its extraordinary ar-chitecture.The huge 1940s building is madeof bright red bricks, which still ooze thecharm of a vanished industrial era.The con-trast with the interior couldn’t bemore strik-ing.Within this great building, the differentsections (the main two sized 980 m2 and240m2) offer lots of opportunities.The spaceis bothmodern and simple at the same time,yet always impressive.The ceiling is 7m highwith windows almost filling the entire walls;thismakes the location feel truly vast and fullof light. Due to the special construction of

the roof, the space can be divided up inmany possible ways. And if the warm Mu-nich weather allows, there is a roofed patiothat can be used for breaks and receptions.

Kai Dette, director of the agency that rep-resents ziegelei101, summarises the appealof the space as follows: “Customers appre-ciate the infinite possibilities of theziegelei101.The high ceilings, the presenceof light and the flexible construction of theroof allow for a plethora of different uses.The variability of the two big lofts and thesmaller eventbox make the ziegelei101 alocation with an ever changing character.”

One of the place’s highlights can be wit-nessed in the dark only: a spectacular light-ing system can illuminate the outside ofthe building in any colour desired.

Recently, the ziegelei101 has come up witha new idea: clients are now offered assis-tance in the planning and implementationof the perfect event, should they be in needof creative suggestions. With all these in-novative forces at play, it is perhaps no sur-prise that the ziegelei101 won the secondprize of the Location Award 2013 for thecategory of‘newcomer’. Crucial for the jurywas the location’s juxtaposition of old andnew and its prevailing elegance. And cer-tainly, events held here are not just ordinaryevents; thanks to the very special atmos-phere they become highly memorable ex-periences in their own right.

www.ziegelei101.de

The ziegelei101 inMunich is the ideal setting for events of a special kind. Situatedwithina media hub in northern Munich, this former film production studio hosts events of allshapes and sizes. Its impressive exterior and charming interior guarantee a unique con-ference experience.

TEXT: ISABEL WAGNER | PHOTOS: ZIEGELEI101 © PLAZAMEDIA, JÖRG FARIN

Where the new meets the old

Conferenceof the Month

Germany



Discover Germany | Business | Leadership Choices

Rolf Pfeiffer, co-founder and managingpartner of Leadership Choices alreadycompleted a distinguished career in con-sulting and the pharma industry, before herealised the vast performance potentialthat lay untapped in corporate executiveteams. A decade ago he and two partnersstarted to establish Leadership Choices, afirm that since has grown to 6 managingpartners and a total team of 30 interna-tional experts that leave no stone unturnedwhen it comes to getting the most out ofthe people they work with.

Coaching is a people’s business and everyLeadership Choices coach looks back on asuccessful career in coaching or has workedon an executive level for many years. Keep-ing up with the latest executive develop-ment methods, techniques and skills is oneof the company’s secrets of success. “Allcoaches are thoroughly trained according tohigh international standards. In additionthe co-operation of selected partners withpremier international Leadership-Organi-sations such as the Center for CreativeLeadership, INSEAD andWorld EconomicForum as well as the consistent quality con-

trol are part of our concept,” Pfeiffer ex-plains. Sound quality control is what makesLeadership Choices stand out from thecrowd. “The tools we use to ensure that ourrigorous quality standards are applied andmaintained include our coaching manual,quality assurance calls, peer supervisionsessions for our team, continuous training,mentor coaching and certification by in-ternationally recognized organizations suchas ICF,”Pfeiffer says.

Getting a coach in the boat is a win-win sit-uation for all parties involved. From a cor-porate point of view productivity and effi-ciency are enhanced through bettercommunication and team-work, whereasthe individual executive benefits from un-derstanding how he or she is perceived byothers.

Leadership Choices Executive Coaching,Team-Coaching and Leadership-Pro-grammes are highly popular and the clientlist features names like Accenture, Bayer,Coca Cola, SAP and many more. There isalmost one for each letter of the alphabet.

www.leadership-choices.com

With offices in London, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich, Leadership Choices’ highlyskilled team of executive coaches is constantly striving to bring out the best incorporate leaders and their teams.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: GILES CHRISTOPHER/MEDIA WISDOM PHOTOGRAPHY LTD

It’s all about the coach– sustainable success throughLeadership Choices

Above: Rolf Pfeiffer, Founder & Managing Partner ofLeadership Choices

Top row, from left to right:

Alexander Rontgen,Managing Partner

Bill Crombie, Managing Partner

Claudia Salowski,Managing Partner

Far left:Holger Karsten, Managing Partner

Left:Karsten Drath, Managing Partner



Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier

25 years ago, 9 November 1989, exactlyone week before my 17th birthday. I knowwhere I was but, I’m afraid, it’s not very ex-citing or special at all. I was at home, onthis Thursday night, watching the Germannews programme Heute at 7 pm. I saw allthese people in Berlin, having climbed upthe Wall and standing on it, cheering. Somuch excitement and joy. And it was all abit surreal. To be honest, I don’t think thatI, teenager that I was, quite grasped whatwas really happening there at that mo-ment in time. I had grown up in (the verywest of)West Germany – which was“Ger-many” for us, the other country was theDDR – and for me it was normal that Ger-many was divided. I had, after all, neverknown anything else. My family didn’thave any relatives in the former GDR, so itdidn’t really figure in any way in my dailylife. Therefore, I’ve got to admit, when theWall came down, it was just somethingthat happened. Great, of course, since nocountry should be divided, but that was it,basically. I can’t recall any particular emo-tional upheaval. Just felt a bit stunned. Ittook some time for me to understand theenormity of this Peaceful Revolution, andalso to consider that for the generation ofmy grandparents, for example, having twoGermanies was not normal at all, as it wasfor me, but that for them, in fact, the op-posite was true.

So far, so boring (me). The next day inschool, I was confronted with the stories ofsome people who got muchmore engaged.I heard that some in my year had somehowmanaged to get a ride with older friends,who were already in possession of drivinglicences and cars, and had driven allthrough the night to Berlin.They wanted tobe part of what was happening, and whenI heard that I had a bit of an “Oh shit, Ithink I missed something here”moment. Ifthey’re now being asked the“Where whereyou when” question, they definitely havesomething better to tell than me with myboring watching of the news story.

Anyway,moving on.Now, 25 years after theWall came down, the fact that Germany isone unified country is for me as normal asthe division was before. And after havingexplored what used to be“the East”for usbut are in fact, at least partly, regions thatare right in the centre of Germany, I can’tbelieve in hindsight that so much of ourcultural and intellectual history, so manytreasures, so many beautiful landscapes, somany fabulous cities were hidden behindthe Iron Curtain and out of the sight andthoughts of ignorant Wessies (West Ger-mans) of a certain generation like me. I’vebeen to Leipzig and Dresden, to Erfurt andWeimar, visited theWartburg where Luthertranslated the New Testament in 80 days,

been to fabulous museums, sat in lovelycafés, eaten in nice restaurants, met nicepeople and got used to what for me were“new”German dialects. Just as it was sur-real seeing people standing on the Wall,that night in November 25 years go, it’snow surreal to think that this country in themiddle of Europe was once divided. Justimagine. The things that can happen in alifetime. Next time, I only need to makesure not to just stay put in front of the newsbut get a bit closer to the action...

Barbara Geier is a London-basedfreelance writer, translator andcommunications consultant. She is also theface behind ww.germanyiswunderbar.com,a German travel and tourism guide andblog that was set up together with UKtravel writer Andrew Eames in 2010.

It just happenedEvery generation has their “Where were you when” moment: Where were you whenthe first man stepped on the moon? Where were you when Kennedy was shot? Forus born in the 70s, it’s “Where were you when Diana died?”, “Where were you on9/11?”, and “Where were you when the Wall came down?”

TEXT: BARBARA GEIER



“Admittedly, even 25 years since the fall oftheWall, former East Germany does still lagsignificantly behind West Germany interms of their economic performance, pro-ductivity, salaries and wealth in particular.Yet it isn’t the actual developments thathave been – and still are – problematic, butinstead it is the initial unrealistic hopes thatchange would happen quickly,” concludethe researchers from the DIW based ontheir findings from extensive research.“Theeconomy and living conditions show sig-nificant progress; it is quite remarkable inmany respects how the East German econ-

omy succeeded in reinventing itself after40 years of a centrally planned economyand, in a relatively short time, has beenable to reindustrialise.” In certain areas,such as childcare, pensions and female par-ticipation in the labour market, the East isstill ahead of the West. But the overambi-tious expectations are having a negative ef-fect; in the East a higher number are dis-satisfied with their income and their qualityof life in general. Yet, since the fall of thewall, average satisfaction levels have neverbeen this high in East Germany.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the fall ofthe wall, the DIW Berlin has conducted acomprehensive analysis of the respectiveeconomic, work and social conditions ofthe residents in East and West Germany.Additionally, they have also traced devel-opments in the economic situation, in-

Despite the many mistakes, obstacles and costs, the German reunification has,according to The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), proved notonly a political success story but also an economic one.

TEXT & PHOTOS: THE GERMAN INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMIC RESEARCH (DIW BERLIN) | TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE

The economic successof the reunification

Prof. Marcel Fratzscher, Ph.D., President of the DIW Berlin(German Institute for Economic Research)

Focus on Reunification

25th Anniversaryof the Fall of the

Berlin Wall



Discover Germany | Focus on Reunification | 25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

comes and wealth, gender participation inthe job force, pensions, childcare and gen-eral satisfaction since reunification.

What has emerged from their research isthat the former East’s attempts to catch-upare only making gradual progress in manyareas.While the economic output per capitadid improve more quickly in the East thanthe West, the gross domestic product perhead in theWest still registers significantly

higher, with the East onlyreaching 71 per cent of the levelin the West. Productivity peremployee registers at around 79per cent of the West’s equiva-lent. However, reindustrialisa-tion has proved surprisinglysuccessful; although the indus-trial sector’s share of the totalgross value added (GVA) is be-hind the level in the West, it isnow equal to the EuropeanUnion average, ahead of France,Spain and the UK.

Unemployment in the formerEast remains higher than in theWest, although it is on the de-crease – however, this is largelydue to trends in population.Onaverage, in the East they earnapproximately 83 per cent ofthe average disposable incomecompared to theWesterners. Interms of wealth, the gap is evenmore discernable. The averagenet worth in the East has grown75 per cent since 1993, farstronger than in theWest wherethe growth has been around 20per cent.The latest figures from2013 show that households inthe East have approximately 44per cent of the wealth of theirWestern contemporaries.Whilea West German household hasroughly 153,200 Euros on av-erage in wealth, the East Ger-mans only have 67,400 Eurosto draw on.

Employment figures for femalesshow that the former East, with 75 per centin active employment, is ahead of theWest,where it has grown to over 70 per cent.East German women in part-time employ-ment tend to work significantly longerhours than those in theWest, with around28 hours per week compared to 22 hours.As the number of women in both the Eastand the West working part-time rises, theso-called modernised breadwinner model(with the man working full-time, and the

female part-time) is becoming more com-mon. In theWest it is displacing the typicalrole of the male as the sole earner, while inthe East it is replacing the ‘equality’modelwith two full-time parents.

Due to the East’s higher figures of femaleemployment, their pension entitlements inthe future will be higher than their WestGerman counterparts. However, they stillremain noticeably lower than Easternmales.While this gender-specific gap con-tinues to diminish in the East, it is not dueto increased pension entitlement for fe-males; instead, those of the males arefalling. Employment figures for females inthe GDR were also higher due to the gen-erous provision of childcare. Even today,more East German mothers opt to sendchildren under three to the kindergartencompared to West Germans. Informalchildcare arrangements are equally com-mon in both regions. Over the last fewyears kindergarten provision has increasedand led to an increase in highly-qualifiedsingle parents choosing this form of child-care, which resulted in an increase in thesocio-economic differences within both re-gions.

Significant differences between East andWest are evident when considering theirsatisfaction levels. In the East, a notablenumber are dissatisfied with their salaries(44 per cent), compared to around a third intheWest. In terms of their general quality oflife, those living in the East appear to be lesssatisfied than theWest. However, there arecertain aspects in which they are more orless equally content: satisfaction with theirown homes, their leisure time, and those inemployment are satisfied with their jobs.The basis for much of this analysis is thelongitudinal study by the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), which the DIWBerlin extended into the GDR before theeconomic, monetary and social reunifica-tion in June 1990.

DIW Berlin quartier



They bravely resisted the powers that be –even as the Socialist Party ordered the bru-tal clubbing of demonstrators in manyplaces. In September 1989, the few whogathered in front of the Nikolaichurch inLeipzig after the Monday Prayers becamemore and more every day.On October 9th,when 70,000 people gathered in a peacefulprotest in central Leipzig, the local forceswithdrew. Further demonstrations were be-ing held in many other cities.These protestspeaked on November 4th, 1989 at Berlin

Alexanderplatz, in the largest system-crit-ical demonstration in East German history.

SED leaders struggled to reassert their rule,and finally announced at an internationalpress conference on November 9th thatthey would be relaxing the travel restric-tions: every East German should be able toapply for a passport and travel permit.YetWestern television reports announced‘GDRopens border’. Right away, countless EastBerliners gathered at the border crossings

and pressured the surprised border guardsto immediately open theWall.

The power struggle was far from decidedafter the Fall of theWall. The SED assertedtheir claim to leadership and demonstra-tions did not subside. There were strikesand prison revolts, and Stasi buildings wereoccupied. The people demanded demo-cratic participation.At the same time, hopekindled for a reformed system.The first freeand democratic GDR parliament election inMarch 1990 finally marked the end of thecommunist dictatorship. The election setthe stage for a democratization of East Ger-man society and paved the way for Germanreunification.

LICHTGRENZE withWall Stories

Though theWall disappeared quickly fromthe Berlin cityscape, decades of division be-tween East and West were slower to over-come.Today, nearly half of Berliners do not

This was the culmination of an unprecedented wave of self-liberation that at-tracted attention worldwide. Citizens of the German Democratic Republic (GDR)were dissatisfied with the communist rule of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany(SED), and hundreds of thousands wanted to leave the country. By the summer of1989, tens of thousands of people had already fled. They no longer saw a futurefor themselves in the GDR. More and more East Germans took to the streets andsquares to demand freedom and democratic rights.

TEXT: KULTURPROJEKTE BERLIN GMBH | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

Berlin celebrates the 25th anniversaryof the fall of the Berlin Wall




know exactly where the monstrous struc-ture stood.

On the evening of November 7th, 8,000balloons will light up in Berlin.Arranged inthe form of a LICHTGRENZE (or“border oflight”), the installation will trace the formercourse of the Berlin Wall for a total lengthof 15 kilometres.The LICHTGRENZE runsfrom Bornholmer Strasse over BernauerStrasse to the Reichstag and BrandenburgGate, past Potsdamer Platz and CheckpointCharlie, through Kreuzberg to the East SideGallery and Oberbaumbrücke.

The light installation conjures associationswith themany candles demonstrators carriedin the GDR to emphasize their peaceful in-tentions – they were the symbol of 1989.

Short texts containing stories about theWall can be read every 150metres along theLICHTGRENZE: tragic, happy and curiousmoments, and fates from the divided city.Selected locations (Mauerpark, The BerlinWall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse, Pots-damer Platz, East Side Gallery, etc.) willfeature viewing towers, information pointsand guided tours. Large screens will beshowing unique film collages entitled

“Mauerstücke”(“Pieces of the Wall”) withhistorical, often little-known footage fromthe building to the Fall of theWall.

For one weekend, visitors will be able tosense and experience what a – literally –painful incision the construction of theWalland the 28-year-old division of the city rep-resented. Memories of life in the SED dic-tatorship behind a monster of concrete andbarbed wire, of orders to shoot and invasiveborder inspections will be rememberedalong with successful escapes and the un-bridled joy at the Fall of theWall.

Today Berlin is a liberal and cosmopolitanmetropolis, a place many long to move to,the place to be for artists and creatives fromaround the world.Without the courage andthe imagination with which the people ofthe GDR managed to cast off this regime,this fantastic development would not havebeen possible.

This celebration is also dedicated to the in-ternational dimensions of the Peaceful Rev-olution.The BerlinWall heralded the end ofthe ColdWar.The international communitywas initially sceptical at the desire for fasterreunification. But the hope of a new Eu-

rope-wide order of peace, for a commonEuropean home and amore peaceful worldwere stronger. What became of these ex-pectations? Peace and freedom are still un-der threat. Ghosts of the Cold War longbelieved dead are returning. The anniver-sary celebration should feature a podiumfor the latest political developments as well.

Balloon action

On the evening of November 9th, the as-cending balloons will lift the LICHT-GRENZE. After an opening ceremony inthe Konzerthaus, thousands of balloons willclimb the night skies of Berlin in themiddleof the festival at the Brandenburg Gate.Their ascent symbolizes the Fall of theWall.Each balloon is tied to the hopes andwishesof its respective patron.Messages will be re-leased in both the real world and the virtualone.They recall old and new political, social,mental or ideological walls and trenches inmany places in the world. The joy over theFall of the BerlinWall 25 years ago should betied to the hope of peacefully overcomingthese remaining walls.

The events of ‘25Years Fall of the Wall’ re-mind us of a historic event in our city thatradically changed the course of world his-tory.We remember the victims and stand insolidarity with all those who are currentlyraising their voices to demand freedom,democracy and human rights.

www.berlin.de/Mauerfall2014

Bottom: Berlin Wall by Brandenburg Gate, 11/11/1989: Berlinafter the opening of the Wall on November 11.

Visualization of the LICHTGRENZE at Brandenburg Gate(main image), at Engelbecken (left) and at the Park at Nord-bahnhof (left below). © Kulturprojekte Berlin WHITEvoid /Christopher Bauder, Photos: Daniel Büche



From this tower the East German borderguards would monitor the border betweenEast and West Berlin and the House ofMinistries. By the end of the GDR era 200such towers lined the border in Berlin – to-day the watchtower on Potsdamer Platz isthe only one remaining of its kind, and isopen to visitors (www.berlinwallexpo.de).

Since 2001 the watchtower has been alisted building, now located right in the

centre of a city that over the past 25 yearshas transformed itself into a veritable mag-net for visitors from around the world. It isthe very special blend of history, culture

On Potsdamer Platz – right in the heart of Berlin, Germany’s vibrant capital –stands one of the oldest reminders of a divided Germany: a concrete watchtower.

TEXT & PHOTOS: GERMAN NATIONAL TOURIST BOARD (GNTB)

A tower steeped in history– bringing the past to life in Berlin




and creativity that allows the German cap-ital to offer such a broad range of intenseexperiences. Foreign visitors still regard theBerlinWall, the Brandenburg Gate and theReichstag as the defining symbols of the di-vision and reunification of a nation and itspeople.

Further traces of Berlin’s division into eastand west can be found throughout the city.The easiest way to discover them is to explore

the BerlinWallTrail.This cycling andwalkingtrail follows the path of the former East Ger-man border fortifications and runs for about160 kilometres aroundwhat used to beWestBerlin (www.germany.travel/berlinwall).Much of the trail uses old border patrol pathsin the west (Zollwege) and their equivalentsin the east (Kolonnenwege), passing by theremainders of former border installations.Also included in the route is themost famouscrossing point between East and West,

Checkpoint Charlie, today oneof the city’s most populartourist attractions. Further east,Mühlenstrasse is the site of thelongest remaining section ofthe Berlin Wall in the city cen-tre. In 1990 artists from aroundtheworld used this 1.3km rem-nant of theWall as a blank can-vas for colourful works of art.

The time before reunificationis also commemorated in anumber of museums in Berlin– a particular favourite withvisitors is the Museum of EastGerman History on Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse, which of-fers revealing glimpses intoeveryday life in the GDRthrough interactive displays.Berlin’s television tower onAlexanderplatz square pro-vides magnificent vistas of thereunified city. At a height ofjust over 200 metres visitorscan enjoy a spectacularpanoramic overview of thecity’s attractions. Museum Is-land, the northern half of anisland in the river Spree, is aunique cultural legacy thatcomprises five important mu-seum buildings which havebeen extensively renovatedsince reunification. It is now aUNESCOWorld Heritage site.

www.germany.travel/Berlin

Main image:Berlin Wall

Far top, from left:Quadriga, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

Bode museum, Berlin

Reichstag, Berlin

Far left, bottom:Border Watchtower Potsdamer Platz, Berlin

Border tower, Green belt

Above left:Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin



Martin Rütter “nachSITZen” Tour2014/2015, various locations

See the “Dogfather” live on stage when it isback to school for dogs and their owners. Youare guaranteed to split your sides laughingwhen he delivers his lecture about caninebehaviour.www.martin-ruetter-live.de

Berlin Jazz Festival(30 October – 2 November 2014)

Jazzfest is one of the world's premier jazzfestivals and a highlight on the Berlin musicalcalendar, with a range of concerts taking place allover town and in a variety of different settings,from casual jazz clubs to big professional arenas.www.berlinerfestspiele.de/jazzfest

25 Years of the Fall of the Wall, Berlin(7-9 November 2014)

8,000 balloons, the so called Lichtgrenze(border of light) illuminate the 15km longformer border between Bornholmer Straßeand Oberbaumbrücke to commemorate the25th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.Wall stories and ballon action are also part ofthe event. www.berlin.de/mauerfall2014

Save the date as there are plenty of great events scheduled for the weeks to come. From music festivals and exciting ex-hibitions to fantastic sport events and social highlights, Discover Germany’s Culture Calendar is your perfect guide to whatnot to miss this winter.

Culture Calendar



ART&ANTIQUE Hofburg Vienna(8-16 November 2014)

The Exhibition for art, antiques and designfeaturing modern and contemporary art in theform of orientalia, antiques, paintings andgraphic art and much more.www.artantique-hofburg.at

Salon du Chocolart, Cologne(14-16 November 2014)

The world’s largest chocolate event, previouslyin Paris, New York and Tokio, now comes toGermany. No need to have a sweet tooth, but itcertainly makes a visit even more enjoyable.www.salonduchocolat.de

Discover Germany | Culture | Calendar

Above: Pferd & Jagd, Gala - Nachtder Pferde. © FAHeckmann GmbH

Below: nachSITZen - Martin Rutterlive on stage. Photo: Mark Rehbeck

Above: The Berlin Wall © Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH,Photo: Wolfgang Scholvien

Below: Animal, Stuttgart. © 2014 Messe Stuttgart




Winterträume Schloss Faber-Castell, Stein(14-16 November 2014)

Christmas inspired home and lifestyle fairpresenting fresh ideas, great tips and beautifulobjects against the backdrop of the Faber-Castell castle near Nuremberg.www.wintertraeume.com

Animal, Stuttgart (15-16 November 2014)

Germany’s largest pet fair showcasing excitingnews for dog, cat and reptile lovers.www.messe-stuttgart.de/animal

Wladimir vs. Kubrat Pulev, Hamburg(15 November 2014)

Boxing highlight: After being rescheduled due toWladimir Klitschko’s injury, the title defense ofIBF/IBO Heavyweight Champion, WBO/WBAHeavyweight Super Champion and ”The RingMagazine” World Heavyweight Championagainst Kubrat Pulev takes place at o2 World.www.klitschko.com

Good prospects, new german photography2014/2015, Herford

(23 November 2014 – 11 January 2015)This exhibition at the Marta Herford Museumshowcases a current selection of award-winningyoung German photographers and offers greatinsight into the latest developments and newtrends in an artistic discipline which has radicallyextended its boundaries in recent years.www.marta-herford.de

Left: ART&ANTIQUE Hofburg Vienna. Pablo Picasso: ”Nu seTordant les Chevaux (1952)”. Photo: Galerie Ernst Hilger.© Succession Picasso/Bildrecht, Wien, 2014

Below: © Salon du Chocolat, Photo: Nicolas Rodet

Bottom: © Salon du Chocolat, Photo: Sebastien Gras


Pferd & Jagd, Hannover(4-7 December 2014)

Europe’s biggest exhibition for equestriansports, hunting and angling has a lot to offer forthe country life enthusiast. Also part of the eventis the Gala – Nacht der Pferde 2014, a fantasticequestrian gala show on 5 and 6 December.www.pferd-und-jagd-messe.dewww.nacht-der-pferde.de

Christmas markets(late November – late December)

From northern Hamburg to southern Altöttingand Ingolstadt, from Cologne in the west toDresden in the east, the most enchantingChristmas markets are about to start. Make sureto check the exciting event calendars of eachtown before you travel and don’t miss out on aglass of mulled wine, some hearty food and finetraditional crafts.


www.badeparadies-schwarzwald.de

in TitiseeBADEPARADIES SCHWARZWALD

Welcome toelcome toelcome toelcome toelcome toyour holiday!

Freephone: 00 8000 / 4444 – 333 in Titisee directly at the Federal road B31

Right: A fine example of a Christmas market is the DresdnerStriezelmarkt, Photo: Sylvio Dittrich


discover germany | issue 20 | november 2014

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