An installation that triggered the loudest laughs was called “Laufbahn”. Berlin-based agencies “blackjune” and “FORMFJORD” collaborated and showed this piece for the first time to the public. In order to let others know about their work, blackjune and FORMFJORD made a large-scale installation that can make visitors laugh and remain in their memory.

“Laufbahn” represents two meanings: career and sports. On a shiny-coated concrete surface was a cross-country track in a circle. Anybody could take part and ski on the track. Behind it were a desk and a chair that looked very imposing. A message on it said, “As long as you obstinately follow the easy path, you won’t get to the top-level jobs. You must sometimes leave the beaten track and build your individual profile in order to stand out.” Looking at visitors skiing in a circle with glee, one could not stop grinning at the idea behind this installation piece.

A lady was sitting on a car painted in green and white, the same color as the DESIGNMAI logo. Her balloonish yellow skirt was somehow very striking. It is a work of Anna Maria Cornelia from Belgium. I personally named the skirt as a dress for loneliness. At first, the skirt looked like it can be blown into a cushion; however, as more air was pumped in, the skirt enclosed her entirely. According to Anna Maria, this dress can supposedly separate you from the rest of the world. In an age when communication is possible everywhere at any time, this skirt can come in rather handy.

I noticed a number of compact mobile houses in a high-ceilinged hall. Many people wish to be an urban nomad, owning only a small amount of personal belongings and moving freely from city to city. In reality, it is hard to realize such a dream. I could not stop sighing whenever I saw a project that suggested a more compact and pleasant life.