This was a project by “A96 Architects”. As the title “The FoldingBox” suggests, it is a huge foldable box.

Its aluminum frames and door can make you feel safer than in a camping car.

Winfried Baumann designed an instant housing for urban nomads. It does not just function as a bed but is also equipped with a variety of storage devices.

A work by two students from Royal College of Art in England was a two-legged chair. Because you cannot adjust the height of the chair, the seating face sometimes tilts depending on the height of the user. Nevertheless it’s something you almost want to take with you when you go for a walk.

Away from the main hall, DESIGNMAI SHOWROOM was the only place where products by Berlin-based designers were available for purchase. “Berlindesign.net“, which sells more than 400 products by 200 designers online, introduced the products of 50 selected designers exclusively for this showroom. The displayed products were full of ideas: a candle vase, accessories made out of keyboard keys, furniture, bags, clothing, etc.

The third NIKE PLAY-AWARD also took place, and prize-winning works were on display. In consideration of FIFA World Cup(tm) in June, the theme this time was “Innovation in Football”. The first prize went to “Ego Soccer” by Joreg Diessl from Austria. When people watch a game in a stadium or on TV, their moods swift from joy to sorrow by a single movement of the ball. In Ego Soccer, a game is instead observed from a soccer ball’s point of view.

In the photo above, a delivery pizza box designed by Andreas Mandel simulates a soccer game.

Even in the 21st century the earth still has its own problems, and most cities likewise. In a time like this, this event clearly showed the strength of design – capable of brightening up the whole city with the help of flexible mind-setters.

DESIGNMAI 2006
Date: May 18th – 21st, 2006
DESIGNCITY central location: Hallen am Gleisdreieck, Luckenwalder Str. 4-6 (by U1 / U15 / U2 at Gleisdreieck Station, or by S-Bahn at Potsdamer Platz Station)
DESIGNMAI YOUNGSTERS location: Schlesische Str.
NIKE PLAY-AWARD location: NIKE Joga Bonito Venue, Falckenstein Str. 47/48, 2nd floor
https://www.designmai.de