Alfredo Häberli Design Development

Together with Moritz Schmid, I created an exhibition addressing different thematic areas and forms of depiction. Beyond the entrance, a laboratory, conceived as a display storehouse, stands at the centre of the hall of the Museum für Gestaltung in Zurich. The large shelving unit, filled with materials, models, prototypes, and working studies for successful – as well as unsuccessful – projects provides an overview of a cheerful science that facilitates an approach to the studio’s work processes. Approx. 160 objects displayed in the three adjoining chalets mostly stem from the design collection of the Museum für Gestaltung Zurich.

The exhibits are arranged according to various criteria, e.g. form, colour, chairs, or toys. While expressing respect for the history of design, they also represent a source of inspiration that regularly serves as a basis for something new. Abstract houses are folded out, functioning like theatre sets that form the backdrop for 13 spots in which the unusual and witty combinations of objects presented offer a selection of the products carried out in the last 17 years, while at the same time, revealing an often surprising perspective of the designer's work. Each house has a theme such as «Conversation between Club Members» or «Take a View on Lines» that, within the context of the overall work, is important in illustrating the world of Alfredo Häberli Design Development. Two bell-like helmets contain cartoons I created that provide special insight into the world of ideas and the background of the projects. A further area, with the recently created fabrics collection and a conceptual kitchen, is to be understood as a view of the future.

The exhibition does not claim to be complete but presents work in a state of continuous development. The individual areas are accompanied by personal texts and speech bubbles that share thoughts and studio concepts with the visitors.