In a brief interview, jury member Christof Struhk said: “Ultimately it’s the designers and product developers, who decide how a material is used.”

The Design Plus prize will be handed down for the third time at Material Vision 2009. Messe Frankfurt awards the Design Plus prize to products, which are manufactured using innovative materials or processing techniques. In all, 125 companies from 15 countries took part in the international competition, which was organised by the German Design Council.

On 7 April, a four-member jury of experts met in Frankfurt am Main and selected 36 products and materials from a total of 160 submissions and these products and materials will be awarded the Design Plus prize at Material Vision.

On the fringes of the meeting, we spoke to jury member Christof Struhk, Managing Director of modulor.de material total, Berlin.


1.    Herr Struhk, why is Material Vision worth visiting?
Material Vision is a must for visitors seeking contact with companies, who have come to realise that ultimately it’s the designers and product developers who decide how a material is used. What they can expect from the exhibiting companies is a receptive approach to communications with designers. Unfortunately this is not a given – in many companies the belief still reigns that the only appropriate people to talk to are the technicians and engineers. As far as manufacturers are concerned, I can recommend Material Vision as the perfect place to make contact with the creative target group.  It is also the place to be seen for anyone who understands that the creative is an indispensable part of the product development process.


2.    What do you see as the most significant innovations and trends in material development and applications?
Material technology R&D has taken huge steps forward, particularly in recent years. These days, the optimum material or realistic prospects for its future provision exist for an ever-increasing number of products. Every aspect of the sustainability theme plays an important part in this. As far as the aesthetic qualities of materials are concerned, I believe we are on the threshold of change – less show and effect, greater clarity in design instead. These days, however, companies basically have to ask themselves the question as to how the results of R&D can be implemented faster and more effectively.

3.    What does modulor do?
We are an international trading company and service provider with an extensive range of materials, products and services for professional creatives like architects, designers and advertising agencies. At our Berlin store or www.modulor.de, you’ll find everything creatives need in their everyday work, as well as materials like plastic, rubber, metal and textiles, from the smallest piece to large quantities. From the end of 2010, we will be on show at a new Modulor House. Our material and design library, which is available to visitors free-of-charge, will be a special attraction at this centre for creatives.

4.    Do you have a favourite material of your own?
Personally, I love to surround myself with well-made, simple, “honest” materials like wood, concrete, plaster, glass, etc.