Peter Raacke
dal 15/9/2008 al 9/11/2008
Segnalato da
15/9/2008
Peter Raacke
Bauhaus-Archiv, Berlin
From Handcraft to Design. His objects are characterized by functionalism, efficiency, reductive aesthetics and the demand of high quality. They range from an oil-burning stove with a "cool architectural facade" to the Voko furniture system, the first type of office furniture that could be arranged as a single workspace or in an open-plan office. With his "mono-a" flatware , which is probably known among a wider circle, Peter Raacke established a new culture of dining.
"Design is the simplicity of modern technology and the art of proportion."
Peter Raacke (born in 1928) belongs to the generation of designers who contributed
to the emergence of product design and to the establishment and profile of the
industrial design profession in postwar Germany. Over a period of 55 years he has
produced a comprehensive, diverse, and innovative body of work.
In design circles, Peter Raacke is associated with functionalist design, not least
due to his work as an instructor at the Hochschule für Gestaltung in Ulm. His name
is linked to a number of iconic designs, such as the cutlery set "mono-a" made of
standardized sheet steel. The timeless relevance of this flatware, which has been
produced continuously since 1959, derives from its slender, puristic forms. Another
familiar design is the Ulm carrying case (1966), made of two identical plastic
shells. Originally intended for use as a tool case for wallpaper and painting
utensils, it quickly became popular as a countercultural alternative to the
conventional business briefcase: designers preferred a black version, while
revolutionary types favoured the colour red. With his cardboard furniture series
(1967/68) in white, red, pink, or violet, Raacke responded to the needs of young
people with small budgets who sought freedom from the ballast of traditional
furnishings.
Yet there is also the lesser known "other Raacke", who has rebelliously ignored the
constricting rules of "Good Design" by moving in a different direction. This
alternative approach is seen in the rattan furniture series "Noah's Ark" (1972/72),
or in the "Ultima" cutlery series produced in Norway since 1980, which emphasizes
the sensuous pleasure of eating.
On the occasion of Peter Raacke's 80th birthday, the exhibition "Peter Raacke –
simply modern" presents a representative selection of the designer's oeuvre from all
periods and genres. Peter Raacke will be present during the press conference.
Press Preview: Friday, 16th September 2008, 11:00 a.m.
Bauhaus-Archiv
Klingelhoferstrasse, 14 - Berlin
Hours: daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., closed Tuesdays