Introduction

In the late 1960s, Danish designer Verner Panton created a revolutionary exhibit called Visiona II. This immersive installation showcased Panton’s visionary approach to design, which incorporated new materials, shapes, and colors. Taking place aboard a boat during the 1970 Cologne Furniture Fair, Visiona II was an elaborate display of Panton’s avant-garde furniture and interior designs. This article will delve deeper into the concepts behind Visiona II and analyze the impact it had on modern design.

Background

Verner Panton was known for his unconventional ideas, bold use of color and shapes, and an innovative approach to design. Following the success of his first Visiona exhibit in 1968, he began to work on a new installation that would take place on a boat. Visiona II was sponsored by the German chemical company BASF, who provided Panton with a range of materials including plastic foam and acrylic, offering the designer unlimited possibilities to experiment with new forms and textures.

Visiona II’s Space Age Aesthetic

One of the key aspects of Visiona II was its futuristic design, which embodied the space age aesthetic popular during that time. The exhibit featured a series of pods, cocoons and modular furniture pieces, which created a unique sense of a future world. Each pod had a different function, from dining to sleeping, and was designed with a specific color scheme and lighting effect. The space was illuminated with a changing array of colored lights, creating an atmosphere that looked and felt like an otherworldly environment.

The Use of Materials

Panton’s innovative use of materials was another distinctive characteristic of Visiona II. He explored the possibilities of synthetic materials, such as polyurethane foam and plexiglass, that allowed him to create new forms and shapes. For example, some of the pieces, such as the iconic Heart Cone Chair or the Amoebe, were made entirely out of foam, offering a new level of comfort and flexibility. Panton would later expand on these designs, incorporating them into his commercial furniture collections.

Legacy of Visiona II

Despite receiving mixed reviews at the time of the exhibition, Visiona II has become an important milestone in the history of design. It paved the way for more experimental approaches to furniture and interior design, influencing a new generation of designers. Panton’s use of color, his unconventional shapes, and innovative use of materials continue to inspire designers today. The modular, functional pieces of furniture he created for the exhibit remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

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