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Moritz Waldemeyer shows technical savoir-faire as he finally goes it alone with the launch of his debut collection of futuristic furniture, fusing style with technology.
Technical wizard Moritz Waldemeyer displays more than a savvy skill for circuitry as he makes his exciting first foray as a designer of distinction.
The name may not be familiar, but Moritz Waldemeyer's work certainly is. His successful first solo exhibition staged at London's Rabih Hage gallery during this year's London Design Festival was not only a profitable launchpad for Waldemeyer as a designer in his own right, it was a chance to meet the man behind some of the design world's most innovative concepts and creations.
Waldemeyer combines mechanic, electronic and software engineering,
engendering a new area of technology, termed "mechatronics", which has already caught the attention of designers such as Ron Arad, with whom Waldemeyer worked with on the designer's celebrated Lolita chandelier and Miss Haze, for Swarovski's crystal palace.
Earlier this year the 32 year old designer collaborated with Zaha Hadid on Ernestomeda's showstopping Z Island kitchen. Incorporating sophisticated functions, such as touch sensitive digital controls, LED lighting and integrated sound and vision, Waldemeyer's hi-tech savoir-faire combined with Zaha Hadid's innovation made an exciting allegiance.
The interactive element of Z Island gave impetus to Waldemeyer's first solo project, a collection of interactive electronic games consoles, which double as tables, blending seamlessly into dining and kitchen spaces. "I was playing about with the touch sensors and Corian for Z Island, and I wanted to create a concept that shows off technology, but something which was fun at the same time, so the idea of a video game seemed to suggest itself in a way. Ping pong was the first commercially successful computer game, so this was one of the themes that I used, as wanted to give it a retro feel, yet create something that is very modern in materials and look" he explains.
Now a proven designer with an impressive product under his belt, Moritz Waldemeyer still prefers to channel his engineering know how into creative collaborations. Fashion visionary Hussein Chalayan called on the engineer's expertise during his recent Paris prêt a porter collection, "When they called me to work on the project, there was already a team working on it who came from a special effects background, so they worked on the mechanical aspect of the dresses. There were a lot of us working on the outfits; I did the electronics, then there were the fashion people working on the fabrics. It was really good fun because there were so many people involved and the complexity of each garment. It was really interesting to work with them because they were from different backgrounds." He adds, "I'm going to continue creating things under my own name, but I do want to continue collaborating with artists and designers, just because it's a lot of fun and it enriches the whole experience, instead of working by yourself all the time. It also opens avenues into new areas."
What is mechatronics?
It is mechanical and electronic engineering combined. What's interesting is it gives you an overview of different areas of engineering; you're not restricted to just one area, you learn a bit of each and how to combine them. It just gives you a complete set of tools really. It's a good starting point to explore different areas, which really works well with design.
How did you get involved with designer Ron Arad?
I was working for electrical manufacturer Philips at the time, working in research and development for consumable and wearable electronics. I was working on really cool stuff, but at the same time, I wanted to explore more, so I sent Ron an email without ever being in touch, and he invited me to his studio.
What has been your favourite project?
There are a few, but I think it's maybe the Lolita chandelier, because I think it's going to be a design classic. It kind of encapsulated the spirit of the time; it's a beautiful shape and form and I think it's part of design history now.
And the most difficult?
Working on my tables plus the Hussein Chalayan dresses, because they happened at the same time. There was a lot of pressure because of the fact that they came out within a short space of each other and they were both quite complicated projects. They both needed a lot of attention.
What would be your ultimate project?
To design and build a car because I'm currently looking to change my car and I cannot see anything at all that I find inspiring, although, there's a company called Tesla motors, which involves some of the big tech guys in America. They are working on an electric sports car now, which is built by Lotus; I think that's going in the right direction and I'd really like to be involved in this kind of project.
What technology is interesting you at the moment?
Motion, computer controlled motors to create fluid motion. I think I would like to develop this concept, I've done a prototype but I'd like to develop it into a proper product.
Who inspires you?
Ron Arad and Ingo Maurer. They are the peak of imagination I would say.
What is your definition of luxury?
I read a really beautiful quote from Coco Chanel, "Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity."
If luxury were a place where would it be
Maybe a Japanese bath house.
If luxury were a person, who would it be?
I think for me the ultimate person would be Steve Fossett, he's incredibly rich but he uses his money to pursue world records. To use one's money in this way would be the ultimate luxury.
If it were a moment, when would it be?
A moment where you don't have to think of any work related issues - to just enjoy being. A moment where you have time to yourself.
If luxury were an object, what would it be?
A very long stretch of empty road without any speed cameras!