Hannes Wettstein is everywhere

We sit on them, write with them, move around on them, read the time away on them or live in them. The furniture, products and room design from Hannes Wettstein stamp our everyday lives and our contemporary understanding of design. In this way the legacy of this renowned Swiss designer, who passed away in 2008, lives on. Wettstein's life work was, for the first time, documented in an exhibition and honored with a monograph. Exhibition: Hannes Wettstein, 1958–2008. Hannes Wettstein is considered one of the most significant and innovative designers of our times. His most important works was displayed in an exhibition - put together by Studio Hannes Wettstein, presented by Institut gta. Hundreds of sketches fell into the main hall of the ETH Zurich from a giant projection area and drew the visitors into Wettstein's thrilling world of design. That his constant search for archetypes continually won him accolades, was evident in the furniture, products and interior designs on display - including numerous design classics. Wettstein's works are simple in form and easy to handle. Most of them have something special, even brilliant, in them, which the observer can only tap into at a second glance. For this reason the skilled structural engineering draughtsman, who both lived and worked in Zurich, no doubt belongs to the few Swiss designers who also achieved international renown. The exhibition took place from October 7 to November 3, 2011, in the main hall of the ETH Zurich, Centre. Monograph: “Hannes Wettstein – Seeking Archetypes”. The life work of the designer will now be documented and honored in a monograph for the first time. The 292 page book, which was conceptually designed by Studio Hannes Wettstein, presents photos from Wettstein's world - works, sketches and personal objects. Their diversity reveals the essence of his creative achievement and clarifies his design philosophy. Thanks to a comprehensive catalogue with over 300 pieces of work, the monograph can be used as a point of reference. Supplemented with quotes from Wettstein, anecdotes about his life, as well as statements from personalities within the design and architectural scene, “Hannes Wettstein Seeking – Archetypes” presents a complex portrait of an extraordinary designer. Hannes Wettstein – Seeking Archetypes Edited by Studio Hannes Wettstein Contributions by Max Küng, Thomas Haemmerli and Volker Albus Design by: Prill Vieceli Cremers Published by Lars Müller Publishers 2011