From 18 November 2016 to 12 March 2017, the Vitra Design Museum is presenting an exhibition of Dieter Rams’ work in the newly opened Vitra Schaudepot designed by Herzog & de Meuron.

cover-image: Dieter Rams, portrait, courtesy of Vitsœ.

Dieter Rams (born 1932) is one of the most influential German designers of the past decades, his designs for the Braun company are legendary, and his design principles are more relevant today than ever.

Curated by Heng Zhi ,the exhibition “Dieter Rams: Modular World” features a selection of the furnishings and electrical appliances designed by Rams, including key works such as the phonograph “Snow White’s Coffin” and the 606 Universal Shelving System.

The show is supplemented by historic visual material and a video interview in which Rams discusses his design philosophy.

Dieter Rams. Modular World

Right: Chair Programme 622. Left: Chair programme 620 (RZ 62). Photos: Christoph Sagel. Courtesy: APPEL DESIGN GALLERY, Berlin.

Dieter Rams. Modular World

World receiver T 1000. Photo: Andreas Sütterlin

Dieter Rams. Modular World

Phono radio combination SK55. Photo: Andreas Sütterlin

“Dieter Rams: Modular World” is the first exhibition to put a primary focus on Rams’ furniture designs, demonstrating how closely they are linked to his design philosophy.

Rams summarised their essential characteristics – simplicity, honesty, timelessness – in his Ten Principles for Good Design, which he began to formulate in the 1970s.

In one of them he states: “Good design is long-lasting. It avoids being fashionable and therefore never appears antiquated. Unlike fashionable design, it lasts many years – even in today’s throwaway society.” The starting point for these deliberations was a fundamental criticism of consumerism, which motived Rams to articulate new goals for the practise of design – long before sustainability became a buzzword.

Dieter Rams. Modular World.

The new Vitsœ showroom, Frankfurt, around 1971. Photo: Ingeborg Kracht Rams

Dieter Rams. Modular World.

606 Universal Shelving System by Dieter Rams for Vitsœ, ca. 1971-75.

Photo: Ingeborg Kracht Rams © Vitsœ.

Dieter Rams. Modular World

18 November, 2016 – 12 March, 2017

Vitra Schaudepot

Charles-Eames-Straße 2

79576 Weil am Rhein

Herzog & de Meuron, Vitra Schaudepot. Exterior view.

Herzog & de Meuron, Vitra Schaudepot. Permanent exhibition

All images courtesy of Vitra.