Hoping to offer a clear vision for how architectural products, furnishings, and finishes can be applied in interior projects, a growing number of trade fairs have begun to mount contextualized installations at their annual events. In the mid-twentieth century, this type of presentation was pivotal in putting forward radical ideas. Taking center stage at last month’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas was a micro-house concept designed by esteemed New York firm Michael K. Chen Architecture (MKCA).
Developed with German brand Häfele—the leading supplier of furniture fittings and architectural hardware—MKCA’s graphically-compelling mise-en-scene explored the future of domestic spaces. As more and more people move to cities, space is becoming increasingly limited.
This 12- by 16-foot prototype apartment revealed how Häfele’s latest products could be used to fashion multifunctional furnishings that cater to urban dwellers and their rapidly changing habits. Motions like folding, hinging, and sliding—achieved using the company’s diverse range—can help inhabitants transition from one activity to another.
