2014 marks the 25th year of Duravit’s partnership with “starchitect” Philippe Starck. What began as idea development in autumn of 1989 with an up-and-coming designer and architect has since grown into a multitude of bathroom pieces, including three collections, kitchen sinks, accessories, saunas, steam showers and technological toilets.
“Duravit’s relationship with Philippe Starck was a pioneering move for the design industry,” said Tim Schroeder, Duravit USA president. “We believe that the Duravit and Starck collaboration pushed the boundaries of bathroom design, transforming the space into one for living and relaxation.”
After five years in development, the Starck 1 series was introduced in 1994. The line’s aim was to rediscover authenticity, with its shapes harkening back to traditional buckets, tubs and washing bowls. This first collaborative effort was well received, garnering the Good Design Award, iF Product Design Award and Design Plus Award. This collection’s signature vanity, known as “the Bongo,” remains a company classic today.
The Duravit-Starck lines continued to grow when in 1998, Starck 2 launched. This minimalist ceramic collection focused on high-quality, inviting and affordable design; a “democratic design” according to Starck. Starck 2 continues to be recognized for its clean lines and minimal design, all of which were inspired by the organic movement of water.
Starck 3 followed in 2002, featuring an extensive range of products with an understated aesthetic and an offering of commercial options. Starck 3 received the Red Dot Design Award, iF Product Design Award and the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Over the course of their 25-year partnership, Starck and Duravit have become a collaborative force in the design industry. 2014 represents a marker worthy of celebration, but Duravit and Starck continue to look to the future of their partnership and further evolution of bathroom design.
